Digital competencies in the bachelor‘s degree in physiotherapy — a mixed methods study in Austria / Digitale Kompetenzen im Bachelor-Studium der Physiotherapie — eine Mixed-Methods-Studie in Österreich
Abstract
Background
The Austrian eHealth Strategy’s operational objective O8.1 stipulates that digital skills are established in the training and continuing education of healthcare providers by 2030. This study examined the extent to which digital skills are embedded in the curricula of bachelor’s degree programs in physiotherapy.
Methods
For this cross-sectional study, we conducted guided individual interviews and a focus group with 14 program directors, students, and experienced physiotherapists to determine the required digital competencies for physiotherapy graduates to utilise all forms of digitalisation in public healthcare, and which of these digital skills are currently being taught. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed descriptively and, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted, thematically.
Results
Three key digital competency themes emerged: professionalism with digital health data and information systems, assessment and empowerment of patients’ digital health literacy, and development of professional digital health literacy. Digital skills are considered relevant and are primarily taught implicitly. Ethics and law are taught explicitly. Gaps exist regarding the use and analysis of new technologies, including AI skills. Ability to reflect on digital health information for quality-assured, professional actions and patient-centered communication is essential. Graduates can contribute to driving innovation and digitalisation in professional practice.
Discussion
The results demonstrate that digital competencies go beyond technical operating skills. Professional digital health literacy is a key qualification and thus integral component of professional physiotherapy training. Systematic, curricular teaching enables evidence-based and responsible physiotherapy. Future developments should address best practices for data protection, cybersecurity, new technologies including AI, and supporting patients’ digital health literacy.
© 2025 Anita Kidritsch, Birgit Jocham, Katharina Meller, Andreas Jocham, Bernhard Guggenberger, Lukas Maul, published by ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.