Preparing for a digital future

​​​Dr. Paula Rowland, a scientist at The Institute for Education Research at UHN, is lead author of the study. (Photo: UHN Research Communications)

Researchers at The Institute for Education Research (TIER) at UHN are examining how medical schools are preparing for a digital future by analyzing their strategic plans to better equip future health care professionals.

As health care becomes increasingly digitized, medical schools in Canada are preparing for significant changes in patient care. Understanding how these institutions adapt is crucial for shaping the future of health care delivery and education.

A team led by Dr. Paula Rowland, a scientist at TIER and lead author of the study, analyzed 59 strategic plans from medical schools, academic health science centres, and research centres across Canada to explore how they are preparing for digital health transformation.

Their findings reveal two perspectives on digital health within medicine. The first viewpoint sees digital health as an extension of the traditional academic framework, building upon existing practices and expertise. These strategic plans emphasize how digital health can enhance clinician skills and expand research efforts.

The second perspective envisions a more transformative shift as a result of digital health care where digitization reshapes how care is delivered, what knowledge is prioritized, how patients are understood and how data is used.

The future of health care is digital, promising to transform patient care. It is critical that future health care professionals are prepared to adapt to this changing landscape. (Photo: Getty Images)

Dr. Rowland, a Wilson Centre scientist in the Office of the Vice Dean Medical Education at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto (U of T), also emphasizes the importance of understanding the social impact of technological changes.

“As digital health continues to evolve, its impact will extend beyond technology, reshaping education, clinical practices, and patient interactions,” says Dr. Rowland, who is also an associate professor (status only) in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation at U of T.

“Our findings highlight the need for thoughtful integration of digital tools, ensuring that future health care professionals are well-equipped to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing landscape.”

Strategic plans serve as a roadmap for the desired future, highlighting specific health care challenges and mobilizing resources to integrate new technologies and practices. The successful adaptation of medical schools to this digital future will be essential in providing high-quality care and advancing medical knowledge for years to come.

This research was done in relation to a special interest group, supported by TIER, known as the Ethics, Technology, and Change in Healthcare Work.

By UHN Research Communications

This study was supported by generous donors to UHN Foundation.

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By continuing on our site, you accept use of cookies. For more information, please visit our privacy policy.

CLOSE

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram YouTube