Short summary

Using health information technology in patient care is a global agenda, however there is a gap in the literature on how to train and educate clinical staff to have competency to integrate technology in health care. In the current study we integrated a web-based electronic database containing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with the electronic health records to include the patient perspective systematically to inform decision making in a routine clinical practice for refugees with PTSD.

Rationale

The utilization of health information technology in patient care is a matter of global importance. However, a gap exists in the literature concerning the appropriate training and education of clinical staff to ensure their competence in effectively integrating technology into healthcare practices. In this study, we integrated a web-based electronic database containing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with the electronic health records to include the patient perspective systematically to inform decision making in a routine clinical practice for refugees with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To use the digital information clinicians must understand the value of incorporating technology in patient care.

In the current study, we aimed to answer the following research questions: 1. To what extent does structuring a training that highly builds on involvement of clinicians affect clinicians' attitudes towards the usefulness of telehealth (a web-based electronic database) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to contribute with meaningful clinical data to managing patient care in clinical practice?

2. How do clinicians experience the training as helpful to develop confidence in their competency to use the web-based electronic database with PROMs?

Description of the cohort

The training program encompassed the participation of all staff members, including clinicians, secretaries, administrative staff, and management, who works together in a multidisciplinary team treating refugees with PTSD.

Data and biological material

Methods: This study employed a longitudinal design, collecting repeated data points from various sources. The primary objective was to assess the extent to which clinicians felt they had acquired skills, understanding and satisfaction in working with the electronic database in their routine clinical practice.

Training program: The training program encompassed a range of activities, including a kick-off workshop, work groups, dialogue forums, skills training workshop, small practice groups, and larger practice groups. These activities were planned and implemented over a span of nearly two years, from October 2021 to June 2023.

Material for evaluation: To evaluate the training program, we utilized two sources of data. Firstly, we collected handwritten summary sheets from group discussions during the kick-off workshops. These summary sheets served as the basis for developing an interview guideline for focus group interviews, which aimed to address our research questions. Three focus group interviews were conducted accordingly.

Data analysis: Thematic analysis (TA), as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006, 2022), was employed to examine patterns of meaning across the focus group datasets. The summary sheets from group discussions were categorized into themes, allowing for descriptive analysis and presentation. These summary sheets were analyzed longitudinally, considering clinicians' attitudes towards their expectations, concerns, and competence throughout the training program.