Strengthening the Digital Competences of Care Assistants in Greece: Findings from the DIGIHEALTH Project
Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, changing how information is recorded, communicated and used in everyday care. The Erasmus+ project DIGIHEALTH – Emerging Digital Competences for Healthcare Personnel examines the skills that care assistants need to participate safely and effectively in this transformation.
The Greek findings are based on six qualitative interviews with care assistants, vocational education professionals and healthcare stakeholders. Participants highlighted the benefits of electronic health records, digital documentation, monitoring applications, early-warning systems and telemedicine. These tools can improve access to patient information, communication between professionals, continuity of care and the early identification of health risks.
However, important barriers remain. Many workplaces lack modern equipment, reliable internet access and user-friendly systems. Limited practical training, heavy workloads and fear of making mistakes can also discourage staff from using digital tools. Older workers and people with limited digital, language or literacy skills may need additional support.
Care assistants therefore require more than basic technical knowledge. They need skills in digital documentation, communication, data protection, informed consent, confidentiality and basic troubleshooting. Training should be practical, simple and closely connected to real care situations, using short modules, videos, realistic scenarios and repeated hands-on practice.
The Greek findings show that successful digitalisation requires investment in both technology and people. Continuous training, technical support and workplace digital mentors can help care assistants use digital tools confidently while preserving privacy, dignity and human contact.
