Digital skills and technological literacy: a missing core competency in NHS management practice?

This article examines the increasing importance of digital skills and technological literacy as a core competency for effective management in the NHS. The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving with the advancement of digital technologies, including electronic health record systems, data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital health tools, all of which promise to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. This shift necessitates a change in the roles and responsibilities of healthcare managers, who are increasingly tasked with leading and implementing complex digital initiatives. While technology is often framed as a critical enabler of improvements, there is a recognised gap in the digital skills and technological literacy of the NHS workforce, including among senior management. The authors argue that for digital transformation to succeed, managers require a new set of competencies that focus not just on technology, but also on leading change, understanding data and fostering a culture of continuous digital learning. This article provides specific recommendations for developing an educational framework to ensure that managers build lasting capability to handle diverse future technologies.