Abstract
Background
Medical students have emphasized the importance of acquiring competencies that allow the use of information science and technology (IST) related to digital health. This study identified learning objectives and competencies that correspond with low self-assessment and factors that improve self-assessment among medical students.
Methods
A questionnaire was administered to sixth-year medical students across 82 medical schools in Japan between November 2022 and February 2023.
Results
Three academic goals were difficult to achieve: (1) provide an overview of the regulations, laws, and guidelines related to IST in medicine; (2) discuss ethical issues, such as social disparities caused by the digital divide that may arise in the use of IST in medicine; and (3) understand IST related to medical care. Further, problem-based learning, engaging with IST beyond class, and learning approach impacted medical students’ acquisition of competencies related to IST. However, the competencies required by medical students may change over the course of an updated medical school curriculum.
Conclusions
It is equally important for medical students to recognize the significance of learning, establish active learning methods, and gain experience in practically applying these competencies.