The role of digital mentoring in developing digital competence among social and health care professionals

Authors

• Outi Maria Ahonen Laurea University of Applied Sciences
• Birgitta Tetri Laurea University of Applied Sciences
• Dinah Arifulla Finnish National Agency for Education
• Heidi Zadraks Lounais-Häme Joint Municipal Authority for Education, Forssa Vocational Institute
• Annamaija Id-Korhonen LAB University of Applied Science
• Riikka Hirvasniemi The Wellbeing Services County of North Osterbothnia
• Jukka Lähesmaa Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
• Ulla-Mari Kinnunen Department of Social and Health Management, University of Eastern Finland; Research Centre for Nursing Science and Social and Health Management, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23996/fjhw.179029

Keywords:

mentorointi, osaaminen, teleterveydenhuolto, terveydenhuoltohenkilöstö, yhteistoiminnallinen oppiminen, organisaatiomuutokset

Abstract

Digitalization and technology are central means for the development of public services. Finland’s Government Programme emphasizes strengthening the digital competencies of social and health care professionals, as this contributes to improved service quality, safety, and accessibility. The purpose of this article is to describe the significance of a digital mentoring model in supporting the digital competence of social and health care professionals. The aim is to increase understanding of digital mentoring and its different models and to promote the nationwide implementation of digital mentors in workplaces.

The data were collected during a DigiNet network workshop held in 2025, where participants examined digital mentoring models currently in use across wellbeing services counties and documented their observations on a shared digital platform. The data were further complemented with relevant literature and publicly available descriptions of other digital mentoring practices. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods.

During the workshop, digital mentoring models from four wellbeing services counties were presented. In addition, the article describes other digital mentoring models identified through various sources. Workshop participants recorded their views on digital mentoring using the Padlet platform, and DigiNet’s coordination group analyzed the data.

The results were structured into five thematic areas: organization and structures of the activity, roles and responsibilities, motivation and recognition of competence, sense of community and peer learning, as well as challenges and development needs. Key prerequisites for the successful implementation of a digital mentoring model included clear organizational structures, well-defined roles and responsibilities, and recognition of digital mentors' motivation and expertise. Furthermore, community-building and peer learning were found to support both the adoption of new technologies and the development of mentoring and facilitation skills.

Based on the findings, implementing and scaling digital mentoring models requires both national and regional collaboration. Cooperation between working life organizations and educational institutions is essential for the development and maintenance of digital competence. Leadership in digital competence development is a key organizational responsibility. It supports the capacity of work communities to respond to changing service needs.