Analyzing the competences of managers in the healthcare 4.0

Fourth-generation technologies with their wide range of applications and benefits have been employed in various fields. This development has also occurred in the field of healthcare. The development of 4th generation healthcare requires prominent competencies in managers of the field, which has not yet been investigated. The present study tried to identify these competencies and provide a model in this regard.

The research was conducted in both qualitative and quantitative stages. The statistical population of the research was comprised of academicians and healthcare sector experts. The sampling method was judgmental and snowball, and the sample size was 18 in the first stage and 10 in the second. The data collection tools were semi-structured interviews and researcher-made questionnaires. Thematic analysis and fuzzy total interpretive structural modelling were applied to analyse the data.

The results of the first stage included 36 competencies among which 10 were main competencies. However, the results of the second stage show that ‘technological skills’, ‘updated general knowledge’, ‘personality traits’, and ‘technical skills’ are the most fundamental competencies.

Originality: 

The competencies of healthcare 4.0 managers were investigated for the first time in this research. From among 36 competencies, 15 were identified and were presented for the first time. Also, it is the first time the interpretive structural model of the competencies has been applied for healthcare 4.0 managers.

Implications: 

To enhance managerial competencies, in-service training, knowledge management system to acquire and disseminate knowledge, field trips and visiting top hospitals in the world, problem-solving and decision-making courses for managers, and upgrading the human resources management system to improve recruitment and coaching processes are recommended for healthcare managers.