ДИГИТАЛИЗАЦИЯ НА ЗДРАВНИТЕ ГРИЖИ: АНАЛИЗ НА БАРИЕРИ И ВЪЗМОЖНОСТИ ЗА УСЪВЪРШЕНСТВАНЕ НА СЕСТРИНСКАТА ПРАКТИКА
DIGITALIZATION OF HEALTHCARE: ANALYSIS OF BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PRACTICE

Summary/Abstract: Digital transformation in healthcare has become a key strategic process aimed at improving the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of health services through the introduction of electronic hospital information systems, electronic health records, and other e-health solutions. The process represents not only a technological innovation but also a profound cultural and organizational change that requires continuous professional development and adaptability of the healthcare workforce. Despite the documented benefits, the successful implementation of digital technologies largely depends on the digital competencies of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses who interact daily with patients, documentation systems, and multidisciplinary teams. In Bulgaria, the nursing workforce is characterized by an ageing demographic profile and a significant shortage of personnel, which creates additional pressure and limits opportunities for participation in training programs. Older generation nurses often face barriers such as insufficient digital literacy, lack of confidence in technology use, limited access to practical training, and the absence of institutional incentives for continuous learning. These difficulties may hinder the effective use of digital tools and reduce work efficiency. The aim of this paper is to analyze the main obstacles encountered by older nurses in the process of healthcare digitalization and to propose feasible strategies for their successful inclusion. Based on a review of national and international strategic documents and current research, the paper outlines several approaches: practice-oriented in-service training, mentorship and intergenerational knowledge transfer, user-centered software design, and integration of digital health competencies into nursing education. The development of a supportive organizational culture and national programs for continuous professional education are essential to facilitate the digital inclusion of older nurses and to ensure sustainable implementation of healthcare digitalization as a whole

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