In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, the healthcare and social care sectors face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The transition to digital transformation has spurred a significant focus on e-leadership, which is becoming increasingly vital for navigating this complex landscape. A captivating study conducted by Kaihlanen et al. sheds light on the expectations of health and social care professionals regarding e-leadership in this transformative digital age. By emphasizing the nuances of digital transformation, the research provides compelling insights into how e-leadership can effectively facilitate the evolution of healthcare systems.
Digital transformation in healthcare encompasses a wide range of technologies, from telemedicine and electronic health records to artificial intelligence and data analytics. As these technologies reshape service delivery models, the role of e-leaders takes center stage. E-leadership refers to the capacity of leaders to effectively harness digital tools and innovations to improve organizational performance and patient outcomes. The need for adept e-leaders has never been more pressing, considering the complexities involved in integrating technology within healthcare.
The qualitative study conducted by Kaihlanen and colleagues involved a comprehensive analysis of the perspectives held by healthcare professionals about the skills and qualities required for effective e-leadership. Through interviews and focus group discussions, these professionals articulated their expectations, shedding light on what they believe contributes to successful leadership in a predominantly digital workspace. These insights provide a notable resource for shaping future e-leadership training and development initiatives.
One of the primary expectations expressed by participants in the study focused on the importance of ongoing digital literacy. In a world that is ever-evolving, healthcare professionals emphasized the necessity for e-leaders to remain up-to-date with technological innovations and digital tools. This continuous learning is pivotal, not only for fostering personal growth but also for enhancing the overall capacity of healthcare organizations to adapt to changing circumstances.
Integration of technology into healthcare systems is not merely a matter of adopting new tools; it is about creating a culture that thrives on innovation. The researchers found that health and social care professionals expect e-leaders to advocate for a culture of continuous improvement. This expectation reflects a growing understanding that technological advancements necessitate a shift in organizational mindset—a shift that involves encouraging experimentation, embracing feedback, and learning from failures.
Moreover, the study highlights the necessity of emotional intelligence as a crucial trait for e-leaders. In the frenetic environment of healthcare, the capacity to engage, motivate, and inspire teams is vital. Effective communication of digital objectives and fostering a collaborative environment were underscored as key responsibilities for e-leaders who aspire to enhance team performance and resilience in times of transformation.
The research also revealed a demand for e-leaders to possess strategic vision and foresight. Health and social care professionals articulated the importance of having leaders who can anticipate future trends and challenges. This strategic foresight enables e-leaders to direct their organizations effectively, ensuring that they remain agile and responsive amidst the pressures and demands of an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Analyzing the findings through the lens of practical implications, the study illustrates how e-leadership can effectively bridge gaps between technology and human interaction. The emphasis on empathetic leadership underscores the notion that technology should be utilized to augment, rather than replace, the human element in healthcare. By nurturing strong interpersonal relationships, e-leaders can enhance teamwork and cooperation while ensuring that patients remain at the core of care delivery.
Additionally, the research highlights the necessity for e-leaders to engage actively with their teams in decision-making processes. Participatory leadership approaches that involve soliciting input from various stakeholders were identified as instrumental in fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. In a health care context, where multidisciplinary collaboration is critical, an inclusive leadership style can contribute significantly to the successful integration of digital tools.
Furthermore, the findings emphasize the importance of aligning e-leadership with ethical considerations in digital health. As the integration of technology introduces new ethical dilemmas, such as data privacy and security concerns, e-leaders must exhibit a commitment to ethical practices. This ensures that the deployment of technology serves to enhance patient safety and trust, reinforcing the fundamental ethos of healthcare.
The implications of this research extend beyond merely framing expectations; they also call for concrete actions to cultivate effective e-leadership. Training and development programs tailored to address the specific competencies and skills identified in the study will be vital for equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to navigate digital transformation challenges effectively.
In an interconnected world, the collaboration of various stakeholders—including technological experts, policy-makers, and healthcare professionals—will be pivotal in shaping the future of e-leadership in healthcare. As technology continues to advance, fostering a collective approach towards embracing digital leadership will reinforce the resilience of healthcare systems and empower them to respond to emerging trends.
Ultimately, the study by Kaihlanen and colleagues serves as a crucial stepping stone toward understanding the landscape of e-leadership in healthcare. As the digital revolution unfolds, the insights gleaned will play an instrumental role in nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. By recognizing and addressing the multi-faceted expectations for e-leadership, the sector can ensure that it remains responsive and effective in fulfilling its commitment to delivering high-quality care in a digitally transformed reality.
The future of e-leadership in healthcare hinges upon our ability to adapt to evolving circumstances and harness the potential of technology in ways that respect the human aspect of care. As shared expectations among health and social care professionals become clearer, we can build robust frameworks for leadership that will navigate this uncharted territory and ensure that patient care remains at the forefront of this digital transformation.
Subject of Research: Expectations of health and social care professionals for e-leadership in the context of digital transformation.
Article Title: Health and social care professionals’ expectations for e-leadership in the digital transformation: a qualitative study.
Article References: Kaihlanen, AM., Kainiemi, E., Virtanen, L. et al. Health and social care professionals’ expectations for e-leadership in the digital transformation: a qualitative study.
BMC Health Serv Res 25, 1498 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13740-3
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13740-3
Keywords: e-leadership, digital transformation, healthcare, social care, leadership qualities, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, strategic vision, ethical considerations.
Tags: artificial intelligence in healthcare leadershipchallenges in digital healthcare integrationdata analytics in health systemsdigital transformation in social caree-leadership in healthcareexpectations of health professionalshealthcare technology advancementsnavigating digital change in healthcareorganizational performance in healthcarequalitative research in healthcare leadershipskills for effective e-leadershiptelemedicine and e-leadership
