Building AI Readiness and Digital Competency Among Frontline Health Workers: Frameworks, Measurement, and Priority Skills
1
Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Shillong, India
2
Digital Health, State Health Systems Resource Center, Shillong, India
3
International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
4
Health Policy and Systems, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A946
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become increasingly embedded in health systems, the digital competency and AI readiness of frontline health workers (FLHWs) are critical to ensuring equitable and effective adoption. In India, FLHWs form the backbone of health service delivery and serve as the primary interface between communities and the health system. Despite their central role, gaps in digital literacy, access to technology, and confidence in using digital tools limit their ability to engage with AI-enabled health solutions. The lack of primary, context-specific data on digital and AI-related competencies among FLHWs constrains the design of appropriate digital health interventions.
METHODS:
This session presents findings from (1) a systematic review of approaches to measuring digital skills among FLHWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); (2) learnings from a consultative process to develop a comprehensive approach for measuring digital competency among five cadres of FLHWs in India, led by the Government of Meghalaya with support from WHO-SEARO and partners; and (3) findings from a cross-sectional survey assessing digital competency among five cadres of FLHWs across three districts in Meghalaya, India.
RESULTS:
The systematic review synthesizes evidence from 45 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025, documenting the FLHW cadres studied, digital competency frameworks applied, and methods used to assess digital skills. Insights from iterative expert consultations conducted during 2025–2026 indicate broad consensus on a competency-based approach to measuring digital competency among FLHWs. Findings from quantitative surveys conducted in three districts of Meghalaya reveal substantial gaps in foundational digital skills, technology access, and connectivity, with implications for adoption of AI-enabled health solutions.
CONCLUSIONS:
This session demonstrates the feasibility and value of a competency-based approach to assessing digital competency and AI readiness among FLHWs. The resulting recommendations provide a practical and adaptable roadmap for measuring digital skills across the Global South.
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become increasingly embedded in health systems, the digital competency and AI readiness of frontline health workers (FLHWs) are critical to ensuring equitable and effective adoption. In India, FLHWs form the backbone of health service delivery and serve as the primary interface between communities and the health system. Despite their central role, gaps in digital literacy, access to technology, and confidence in using digital tools limit their ability to engage with AI-enabled health solutions. The lack of primary, context-specific data on digital and AI-related competencies among FLHWs constrains the design of appropriate digital health interventions.
METHODS:
This session presents findings from (1) a systematic review of approaches to measuring digital skills among FLHWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); (2) learnings from a consultative process to develop a comprehensive approach for measuring digital competency among five cadres of FLHWs in India, led by the Government of Meghalaya with support from WHO-SEARO and partners; and (3) findings from a cross-sectional survey assessing digital competency among five cadres of FLHWs across three districts in Meghalaya, India.
RESULTS:
The systematic review synthesizes evidence from 45 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025, documenting the FLHW cadres studied, digital competency frameworks applied, and methods used to assess digital skills. Insights from iterative expert consultations conducted during 2025–2026 indicate broad consensus on a competency-based approach to measuring digital competency among FLHWs. Findings from quantitative surveys conducted in three districts of Meghalaya reveal substantial gaps in foundational digital skills, technology access, and connectivity, with implications for adoption of AI-enabled health solutions.
CONCLUSIONS:
This session demonstrates the feasibility and value of a competency-based approach to assessing digital competency and AI readiness among FLHWs. The resulting recommendations provide a practical and adaptable roadmap for measuring digital skills across the Global South.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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