Soft Skills versus Digital Competencies in the Medical Curriculum of the Future: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2077-6594/2026.2/15Keywords:
medical education, soft skills, communication, digital skills, AIAbstract
Purpose. The aim of the study was to critically review medical education and didactic literature in order to compare the roles of soft skills and digital competencies in medical education, synthesize evidence on teaching strategies and challenges, and identify curriculum recommendations for both domains. Materials and methods. The study was designed as a non-systematic narrative review of medical, sociological and didactic literature. The materials included peer-reviewed publications and conceptual papers on medical education, communication, digital competence, artificial intelligence, telemedicine and curriculum reform. Sources were identified through database searches, purposive selection and citation tracking. The analysis focused on conceptual frameworks, teaching methods, benefits, risks and curriculum implications. Results. The review showed that healthcare and medical education increasingly rely on AI tools, telemedicine, electronic health records and big-data analytics. These technologies may improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce errors and support new learning formats, yet excessive dependence on them may weaken clinical reasoning, depersonalise care, increase bias and create concerns about the replacement of clinicians. Soft skills remain essential for patient-centred care. Their development is supported by simulation with standardised patients, role-play, early patient exposure, discussion and reflective writing. Digital competence is fostered through hybrid learning, digital-health modules, AI-supported case-based learning and interdisciplinary teaching. Conclusions. The future of medical education lies not in choosing between soft and digital skills, but in their integrated development. Curriculum reform should prepare tech-enabled humanistic physicians who critically use digital technologies while preserving empathy, communication and therapeutic relationships.
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