Work

Developing an information literacy competency evaluation framework for Chinese higher vocational students in smart older adult care: a Delphi-AHP study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The integration of digital technologies into older adult care requires higher vocational students majoring in Smart Older Adult Care to possess information literacy. However, higher vocational education cultivates technical and skilled talents, while undergraduate education focuses on academic research-oriented talents; thus, their information literacy frameworks cannot be interchanged. Yet prior research has largely focused on general university students or healthcare professionals, lacking targeted evaluation tools for higher vocational students. The gap impedes evidence-based teaching assessment and targeted talent development. Objective: To develop an information literacy evaluation framework for higher vocational students majoring in Smart Older Adult Care and calculate the weights of its indicators. Design: A Delphi-AHP study. Methods: A multi-method study was conducted in China (April-October 2025), integrating a systematic literature review, expert group discussions, a two-round Delphi survey involving 17 experts, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results: ) < 0.1. The first-level weights were as follows: Information Application and Innovation (0.4718), Information Awareness (0.3073), Information Knowledge (0.1228), and Information Ethics and Security (0.0981). Conclusion: This study developed a preliminary information literacy framework tailored to higher vocational students, emphasizing practical competence. Further psychometric verification is recommended.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1906092