Hospital administrators (HAs) aim to strike a balance between providing efficient and compassionate treatment. Health informatics and service management abilities are two areas that are evolving alongside digital health. This study outlines the health information technology (IT) competencies necessary for sustainability in the healthcare industry and looks at the competencies needed for HAs to manage everyday responsibilities.

Grounded theory is used in this qualitative study and reported based on the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. The participants were HAs who worked in different healthcare fields and held MBAs from the same private university. Respondents were selected through purposeful sampling, and consent was obtained before conducting telephone conversations. Data were gathered until the point of theoretical saturation. Every theme was outlined in a thematic framework.

Healthcare administrators gain knowledge about using applications and technology through the service. A hospital setting is a good place for healthcare administrators to begin their careers to fully understand the intricacies of the field. The key findings of the study indicate that HAs recognised policies and procedures as important areas of competency that required focused attention. HAs are increasingly relying on mid- to advanced-level healthcare technologies in their daily work. Each administrator has gained competencies according to their experience and opportunities. A few years of domain expertise make healthcare administrators competent and educated about every aspect of their profession.

According to healthcare administrators, practice and experience serve as the cornerstones on which their competencies are built. In the rapidly changing environment of digital healthcare, interdepartmental collaboration is essential for long-term success and adaptability, especially between HAs, IT personnel and medical specialists. Developing capabilities and resilience in this dynamic environment requires a diverse approach.