We are excited to announce the completion of Activity 2.2: Design of Curriculum for Inclusive Digital Healthcare for medical vocational schools, a key milestone within Work Package 2: Design of Curriculum and Open Educational Resources for Inclusive Digital Healthcare.
Curriculum was developed by the University of Zadar, providing comprehensive training on digital health solutions for vulnerable populations.
Overview of the INVITE curriculum
To meet the needs of older adults, healthcare professionals must be equipped with digital health knowledge and skills. The Digital Inclusive Healthcare course addresses this need, focusing on the integration of digital health tools and user-centered design, particularly for older adults. It covers telemedicine, health monitoring, entrepreneurship in digital health, and the ethical issues surrounding data security and the digital divide.
The curriculum uses Design Thinking and open pedagogy to foster collaboration and innovation. Students will work in social incubators, developing digital health solutions for older adults and vulnerable groups. This hands-on approach prepares them to create inclusive, accessible healthcare tools that improve well-being and address real-world challenges. By empowering healthcare professionals with these digital competencies, the course aims to transform the healthcare sector and enhance the quality of life for older populations.
Course Modules and Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Digital Health Inclusion and the Needs of Older People and Vulnerable Groups
CSVET: 2
Student Workload: 35 hours
In this module, students are introduced to the concept of digital health inclusion, with a focus on the specific needs of older adults and other vulnerable groups. This foundation allows students to understand the challenges these populations face in accessing traditional healthcare and how digital health innovations can address these gaps. Students will explore technologies like telehealth, virtual care, electronic health records, wearable devices, remote monitoring, and mobile health applications (mHealth). The module addresses challenges such as the digital divide, barriers to access, and improving digital literacy among older adults.
Module Breakdown:
Part 1: Digital Health Inclusion
Part 2: Needs of Older People and Vulnerable Groups in Digital Health
Module 2: Knowledge and Skills in the Application of Digital Health Technology and Education of Older Adults and Vulnerable Groups
CSVET: 3
Student Workload: 65 hours
Module 2 dives deeper into the practical application of digital health technologies, focusing on the skills required to work effectively with older adults and vulnerable groups. This module emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and tailored educational approaches to ensure these populations can benefit from digital health tools. Students will collaborate on developing innovative solutions in a social incubator, applying design thinking and open pedagogy to address challenges faced by older adults and improve their quality of life.
Module Breakdown:
Part 1: Communication Skills and Empathy in Working with Older Adults and Other Vulnerable Groups
Part 2: Use of Digital Health Services
Part 3: Digital Health Monitoring Tools
Part 4: Educational Methods and Approaches in Working with Older People
Part 5: Support Systems for Users of Digital Technology
Module 3: Entrepreneurship in Digital Health for Older Adults
CSVET: 1
Student Workload: 20 hours
This module provides students with a broad understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape within digital healthcare, with a particular focus on how startups and innovations can improve the quality of life for older adults. Students will explore challenges faced by older people in the digital world and develop solutions to improve their daily lives. Through practical activities, they will learn the entrepreneurial process, from idea to implementation, and understand the role of innovation and inclusivity in digital health. The module encourages creative thinking and highlights how digital solutions can enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for older adults.
Module Breakdown:
Part 1: Basics of Entrepreneurship in Digital Healthcare
Part 2: Innovations in Entrepreneurship in Digital Health
Module 4: Ethics and Data Security in the Application of Digital Health Technology
CSVET: 1
Student Workload: 20 hours
This module focuses on the importance of data protection and ethics in digital health technology, emphasizing the privacy and confidentiality of older adults. Students will explore legal regulations and methods to ensure compliance with data security standards. Through simulations and real-world scenarios, they will develop critical thinking, empathy, and responsibility in addressing ethical dilemmas and protecting data in healthcare.
Module Breakdown:
Part 1: Ethical Considerations in the Digital Era
Part 2: Data Security in the Digital Era
The course’s hands-on approach, along with collaborative workshops and social incubators, prepares students to address real-world challenges in digital health. By bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, the INVITE Project helps ensure that digital healthcare is accessible to all, improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations across Europe.
Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals for the Digital Future
As healthcare systems around the world face increasing pressures due to aging populations and limited resources, digital health offers a pathway to more equitable, efficient, and accessible care. The Digital Inclusive Healthcare course is a forward-thinking program designed to train students in both the technical and human aspects of digital health. By completing this course, students will be well-equipped to contribute to the transformation of healthcare, ensuring that vulnerable populations such as older adults receive the care they deserve in an increasingly digital world.
You can read our INVITE Curriculum on the results page:https://invite.nethub.hr/results/
