Avainsana: digital environments

Development of an Innovative Digital Environments in Kosovo for learning, eHealth, and eRehabilitation

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4.10.2024

According to the World Health Organization (‎1) there is a shared understanding that most health workers have to be prepared to use digital health technologies in their work. According, (2) digital capacity-building must be tailored to individual and national circumstances. The Student-run Interdisciplinary Allied Health Digital Practice Centre (3) project was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the digital learning landscape in Kosovo. With a primary focus on enhancing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary co-creation and education, the project carved out a new path for developing skills and knowledge in the fields of eHealth and eRehabilitation, particularly within the allied health sciences. The goal was to equip Kosovo’s higher education institutions (HEIs) with innovative tools and frameworks to enhance the virtual and digital practice-oriented education in allied health sciences through lifelong-learning (LLL) for both students and academic staff. Co-creation was main development method in the project. Especially, importance of co-creating value for users was in focus (4), as well as co-creation and testing: engaging stakeholders from academia, industry and healthcare to co-create and iteratively test new digital platforms and solutions. Co-Creation as a Driving Force for Development One of the standout features of the SIAHDPC project was its dedication to co-creation as a central development method. Co-creation, which emphasizes value creation through collaboration with end-users, was demonstrated in practice during a pivotal moment at Metropolia University in Helsinki. Here, occupational therapy students played a crucial role in the project by planning and organizing its final evaluation using co-creative methods. This hands-on experience highlighted the importance of involving end-users – such as students, staff, and healthcare professionals – in the development of new educational tools and frameworks. A Pioneering digital learning framework and platforms in Kosovo The SIAHDPC project was to establish a pioneering digital learning framework and platforms in Kosovo, targeting the enhancement of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary co-creation and education, particularly within the domains of eHealth and eRehabilitation in allied health sciences. Additionally, the project aimed to develop evidence-informed practice competences through training and learning materials for the Kosovo HEI staff and students, primarily. The project also contributed to the development and updating the relevant curricula in education with the interdisciplinarity as the key point. A concrete example of co-development was experienced at Metropolia in Helsinki, where occupational therapy students planned and organized a final evaluation for the project using the methods of co-creation. Especially, importance of co-creating value for users was in focus (3). Even there were other relevant approaches as well, such as Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning: ensuring a holistic co-creation approach. Digital tools and simulation: implementation of advanced digital tools, including remote simulations and to replicate authentic healthcare scenarios. Another vital component of the SIAHDPC project was its emphasis on leveraging cutting-edge digital tools. These tools, including simulation technologies, are designed to replicate authentic healthcare scenarios, allowing students to gain practical experience in a controlled, virtual environment. Remote simulations further enable students to collaborate and practice real-world skills, even when physical presence is not possible. This is especially relevant in the context of eHealth, where digital healthcare solutions are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday practice. Digital platforms for teaching purposes As a part of the result of the project, it has strengthened the capacity of the operators to develop and integrate new types of digital platforms as part of teaching. Students involvement, collaboration between different disciplines and overall co-development approach was important in such RDI processes. The main results of the project can be divided into five categories as follows. Developed comprehensive digital platforms to support the educational needs of students, professionals, and businesses in allied health. Co-created, developed and tested new digital tools, products and services in a simulated and authentic environment. Platforms were co-designed and -created. Facilitated continuous professional development through access to the latest digital technologies. Enhanced learning experiences. Promoted the growth of knowledge, practical skills, digital literacy and competences in eHealth and eRehabilitation. Improved participants’ abilities to develop complex and user-centered digital services. During the project education in Kosovo has been promoted by integrating innovative digital solutions and fostering a collaborative environment for learning and development.  Additionally, the project also contributes to the development and updating the relevant curricula in health education with the interdisciplinarity as the key point. The SIAHDPC project stands as a significant step forward in the modernization of Kosovo’s higher education system. By fostering an environment of interdisciplinary learning, integrating digital tools, and promoting co-creation, the project was not only enhancing healthcare education but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term improvements in the country’s health and education sectors. Authors Eija Raatikainen Principal Lecturer, An Associate professor (UEF), Project Manager at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Panu Karhinen Team Leader, Senior Lecturer, Project Manager at Metropolia UAS Anna Kaipainen Physiotherapist, Master of Rehabilitation, Project Manager in Metropolia UAS Ari-Pekka Åker Master of Health Care, Senior Lecturer in Emergency Care, Head of Simulation Learning environment, Metropolia UAS. References World Health Organization. (‎2021)‎. Global strategy on digital health 2020-2025 (who.int). World Health Organization. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. United Nations General Assembly (2020). Road map for digital cooperation: Implementation of the recommendations of the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation. Report of the Secretary-General. 29 May 2020, accessed 7 October 2020. The SIAHDPC - Student-run Interdisciplinary Allied Health Digital Practice Center (metropolia.fi) Durugbo, C., & Pawar, K. (2014). A unified model of the co-creation process. Expert Systems with Applications, 41(9), 4373-4387.