A brief description of the area

The need for quality training in the various health professions (nursing, physiotherapy, etc.) has grown exponentially in recent years. In addition to the theoretical part, these study programmes include a large amount of practical training, which takes place in clinical settings in direct interaction with patients. Legislation, human rights and, above all, the ethical treatment of human beings are increasingly coming to the fore. Questions are being raised as to whether it is ethical to teach medical students in a live environment until they have gained some experience and skills. In order to avoid professional errors in clinical settings, various professional organisations at national and European level are recommending the use of simulations within health professional curricula as well as in lifelong learning programmes for health professionals. The use of simulations as a method of learning and teaching increases the quality of the educational process while reducing the possibility of making mistakes directly on patients. Many healthcare organisations are supporting the partial delivery of clinical training in simulation centres, o address the shortage of clinical placements for students in teaching hospitals.

A brief description of major research

Within the GDI-UP project, based on the labour market analysis, training courses in the form of micro-credentials will be set up and accredited through the competent professional organisations. The latter will be delivered within the framework of lifelong learning (offered to clinical mentors and other staff in clinical settings). Certain content will also be offered to non-health services involved within the health care system (fire services, police, civil protection). In addition to offering modern educational approaches, the Simulation Learning Centre will promote the exploration of new learning approaches in the health professions as well as the development of pre-clinical health research.