Longitudinal Block – Learning Skills and Digital Technology Competencies Alignment for DISCERN DSS

On Monday, March 10, 2025, a key coordination meeting took place in the Meeting Room at Grha Wiyata, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, UGM. The gathering focused on evaluating the Longitudinal Block – Learning Skills and discussing the advancement of digital technology competencies for students. Faculty members and stakeholders came together with a shared commitment to enhancing the educational experience and ensuring students are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment.

The main goal of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2020 Curriculum, specifically the Longitudinal Block – Learning Skills. This evaluation is essential for assessing how well the current curriculum addresses the evolving needs of both students and the healthcare sector. By collecting feedback from diverse stakeholders, the meeting aimed to identify the curriculum’s strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in developing critical skills.

In addition, the meeting served as a platform to discuss Work Package 2 (WP2) of the DISCERN DSS project, which focuses on updating the needs analysis and preparatory activities. WP2 is a foundational element of the project, encompassing all preparatory work, including refining the needs analysis that will guide the selection of key topics for the project’s core activities. These topics will be aligned with European Union digital soft skills frameworks, such as the DIGICOMP framework, to support recognition and validation.

Discussions highlighted the growing importance of integrating digital technology competencies into the curriculum. As healthcare increasingly depends on digital tools, it is vital for students to develop these skills to succeed in their future careers. Evaluating the Longitudinal Block – Learning Skills helps ensure the curriculum effectively prepares students for a technology-driven healthcare landscape.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for faculty members to share their experiences and insights on curriculum implementation. This collaborative exchange fosters a strong sense of community among educators and encourages the sharing of best practices, contributing to a more resilient and effective educational framework.

Moving forward, the UGM team will focus on applying the insights and recommendations gathered during the meeting. The next steps include refining the identified topics based on the updated needs analysis to ensure alignment with the DISCERN DSS project’s objectives. This alignment is crucial for developing a curriculum that meets student needs while adhering to international standards for digital competencies.

Integrating digital soft skills into the curriculum will be a top priority in the coming months. Faculty will collaborate to create instructional materials and training programs that effectively teach these skills. By drawing on the expertise of educators and industry professionals, the project aims to deliver a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for the complexities of modern healthcare.

Additionally, the upcoming Training of Trainers program, scheduled for 2025 in Yogyakarta, will play a vital role in building educators’ capacity to teach digital competencies. This program will equip faculty with the tools and knowledge needed to seamlessly incorporate digital soft skills into their teaching, ensuring students receive high-quality, relevant education.

In summary, the coordination meeting marked a significant step forward in enhancing the educational framework for health students. By focusing on evaluating the Longitudinal Block – Learning Skills and advancing digital technology competencies, the project is making important progress toward preparing future healthcare professionals for the challenges of a rapidly changing medical landscape. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders promise to create a more dynamic and effective learning environment, benefiting both students and the healthcare sector as a whole.

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DISCERN-DSS Kick Off Meeting

The digital transformation in healthcare is more than just a trend—it’s an essential evolution. As technology advances, the education of future healthcare professionals must evolve alongside it. In this context, the Kickoff Meeting for the Digitally Enhanced Scenario-Based Learning for Digital Soft Skills (DISCERN DSS) project was held from February 11-13, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. This event marked a key milestone in the collaborative effort to strengthen digital skills within health education.

The main purpose of the Kickoff Meeting was to unite consortium members from several institutions, including Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Karolinska Institutet (KI), and the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The meeting focused on aligning the consortium’s vision, setting clear objectives, and planning the implementation of the DISCERN DSS project over the next three years (2025-2027). Funded by the European Commission under the Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education (ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE) program, the project aims to equip medical students with vital digital soft skills through an innovative scenario-based learning approach.

Representing the Department of Health Policy and Management were Lutfan Lazuardi, Head of the Department for Project Management, and Wika Hartanti, an expert in curriculum development. Their involvement is critical—Lutfan’s leadership will help ensure smooth project execution, while Wika’s expertise will support the integration of digital soft skills into the curriculum.

The project also includes collaboration with the School of Medicine at Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing medical education through innovative teaching methods and the incorporation of essential digital competencies. This partnership highlights the dedication of all involved institutions to prepare healthcare professionals for the demands of a rapidly changing medical environment.

During the meeting, participants engaged in productive discussions to establish a unified framework for the project. Key outcomes included:

  • Alignment of Goals: Consortium members worked together to ensure a shared understanding of the project’s aims and expected results.
  • Strategic Planning: A comprehensive plan was developed to integrate digital soft skills training into medical curricula effectively.
  • Training of Trainers: Plans were made for a Training of Trainers program scheduled in Yogyakarta in 2025, designed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge needed to teach digital competencies to medical students.

The Kickoff Meeting was a crucial step that set the foundation for a transformative journey in medical education. The collective commitment of all participating institutions reflects a strong dedication to preparing future healthcare professionals for the challenges of a digital era. As the DISCERN DSS project advances, we anticipate a significant positive impact on medical education and the development of digital skills among students. This initiative represents a major stride toward modernizing health education and ensuring that future healthcare providers are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of a technology-driven medical landscape.

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