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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