On June 21, 2024, Kyiv Medical University, in collaboration with Bogomolets National Medical University, hosted the conference “Development of Digital Education for Medical and Pharmaceutical Workers during the Digital Transformation of Healthcare and the Development of the Electronic Healthcare System (EHS)”. This event was a crucial part of the USAID grant project “Program for Developing Digital Competencies for Healthcare Workers and Medical and Pharmaceutical Education Seekers”.
This conference effectively served as the Gap Analysis Workshop aimed at discussing research findings on educational gaps and exploring potential policy changes. Participants included staff from Bogomolets National Medical University, lecturers, and postgraduate students from Kyiv Medical University.
Key topics covered during the conference included:
- The current state and prospects of digital transformation and digitalization of healthcare in Ukraine.
- Digital education for students in medical and pharmaceutical specialties.
- Discussion of digital transformation challenges and finding solutions.
- Development of telemedicine in Ukraine.
- Implementation of modern teaching technologies in the curriculum for medical and pharmaceutical students.
- Development of the electronic healthcare system (EHS) in Ukraine.
- Application of modern digital simulators and platforms in the educational process of medical and pharmaceutical institutions.
Report on Gap Analysis
The workshop also featured an in-depth analysis of the existing gaps in medical education, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. Here are the key findings:
- Digitalization: The adoption of digital education tools and platforms has been regulated by several decrees, yet challenges remain in terms of security, stability, and accessibility. The integration of digital tools can enhance knowledge accessibility, time management, and development of soft skills such as communication, decision-making, and critical thinking.
- Embracing Digital Transformation: Digital transformation in medical education can improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and working schedules. It can also address evolving challenges in healthcare delivery by leveraging technology for better education and training.
- Drawbacks of Online Learning: While online learning has been a necessity during crises, it has also revealed significant drawbacks such as the need for constant tech support, lack of motivation among educators, technological gaps, outdated equipment, and limited group interactions.
- Sustainability: Sustainable development in higher education is crucial for equipping students with the necessary skills for their professional growth. However, gaps were identified in critical thinking, interdisciplinary interactions, ethics, leadership, and lifelong learning.
- Inclusivity: The inclusivity of medical education needs improvement, particularly for students with disabilities, foreign students, and those affected by the ongoing conflict. Language barriers, limited representation of diverse patient populations, and accessibility issues were highlighted.
Speakers from Kyiv Medical University:
- Dr. Oksana Kopchak, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Physical Rehabilitation, presented on “Experience of Implementing Virtual Patients in the Educational Process at the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Physical Rehabilitation.”
- Dr. Olena Solieiko, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Internal and Professional Diseases, discussed “Opportunities for Using Online Platforms PrExam and Amboss in Practical Classes in Internal Medicine.”
Participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers, the rectorate, and the entire KMU team for their preparatory work and successful execution of the event. The discussions and outcomes of this conference will serve as a foundation for future steps in enhancing educational programs and policies in the healthcare sector in Ukraine.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the European Education and Culture Executive Agency can be held responsible for them.
More details about the RE-DIRECTION project: https://re-direction.org/
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