Improving RORS equal access to training in cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical procedures

The project is designed around a solid RO-RS cross-border partnership between the UMFVBT as Lead Applicant and GHSLS as Partner Applicant, aiming at improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life-long learning in the programme’s eligible area, namely in Timis, a Romanian county, and in Podunavski, a district in Serbia. The project addresses punctual common challenges with reference to certain situations in which both partners fail to meet medical students & healthcare providers expectations at present and, therefore, the intervention is required: 1. Lack of coordination between labor market and the educational system; 2. Lack of practical experience and poor focus on vocational education; 3. Poor educational infrastructure. The project`s approach in addressing these common challenges: 1.&2. Exchange of knowledge and best practices are important to address common challenges that both cross-border countries face in the medical education field. Through this project, it is expected that higher education students will acquire professional skills and knowledge, giving them an advantage on the labor market, and, at the same time, the young doctors and nurses will improve their professional competences. 3. Minimally invasive procedures require departments and laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment. The proposed investments will lead, firstly, to improved quality of education, training and lifelong learning. Secondly, long-term, to improved quality of the medical act and of the surgical results, by increasing the patient's safety, quality of postoperative life, lower costs of use per patient, lower energy consumption, eventually leading to unloading current pressure on public units services. The overall objective of the project: To improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life-long learning for 500 users through elaboration of an E-learning platform and joint events for online education; measures for developing highly technical skills and competences for 150 users by participating in hands-on minimally invasive courses and 5 investments in infrastructure and services for technical and vocational training, during project implementation period, 24 months By implementing this project, the expected change to the current situation refer to: - improved quality of the educational system and its connection to the labor market through the development of minimally invasive technical skills; - enhanced cooperation across borders between education providers so that successful actions can be replicated within the programme area; - increased level of investments in health-care development (HR, departments, know-how) on both sides of the eligible area Project main outputs clearly link to Priority 2, SO 2.1, Output Indicator and Result Indicator, as follows: 1. PSO 02 - Investments in education, training and life-long learning services: 5 investments representing 17% of the target value under this call 2. PSR 02 - Annual users of the supported investments in education, training and life-long learning services: 650 medical professionals, including the disadvantaged, representing 36% of the target value under this call, out of which: a) 500 healthcare providers (medical students, residents, specialists, nurses) having access to a free of charge subscription E-learning platform, fully customized according to EduCare needs, for more inclusive and accessible services in education; b) 150 healthcare providers participating in hands-on minimally invasive training courses. It is estimated that during the durability period at least 100 users/annually, 500 in total, will have access to the e-learning platform and 50 users/annually, 250 in total, will benefit from hands-on trainings There are several aspects that make EduCare unique or original, including: - Use of technology: One innovative approach to training in minimally invasive techniques is the use of an e-learning platform. By leveraging technology, it is possible to provide training that is more accessible, cost-effective, and adaptable to individual learning style - Multidisciplinary approach: Another unique aspect is the integration of different disciplines techniques: basic laparoscopic skills, basic endoscopic skills, basic robotic surgery skills, advanced colo-rectal minimally invasive surgery, advanced minimally invasive gynecological surgery, to provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to training - Knowledge sharing: The project emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing, such as a partnership between an academic institution and a hospital, that help to accelerate the adoption and dissemination of new techniques in minimally invasive surgery - Patient-centered care: EduCare prioritizes patient-centered care, by focusing on improving patient outcomes and reducing complications, distinguishing itself from other projects focused solely on technical training

To improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life-long learning for at least 500 RO-RS users through the elaboration of a free of charge subscription E-learning platform, fully customized according to EduCare needs, for continuous surgical minimally invasive education, during project implementation period, and for at least 150 RO-RS users by participating in hands-on minimally invasive courses and targeting investments in infrastructure and services for technical and vocational training, during project implementation period. Thus, through the E-learning platform and hands-on training activities, the project can improve the quality of healthcare in the project area and enhance the ability of healthcare providers to offer specialized care to patients and enhance the capacity of the target group by providing them with practical skills and knowledge in minimally invasive techniques,