Trinity joins pan-European endeavour to address pressing need for advanced digital skills in healthcare

Posted on: 20 January 2025

The Sustainable Healthcare with Digital Health Data Competence (SUSA) has launched. This transformative initiative aims to address the pressing need for advanced digital skills in healthcare, preparing professionals to navigate an increasingly digital-first landscape and empowering them to leverage data for sustainable healthcare solutions. 

SUSA is a massive project with €12M budget in total. The consortium has 12 higher education institutions from 9 European countries, and is set to deliver 46 revamped and integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, complemented by 16 modular learning opportunities for lifelong learning. These innovative educational offerings are designed to produce 6558 graduates and upskill 660 professionals with specialized digital competencies critical to advancing healthcare practices across Europe.

SUSA addresses digital skills gaps, promotes collaborative learning, empowering healthcare with data-driven insights and supporting the European Green Deal for a healthier society.

"This is a pivotal moment for European healthcare education," said Professor Minna Isomursu, SUSA’s project leader and Professor at the University of Oulu. "Through SUSA, we are creating a workforce that can harness digital health data to revolutionize patient care, improve efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system. By integrating cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration into education, we are not just preparing students for the future — we are equipping them to shape it."

Professor Colin Doherty MD, Head of School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin said:

” We are delighed that Trinity College, School of Medicine has is a partner in this initiative along with other Irish Higher Education Institutes (University College Dublin and University of Limerick) along also with Children’s Health Ireland. While Ireland lags behind our EU partners in healthcare digitization there is even more of an onus on us to prepare both our students and the workforce for the coming digital transformation.”

SUSA has four main objectives:

1. Co-design and co-deliver a bespoke advanced digital skills education program integrated into 20 bachelor’s and 26 master’s degree programs and 16 related self-standing modules
2. Implement an innovative initiative to attract qualified teaching staff and students for SUSA education offering
3. Upgrade digital infrastructures to support interoperability across HEIs for delivery of SUSA education program
4. Ensure sustainability of SUSA education program through sustainable partnership and integration with existing or emerging initiatives

An Education Model for the Digital Era

The SUSA educational framework addresses critical gaps in healthcare’s digital competencies by introducing innovative content on data, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), sustainability, regulation and global health. These competencies are embedded in the degree programs of participating universities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping students with real-world skills needed to work effectively in today’s healthcare settings.

The curriculum also offers flexibility through lifelong learning modules, targeting healthcare professionals seeking to update their digital skills. Designed to accommodate diverse career paths, these modules enable medical professionals, care providers, and technical staff to integrate advanced digital tools into their work, enhancing employability and supporting career growth.

A defining feature of the SUSA project is its emphasis on collaboration with key stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. Partner organizations include hospitals, research institutes, and technology providers, ensuring that students gain practical experience and exposure to real-world challenges.

"Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and so should its education system," Professor Minna Isomursu adds. "The integration of academic knowledge with industry expertise ensures our graduates are not only skilled but also ready to lead in transforming healthcare practices globally."

Supporting a Sustainable Future

Funded by Digital Europe Programme, SUSA aligns closely with European Union goals, including the European Green Deal and Digital Decade objectives, by promoting sustainable healthcare solutions through advanced education. By training a generation of professionals proficient in data-driven decision-making, the project supports long-term policy objectives such as reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing patient outcomes.

As the SUSA project launches, its first cohort of students and professionals will embark on this transformative educational journey. Feedback from participants and ecosystem partners will guide iterative improvements, ensuring the programs remain relevant and impactful in the face of rapidly changing technological advancements.

"This launch signifies the beginning of a bold journey to transform the European healthcare landscape," Professor Isomursu said. "Through the SUSA Project, we are demonstrating the power of collaboration and education to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems worldwide."

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