An experience of international training, innovation, and sharing: this was the spirit that characterized the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) "Future-Proofing Chronic Care: Professional Digital Skills," hosted by the University of Florence, which brought together students and faculty from four European countries.
The project, carried out in collaboration with the Poznań University of Medical Sciences (Poland), the Escola Superior de Saúde Atlântica – ESSATLA (Portugal), and the University of Cologne (Germany), focused on the challenges related to the management of chronic diseases, exploring the role of technological innovation, digital skills, and integrated care models in improving healthcare services.
The training program consisted of an initial phase of online lessons, dedicated to exploring the project's key themes, followed by a week of in-person activities in Florence, during which participants had the opportunity to connect their acquired knowledge with concrete experiences and opportunities for interdisciplinary discussion.
The Florentine week, held from the 14th to the 18th, represented the heart of the experience, thanks to a program that alternated lectures, meetings with experts, and visits to organizations working in the healthcare and innovation sectors.
The first day was dedicated to exploring how innovation enters healthcare through research. In the morning, Professor Monika Urbaniak addressed the topic of "Legislative aspects of clinical trials in Poland" and Professor Aleksandra Dànczal-Pazdrowska discussed "AI research in dermatology." In the afternoon, a visit to the Don Gnocchi Foundation provided an insight into the role of technology in rehabilitation.
The next day was dedicated to how IVR is changing the world of training in healthcare. Experts from WitAPP spoke, and the European caregIVR project was presented.
On the final day, a meeting with bioMérieux offered a glimpse into innovative diagnostic solutions (photo 2). A visit to a day center for people with Alzheimer's disease also provided an important opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of the care needs of those with chronic conditions and the value of an integrated, person-centered approach.
In addition to its educational dimension, the project placed ample space for cultural exchange and the building of new relationships. Group activities, moments of socialization, and opportunities spent discovering Florence's artistic and cultural heritage fostered a continuous exchange of ideas, experiences, and traditions. Sharing everyday life helped overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, creating an inclusive and stimulating environment in which new friendships were formed and bonds between participants were strengthened.
The BIP thus represented much more than a simple academic program: it was an opportunity for personal and professional growth, combining the acquisition of new skills with the value of international collaboration. It was an experience that fully embodied the Erasmus+ spirit, leaving participants not only with new knowledge, but also with shared memories, friendships, and a greater awareness of the importance of discussion and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected European context.
