Hanze Hosts International Blended Intensive Program on eHealth Innovations

Hanze University of Applied Sciences recently became the epicentre of collaboration in healthcare innovation thanks to the hosting of the International Program 2025, focused on Healthy Aging from a Global Perspective. The initiative, which ran from 27 January to 7 February, concluded a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on eHealth applications, culminating in the joint presentation of cutting-edge eHealth solutions by students from eight different countries.

The programme, organised by Hanze’s School of Healthcare and Nursing, brought together 356 students ─including 62 international participants─ and  included, together with other universities, three key institutions, partners of STARS EU: Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Bremen University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and  Aleksandër Moisiu University (Albania).

Addressing global health challenges with eHealth

Throughout the programme, students explored the question ‘How can healthcare professionals contribute to the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through specific eHealth solutions?’ working in multidisciplinary teams that analysed the target populations and designed innovative interventions in the field of digital health. In addition, in their final presentations, they showcased eHealth applications aimed at addressing global health risks, and in particular cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases or diabetes.

A global learning experience

This experience not only served to expand the participating students’ knowledge of eHealth and digital health, but also to improve their communication and problem-solving skills, crucial skills that the next generations of health professionals must master.

In addition to highlighting the good atmosphere and the connection established between the different groups of students during the activity, some of the participating students, such as Jule and Luisa noted, emphasized that experiences of this type are “quite revealing”, as they allow them to share and learn about the healthcare systems in other countries.

Due to the growing role of technology in healthcare, initiatives such as the one developed at Hanze are essential to train future health and nursing professionals to address the major health challenges facing the 21st century.