Skillnet Ireland Announces Upskilling Initiative to Address the Need for Advanced Digital Skills in Healthcare Sector

Skillnet Ireland, in collaboration with a consortium of leading European academic institutions, research centres, and industry stakeholders, has launched an initiative to address the pressing need for advanced digital skills in the healthcare sector. The Sustainable Healthcare with Digital Health Data Competence initiative, also known as SUSA, will prepare professionals to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and leverage data for sustainable healthcare solutions.

The initiative will deliver 30 Bachelors, and 26 Masters degree programmes, as well as 16 standalone advanced modules in digital skills for healthcare workers. The programmes will be delivered across 12 higher education institutions from nine European countries, including University College Dublin, University of Limerick, and Trinity College Dublin. These innovative educational offerings are designed to produce 6,558 graduates and upskill 660 professionals with specialised digital competencies critical to advancing healthcare practices across Europe.

Commenting on the impact of this ambitious new initiative, Mark Jordan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, said: “This landmark initiative will have far-reaching benefits for the healthcare sector across Europe. The leading-edge upskilling provided through the SUSA project will enable healthcare professionals to harness innovative technologies, ultimately enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. As healthcare undergoes a rapid digital transformation, equipping workers with the necessary digital skills ensures they can effectively navigate new tools and processes, bridging critical skills gaps in key areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.”

An Education Model for the Digital Era

The SUSA educational framework addresses critical gaps in the healthcare sector’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 programmes of participating universities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and equipping students with real-world skills needed to work effectively in 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.

Supporting a Sustainable Future

SUSA is funded through the Digital Europe Programme and aligns closely with EU 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.

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

Its first cohort of learners will embark on this transformative educational journey. Feedback from participants and ecosystem partners will guide iterative improvements, ensuring the programmes remain relevant and impactful in the face of rapidly changing technological advancements.