Program Overview

Introduction to the Educational Program

The University of Thessaly's Center for Training and Lifelong Learning introduces a new training program titled "Horizontal Education in Digital Tools for Doctors and Nurses of Reference Centers." This program aims to address the challenges posed by an aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the need to reduce hospital care, and the necessity to decrease healthcare costs. The development of home care and the utilization of new technologies in the context of telecare are crucial in this regard.

Purpose

The primary objective of this educational program is to educate and upgrade the digital skills of doctors and nurses regarding the management of essential tools for the pilot and operational functioning of NOSPI - Hospital Care at Home. The role of telemedicine is pivotal in such programs.

Program Description

The "NOSPI" program develops hospital care services at home for patients with complex health problems. The project's goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families, reduce readmissions and costs, alleviate hospital congestion, and prevent hospital-acquired infections, all while leveraging technology that allows for remote monitoring and adherence to long-term treatment. At the core of NOSPI is the safe organization of a well-structured support network by specialized personnel, as well as the development of informational and digital infrastructures for remote monitoring, interoperability with existing information systems, and support for interdisciplinary clinical decisions at Reference Centers.

Target Audience

This training program is designed for:

• Graduate health professionals
• Doctors and nurses from NOSPI Reference Centers

Training Methodology

The program is implemented through distance learning.

Important Dates

• Registration Period: Until February 20, 2026
• Start of Training: March 2026
• End of Training: May 2026

Scientific Responsibility

The scientific and academic responsibility of the program is undertaken by Mr. Charalambos Karanikas, Associate Professor of Medical Informatics and Electronic Health Systems at the Department of Informatics with Applications in Biomedicine, University of Thessaly.

Program Details

The program focuses on enhancing the digital competencies of healthcare professionals, particularly in managing and utilizing digital tools for home hospital care. It emphasizes the importance of telemedicine in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care remotely. By participating in this program, healthcare professionals will gain the necessary skills to effectively use digital tools, contributing to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced overall efficiency of the healthcare system.