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RICHIEDI INFORMAZIONI REQUEST INFORMATION
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    Author: Federica Sorrentino

    ICLN: A TRAINING RESPONSE TO REGULATORY AND PROFESSIONAL NEEDS

    Federica Sorrentino

    In recent years, the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) has become an essential priority for all advanced healthcare systems. The growing need for specialized professionals who can act as a bridge between healthcare management and care staff has made it necessary to establish an official, recognized training program aligned with the Italian regulatory framework.

    The role of the Infection Control Link Nurse (ICLN), already present in many national and international clinical settings, has often operated without a formalized training pathway, leaving a significant gap between the required and certified competencies.

    Thanks to the regulatory support provided by Ministerial Decree of July 27, 2000, Law 42/1999, and Law 251/2000, the University of Parma – within its Healthcare Master’s Programs – has designed and launched the Postgraduate and Advanced Training Course in Infection Control Link Nurse, the first of its kind in Italy.

    Why was the ICLN Course created?
    • To fill a training gap in the specialized education of professionals already working in healthcare settings;
    • To provide a concrete response to the demand for certified competencies in infection control;
    • To offer a structured, rigorous, and up-to-date training model, clearly distinct from the many non-accredited short courses currently available on the market.

    The course is based on evidence-based competencies, combining theoretical and practical modules with the development of a project work or experiential internship, ensuring that learning is truly applicable in clinical contexts.
    The Infection Control Link Nurse thus becomes a strategic figure in promoting patient safety, reducing the risk of infection, and disseminating high-quality care practices.

    MAY 12 – INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY: CELEBRATING CARE, COMPETENCE, AND HUMANITY

    Federica Sorrentino

    Today, May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, commemorating the birth of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. This occasion is not only a symbolic tribute but also a moment of deep reflection on the irreplaceable role that nurses play every day within the healthcare system.

    Nurses are often the first professionals patients come into contact with, serving as a constant point of reference throughout the entire care journey. With competence, empathy, a spirit of service, and resilience, they contribute daily to health promotion, prevention, chronic disease management, and care in the most complex situations, including global health emergencies.

    In this context, the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma have long been committed to supporting the professional growth of nurses by promoting an advanced, multidisciplinary, and innovation-oriented educational model. These programs are designed to enhance the clinical, managerial, educational, and interpersonal skills of those working in the field, while also emphasizing the ethical and human dimensions of care.

    “Celebrating this day means recognizing the central role of the profession closest to individuals and communities. Nurses are often silent yet essential protagonists of the entire healthcare system. Our Master’s programs aim to train professionals capable of blending science with humanity, clinical rigor with attentive listening, and technology with meaningful relationships. I wish all nurses a wonderful and meaningful day of celebration and reflection,” said Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Science and coordinator of the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma.

    In this spirit, the University reaffirms its commitment to promoting a culture of health based on the value of relationships, care, and shared knowledge.

    UNIVERSITY OF PARMA: LAUNCH OF THE ADVANCED TRAINING COURSE IN INFECTION CONTROL LINK NURSE (ICLN)

    Federica Sorrentino

    As part of its Healthcare Master’s programs, the University of Parma is launching the first Advanced Training and Specialization Course in Infection Control Link Nurse (ICLN) in Italy—a unique program designed to provide advanced training for healthcare professionals in the prevention and management of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The ICLN plays a key role in the modern healthcare system, acting as a vital link between infection control teams and frontline clinical staff, significantly contributing to reducing infection risks and improving patient outcomes.

    Equipped with technical expertise, clinical skills, organizational abilities, and leadership qualities, the ICLN is a reference figure in promoting patient safety and excellence in care.

    The aim of the course is to train professionals capable of promoting the adoption and ongoing update of best practices through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.

    The call for applications will be published in June 2025, with the application deadline set for the end of July 2025.
    Enrollment is scheduled for September 2025, and the course will run from October 2025 to February 2026.
    The program lasts four months and will be delivered online in synchronous mode on Thursdays and Fridays, on alternating weeks, to accommodate working students.
    The total cost is €900, payable in two installments (€500 + €400). Five auditor slots are available at a reduced cost of €600.
    Upon completion of the course, participants will earn 30 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).

    Admission is granted without a selection exam, subject to availability, to candidates holding one of the following:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Midwifery, or equivalent qualifications
    • Health Assistant qualification obtained under the old academic system
    • Degree in Environmental and Workplace Prevention Techniques
    • Diplomas and equivalent qualifications in accordance with current legislation

    The curriculum includes 100 hours of lectures and 125 hours dedicated to either an optional internship or the development of a project work, which can be carried out within the participant’s own healthcare organization or another selected institution.
    At the end of the course, students will be required to submit a final paper focusing on a topic of particular relevance to their professional interests.

    Key modules include:

    • Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance
    • Evidence-based prevention strategies and dissemination methods
    • Clinical governance and quality of care
    • Team leadership and professional networking

    Special emphasis is placed on developing skills for managing organizational change and building collaborative professional networks.

    “The launch of this course is a concrete and strategic response to the growing need for integrating clinical, organizational, and communication skills in infection risk management. The Infection Control Link Nurse acts as a bridge—translating scientific evidence into daily good practices while engaging sensitively and authoritatively with multidisciplinary care teams. Training these professionals means investing in quality and safety in healthcare, enhancing the proactive role of every healthcare worker in infection prevention and in fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” said Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Sciences at the University of Parma and Course Director.

    Link to the course

    MAY 5 – WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY: A SIMPLE GESTURE, A VITAL ACTION

    Federica Sorrentino

    May 5 marks World Hand Hygiene Day, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the global campaign “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands.” It is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of a simple yet essential gesture for the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and communities.

    Hand hygiene is one of the cornerstones of preventing healthcare-associated infections, a topic that is increasingly relevant across all clinical and care settings. International data confirm that proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of infections, thereby contributing to the safety and quality of healthcare.

    At the University of Parma’s Healthcare Master’s programs, education on hand hygiene is not merely a technical procedure but an act of ethical and professional responsibility. Correct implementation of hygiene practices requires knowledge, awareness, and a culture of prevention. Each year, the WHO’s “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands” initiative highlights the importance of adhering to hand hygiene guidelines, engaging healthcare facilities, universities, professionals, and students around the world.

    Graduates of the Healthcare Master’s programs are called upon to be active agents of change: promoters of proper behavior, educators within their professional environments, and advocates for a culture of safety. Because hand hygiene is not only an individual act—it is a collective commitment that begins with training and is reflected in daily practice.

    THE FUTURE OF HOME HEALTHCARE

    Federica Sorrentino

    Home healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation, becoming a cornerstone of a more humane, sustainable, and technologically advanced healthcare system. This shift is driven by several factors: an aging population, the rise in chronic diseases, and the opportunities offered by new technologies.

    The transition from a hospital-centered model to one based on home care is now a reality. According to recent studies, home healthcare services have been shown to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions by 30%, while also improving patient comfort and quality of life.
    Moreover, adopting home-based care significantly reduces healthcare costs, offering a more economical alternative to hospital stays.

    Digitalization is revolutionizing home healthcare. The introduction of tools such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and dedicated mobile applications is radically transforming the approach to home care, making treatments more responsive and personalized. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and predictive systems in home health management could lead to faster diagnoses and more timely interventions.

    This new landscape requires healthcare professionals with up-to-date and cross-disciplinary skills. Clinical training alone is no longer sufficient: proficiency in digital tools, the ability to work within multidisciplinary teams, and strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients and their families are all essential.
    The Master’s programs in Healthcare at the University of Parma address these needs, offering educational paths that integrate technological innovation and ethical reflection, preparing healthcare professionals capable of combining efficiency with empathy, and innovation with responsibility.

    Home healthcare represents a concrete response to the challenges of modern medicine. Investing in this model means promoting care that is closer to the patient, more efficient, and more sustainable. It is an opportunity to build a healthcare system that places the person at its center, leveraging technology as a tool in service of humanity.

    INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION: A KEY COMPETENCE FOR TODAY’S HEALTHCARE

    Federica Sorrentino

    In an increasingly complex social and healthcare landscape, interprofessional communication is a crucial element for ensuring quality, safety, and effectiveness in care delivery. Collaboration does not simply mean working side by side—it means building a common language, sharing goals and strategies, and recognizing the value of the various professional roles involved in the care process.

    Communication among doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, healthcare technicians, social workers, and other professionals cannot be left to chance. It must be trained, structured, and emphasized within educational pathways, so that it becomes a true cross-disciplinary skill.

    In the Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma, interprofessional communication is an integral part of the curriculum. Through lectures, practical exercises, simulations, and group work, students learn to communicate effectively within care teams, developing relational skills, empathy, active listening, and conflict management.

    The goal is to train professionals who are able to operate competently in multidisciplinary settings, promoting a collaborative and integrated approach. Numerous scientific studies show that effective communication among health professionals not only improves patient satisfaction, but also clinical outcomes and organizational efficiency.

    In an era where healthcare must confront complex challenges—from population aging and chronic diseases to technological innovation and sustainability—investing in interprofessional communication means strengthening team cohesion and maximizing the value of every professional skill in service of the patient.

    DIGITAL ETHICS IN HEALTHCARE: A CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGE BETWEEN INNOVATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

    Federica Sorrentino

    Digital innovation is radically transforming the world of healthcare: electronic health records, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, wearable devices, and predictive systems are just some of the technologies reshaping the relationship between healthcare professionals and patients. However, alongside these significant advancements, a crucial issue is gaining increasing attention: digital ethics.

    Digital ethics in healthcare refers to the set of values, principles, and responsibilities that guide the use of digital technologies in clinical, care, and management settings. At the heart of this reflection lies the need to ensure respect for human dignity, the protection of sensitive data, equity of access, and the humanization of care—even in contexts increasingly mediated by technology.

    Today’s healthcare professionals are called not only to understand and use new technologies, but also to grasp the ethical implications of their application. Education and training in this area are therefore essential. The ability to use digital tools with awareness, respect, and critical thinking is now an integral part of the skillset required of 21st-century healthcare providers.

    The Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma are positioned within this evolving landscape by promoting advanced training that integrates technological innovation with ethical reflection. The educational path is designed to prepare healthcare professionals capable of balancing efficiency and empathy, innovation and responsibility, through an interdisciplinary approach that also includes topics such as bioethics, philosophy of care, and digital health.

    In an era where technology evolves faster than regulation, digital ethics becomes a vital compass to guide decisions, actions, and healthcare policies. Because true innovation in healthcare is not just about what can be done—but about what should be done.

    THE HEALTHCARE MASTER’S PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PARMA LAND ON LINKEDIN AND YOUTUBE

    Federica Sorrentino

    The Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma have officially launched their presence on LinkedIn and YouTube. These two platforms represent a natural step forward in consolidating a dynamic and interconnected professional community, while promoting the visibility of educational, scientific, and institutional activities.

    LinkedIn is now a key hub for academic and professional communication, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, and research.
    Visual communication has become central in the world of education. For this reason, the Healthcare Master’s programs have also launched an official YouTube channel, which will host in-depth videos, conferences, events, interviews, and educational clips.
    The channel will be regularly updated and will offer an open window into the teaching and research taking place within the Master’s programs, promoting knowledge dissemination in an accessible and innovative format.

    Joining LinkedIn and YouTube strengthens the digital communication strategy of the Healthcare Master’s programs, which are already successfully active on Facebook and Instagram. This move aligns with the programs’ international and inclusive approach, aiming to:

    • Enhance the accessibility of the educational offering
    • Provide on-demand content

    This new digital presence represents a platform for exchange, reflection, and cultural promotion, where key players in healthcare education can engage, share experiences, and grow together.

    “The Healthcare Master’s programs are much more than educational paths: they are spaces for building identity, culture, and professional growth. Expanding to platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube is a way to broaden the conversation, share expertise, and stay connected to a large and ever-evolving community,” said Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Sciences at the University of Parma.

    BUILDING CONNECTIONS, EVEN FROM A DISTANCE: THE VALUE OF SOCIALIZATION IN HEALTHCARE MASTER’S PROGRAMS

    Federica Sorrentino

    In recent years, online education has become an increasingly popular model, offering flexibility and access to high-quality programs for students and professionals alike. However, one of the most challenging aspects of distance learning is fostering genuine human connections among participants—an essential component for a complete and engaging educational experience.

    At the University of Parma’s Healthcare Master’s programs, we recognize the importance of the social dimension in both academic study and professional growth. That’s why, at the beginning of each program, we dedicate time to group socialization—an essential opportunity for new students to get to know one another, connect with their peers, and develop a sense of belonging within the academic community.

    While online learning allows us to overcome geographical boundaries—bringing together students from across Italy and abroad—it can sometimes reduce the spontaneous interactions that typically occur in in-person settings. To prevent the learning experience from becoming overly individualistic, we have designed an initial phase focused on socialization and networking. This moment provides a space to share experiences, expectations, and goals. It marks the starting point of a learning journey where dialogue and collaboration are key elements of the educational process.

    Fostering a strong sense of community is not only valuable during the course of study—it’s an asset that endures over time. Students in our Master’s programs become part of a network of healthcare professionals, a network that can serve as an important resource for professional development, knowledge exchange, and the building of future work collaborations.

    Each student brings with them a unique set of experiences, skills, and perspectives. In our Healthcare Master’s programs, we believe that the value of learning lies not only in academic content but also in peer interaction and sharing. Our commitment is to create a dynamic and collaborative environment where every participant can feel like an active part of a study group and a growing professional community.

    KICK-OFF FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE FOR ACADEMIC TUTORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PARMA

    Federica Sorrentino

    Who says only students have to study? Tutors are going back to school too! Officially starting today, April 7, 2025, the Professional Development Course for Academic Tutors is a professional development program designed to enhance and strengthen the skills of those who play a key role in supporting students throughout their university journey.

    Organized as part of the Master’s Program in Educational Strategies at the University of Parma, the course consists of a series of sessions running from April to June 2025. It is aimed at individuals involved in tutoring activities who wish to update their skills in a structured and officially recognized way.

    The main objective: to equip participants with innovative teaching strategies and modern tools for inclusive, collaborative, and student-centered education. Ongoing professional development for teaching and support staff is essential in meeting the educational challenges of an ever-evolving academic landscape.

    Upon completion of the course, participants will have the opportunity to obtain an official certification of the skills acquired, recognized both nationally and internationally.

    The course has been designed and will be delivered by nationally and internationally renowned faculty members. It will also include dedicated tutoring activities to allow students to demonstrate the development of core competencies essential for cutting-edge teaching practices.

    “The academic tutor is a fundamental resource—a facilitator of the educational relationship and the learning process. This course is a testament to the University’s commitment to academic tutors and recognition of the value of their work. Moreover, it reflects the joint commitment of the University of Parma and the local Health Authorities, which support the delivery of health-related degree programs, to nurture key resources in service of our students,” stated Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Science at the University of Parma.

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