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    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.

    STAFF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES DELIVERED BY PROFESSOR SHARON BROWNIE

    Federica Sorrentino

    We are pleased to announce a series of workshops with Professor Sharon Brownie, visiting professor at the University of Parma and a globally recognized expert in health education, curriculum development, and nursing leadership. These events represent a valuable opportunity for professional development and academic growth, addressing innovative and highly relevant topics for healthcare professionals.

    Professor Brownie, Professor of Nursing at Swinburne University (Australia), boasts a long and distinguished international career. She has led the development of nursing degree programs in numerous countries around the world and has made significant contributions to the training of healthcare professionals through funded research projects, indexed scientific publications, and global consultancy activities in education and capacity building.

    Her visit to Parma has been strongly supported by Professor Elena Giovanna Bignami, President of the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, and Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor in Nursing Sciences at the University of Parma. During her stay, Professor Brownie will be involved in teaching selected subjects within the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, as well as delivering a series of professional development seminars aimed at clinical tutors, academic staff, and students from the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs in Nursing.

    The workshops are open to the entire academic community, including Master’s students who are encouraged to attend in person and benefit from this unique learning opportunity.

    The workshops will take place in Aula Grande, Pavilion 27 (ground floor), with a final session scheduled in Aula 8, Polo Gramsci (first floor).
    Below is the full schedule:

    • April 4, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
      Teaching and learning: developments in interprofessional education: partnership-based service delivery
    • April 7, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
      Teaching and learning: competency-based curriculum development and assessment including tips for OSCE examiners
    • April 16, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
      Research and innovation: current and future prospectives in nursing education
    • April 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
      Research and innovation: defining your research question, developing a funding applicant & submitting an application
    • April 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
      Workforce capacity building: strengthening the healthcare workforce: the role of the nurse educator in capacity building
    • April 30, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
      Workforce capacity building: leadership and followership: nursing power to influence – Closing Workshop
      (Aula 8, Polo Gramsci)

    Highlighting the significance of this visit, Professor Antonio Bonacaro stated:

    “It is an honour and a pleasure to welcome Professor Brownie to Parma. The wealth of experience and expertise she is sharing with our academic community is of immense value, and I am confident it will spark deep reflection and meaningful change in our daily practice.”

    FULL PROGRAMME

    INAUGURATION OF THE 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR OF THE HEALTHCARE MASTER’S PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PARMA

    Federica Sorrentino

    On Monday, March 31, 2025, the Aula Magna of the University of Parma hosted the inauguration ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year of the Healthcare Master’s programs. The event, held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, was attended by distinguished representatives from the academic and healthcare sectors, along with students and professionals in the field.

    The ceremony was opened by Associate Professor of Nursing Sciences at the University of Parma, Prof. Antonio Bonacaro, who warmly welcomed the attendees. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and interprofessional training in the healthcare sector, recalling the significant legacy left by the founders of the Healthcare Master’s programs, Prof. Leopoldo Sarli and Dr. Giovanna Artioli.

    Following this, the Rector, Prof. Paolo Martelli, delivered the institutional greetings, highlighting the University of Parma’s role as a center of excellence in healthcare education and reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering research and innovation in the field.

    The central moment of the morning was the Lectio Magistralis titled “Experiencing Health Today Amidst Complexity and Societal Change in Italy”, delivered by Prof. Edoardo Manzoni, General Director at the Palazzolo Institute in Bergamo.

    In his lecture, Prof. Manzoni explored the transformation of the concept of health in contemporary society, focusing on the evolution of nursing theory and the new challenges posed by complexity and social change. He emphasized that health is no longer perceived as a static goal but as an ongoing experience, influenced by technological, economic, and cultural factors. His reflection also addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception of health and the need to rethink the very concept of well-being.

    A key aspect of the new educational offerings in the Healthcare Master’s programs is internationalization. Starting from this academic year, training sessions will be introduced in English to better prepare students for an increasingly globalized and competitive healthcare environment. Additionally, internship opportunities abroad will continue to be promoted, offering learning and exchange experiences in centers of excellence.

    The inauguration of the Healthcare Master’s programs reaffirmed the University of Parma’s commitment to training highly qualified professionals capable of tackling the new challenges of the healthcare sector with competence, sensitivity, and critical thinking. “Today, our first- and second-level Master’s programs serve as a reference point for a community of over 2,000 alumni from all over Italy, in addition to the approximately 200 new graduates we had the pleasure and honor of celebrating last week in intense and well-attended ceremonies,” noted Prof. Antonio Bonacaro.

    The event concluded with best wishes for the new academic year to all students and with the awareness that healthcare education represents a fundamental lever for building a more humane, inclusive, and innovative healthcare system.

    To watch the ceremony again, click here.

    CONCLUSION OF THE GRADUATION CEREMONIES FOR THE HEALTHCARE MASTER’S PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PARMA

    Federica Sorrentino

    The graduation ceremonies for the Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma for the 2023/24 Academic Year have officially concluded. On Friday, March 28, 2025, the final day was dedicated to students who completed their advanced education in the healthcare sector.

    The morning session featured the First-Level Master’s in “Management of Infectious Risk Related to Healthcare Assistance” and the Second-Level Master’s in “Direction/Coordination of Services for Infectious Risk Related to Healthcare.” In the afternoon, the First-Level Master’s in “Case Care Management in Hospitals and in the Community for Healthcare Professions” took center stage.

    Both sessions were introduced by Prof. Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Sciences at the University of Parma, who warmly welcomed the attendees. Following this, Prof. Leopoldo Sarli, Professor Emeritus at the University of Parma, delivered a speech titled “Healthcare: Challenges and Future Prospects.” His address provided a broad reflection on the evolution of the healthcare system, emphasizing the growing importance of an interdisciplinary and innovation-driven approach.

    Prof. Leopoldo Sarli, the creative mind behind the Healthcare Master’s programs, strongly highlighted the role of Medical Humanities, focusing on compassion and humanization in care. He stressed that these elements should be the foundational pillars of a new healthcare system, where professionals at all levels, regardless of their educational background, operate with equal dignity. Throughout the day, numerous references were made to the essential contribution of Dr. Giovanna Artioli in the development and implementation of the Healthcare Master’s programs, recognizing her as a key figure in the evolution of these educational paths.

    After each graduation, a newly graduated expert from each Master’s program shared highlights of their educational journey, emphasizing the crucial role of tutors in overcoming challenging moments and describing the skills they acquired, which will be applied in their daily clinical practice to benefit patients and communities alike.

    At the conclusion of the graduations, Prof. Antonio Bonacaro underlined the importance of specialized training in the healthcare field: “These two days allowed us to celebrate not only the achievements of our students but also the value of an education that prepares professionals to face the real challenges of modern healthcare. The future of public health relies on the competence and passion we see in these new experts today. We look forward to welcoming you on Monday, March 31, for the inauguration of the new 2024/25 Academic Year, ready to write another chapter in advanced healthcare education.”

    With this ceremony, an important academic cycle comes to an end, but a new season of growth and innovation begins for the Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma.

    FIRST PROCLAMATION CEREMONY OF THE MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN HEALTHCARE A.Y. 2023-2024

    Federica Sorrentino

    On March 24, 2025, the University of Parma hosted the first day of the proclamation ceremony for the Master’s Programs in Healthcare, an event marking a significant academic achievement for many healthcare professionals. The day was divided into two sessions: the morning session from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the afternoon session from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, welcoming students, faculty, and family members in an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride for the journey completed.

    The ceremony was opened by Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Sciences, who delivered a welcome speech to the graduates, emphasizing the value of their academic path and the crucial role they will play in the future of healthcare:

    “Dear Students, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you on this special day to the ceremony celebrating an important academic milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in your professional lives. It is an honor to acknowledge, in the presence of your loved ones, the dedication, determination, and passion that have distinguished you throughout your studies. I am certain that the knowledge and skills you have acquired will significantly guide your professional practice and help make our communities safer and more attentive to the needs of the most vulnerable and those in need of care.”

    These words reinforced the importance of advanced education and the responsibility that healthcare professionals carry in their daily work.

    The institutional moment was further enriched by an address from Professor Ovidio Bussolati, Full Professor of General Pathology, titled: “Healthcare: Challenges and Future Perspectives?” His speech provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving dynamics in the healthcare sector and the essential skills needed to navigate these changes.

    Morning Session

    The morning session was dedicated to the following Master’s Programs:

    First-Level Master’s Degrees:

    • Palliative Care and Pain Therapy for Healthcare Professions
    • Family and Community Nursing and Integrated Care for Public Health

    Second-Level Master’s Degree:

    • Educational Strategies in Social and Healthcare Fields: European Standards and Innovation

    Afternoon Session

    The afternoon session focused on the First-Level Master’s Degree in Critical Care Nursing.

    Following the proclamation, a student representative from each program delivered a closing speech, sharing their academic journey, the skills they acquired, and how they plan to apply them in their future professions. These heartfelt and meaningful speeches highlighted the importance of highly specialized education tailored to professional realities.

    This first proclamation day was not only a moment of celebration but also a reflection on the future of healthcare and the significance of continuous, multidisciplinary education. The graduates, equipped with their newly acquired skills, are now ready to actively contribute to the advancement of the healthcare sector, upholding the values of excellence and human-centered care that define the Master’s Programs in Healthcare at the University of Parma.

    A heartfelt congratulations to all for their future careers!

    HEALTH LITERACY: THE ROLE OF HEALTH EDUCATION

    Federica Sorrentino

    Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to obtain, process, and understand essential health information in order to make appropriate decisions regarding their well-being. A high level of health literacy is associated with better health outcomes, greater adherence to treatments, and a reduction in hospitalizations.

    Effective communication between doctors and patients is crucial to ensuring adherence to prescribed treatments. A patient’s ability to understand medical instructions and their trust in healthcare professionals significantly impact the effectiveness of therapies. Studies have shown that low health literacy can lead to poor adherence to treatments, increasing the risk of complications and hospital admissions. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare professionals to adopt clear communication strategies tailored to the patient’s level of understanding.

    The rise of digital technologies has made health information more accessible; however, not everyone has the necessary skills to navigate the digital world effectively. The digital divide represents the disparity in access to and use of information and communication technologies. This gap can limit some individuals’ ability to obtain accurate and up-to-date health information, negatively affecting their ability to make informed health decisions. Furthermore, a lack of digital skills may prevent effective use of telemedicine tools and other online healthcare resources, exacerbating existing inequalities.

    To address challenges related to health literacy and the digital divide, targeted strategies are needed:
    • Health education: Implementing programs to improve the understanding of health information.
    • Digital training: Offering courses to develop digital skills, facilitating access to healthcare resources, and promoting critical use of available information.
    • Accessible communication: Using simple language and visual tools in healthcare communications to ensure information is understandable for all.
    • Community engagement: Collaborating with local organizations to disseminate health information and provide support, creating a network that fosters healthy behaviors.

    Health literacy is a key skill for professionals in the sector, who must be able to convey information clearly and comprehensibly to patients, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application. The Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma offer advanced training courses that include the development of skills in health communication, therapeutic education, and the use of digital technologies in healthcare.

    Through a multidisciplinary approach and innovative teaching methods, these Master’s programs prepare professionals to become agents of change, improving access to care and promoting a more equitable, digital, and inclusive healthcare system.

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