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RICHIEDI INFORMAZIONI REQUEST INFORMATION
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    CLINICAL RESEARCH: THE ENGINE OF HEALTHCARE INNOVATION

    Federica Sorrentino

    In an era where medicine is increasingly called upon to face complex challenges, clinical research stands as an essential tool to ensure quality, effectiveness, and safety in healthcare practices.

    Research is no longer a field reserved for a select few specialists: today, all healthcare professionals are expected to develop skills in collecting, interpreting, and applying scientific evidence. The ability to critically reflect on one’s work, analyze clinical data, compare approaches, and measure outcomes is what transforms care into a truly dynamic process, one that continuously evolves and improves. Doing research means cultivating a critical mindset—one capable of asking meaningful questions rooted in everyday clinical experience.

    It is within this perspective that the training offered by the Healthcare Master’s programs at the University of Parma is positioned. Here, clinical research is not a separate activity from practice, but an integrated tool for learning and professional growth. Through project work, thesis development, methodological workshops, and research mentoring, students are guided along a scientific development path that is practice-oriented and aimed at solving real-world problems.

    Promoting research also means fostering a cultural shift within healthcare organizations: moving beyond the automatic repetition of procedures, valuing best practices, and critically addressing the limitations of existing models. A healthcare system grounded in research is a system that is fairer, more transparent, and more effective. In a socio-health system that aspires to quality, safety, and human-centered care, healthcare professionals cannot simply apply knowledge—they must also help generate it. This is why the Healthcare Master’s programs are committed to training professionals capable of producing knowledge.

    Understanding the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative research, designing a study, critically reading scientific articles, using outcome and quality indicators, participating in research networks—these are just some of the essential skills required today by those working in clinical, educational, and healthcare management settings. Training in research means contributing to the construction of professional knowledge, improving care, and—above all—giving voice to people’s real needs.

    COMMUNICATING WITH PATIENTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: EMPATHY MEETS TECHNOLOGY

    Federica Sorrentino

    In the era of digital healthcare, the way we communicate with patients is undergoing profound changes. Digital portals, electronic health records, symptom-tracking apps, and intelligent chatbots are becoming everyday tools in care management. While these innovations improve accessibility, traceability, and service efficiency, they also raise a crucial question: how can we preserve the human connection in clinical communication?

    Despite the growing use of technology, active listening, personalized care, and empathy remain at the heart of the healthcare professional–patient relationship. Communication in healthcare is never just an exchange of information; it is a delicate process rooted in emotional understanding, trust, and shared decision-making. Digital tools should not replace human contact—they must support and enhance it.

    Chatbots and virtual assistants can provide quick answers and guide patients, but they cannot grasp emotional nuances, interpret unspoken concerns, or manage vulnerability. Healthcare professionals must therefore learn to integrate these tools into their clinical practice while maintaining the ability to interpret context, tailor language, and support patients through uncertainty. In this evolving landscape, digital literacy—the ability to critically and responsibly understand and use technology—joins interpersonal skills as an essential component of healthcare professionalism.

    The Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma pay close attention to these transformations. Their goal is to prepare professionals who can combine technological expertise with empathy, fully aware that every interaction—even when mediated by a platform—is an opportunity to build trust, listen deeply, and provide care. Future healthcare professionals must be able to master digital tools without ever forgetting that at the heart of every act of care, there is always a person.

    INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PROF. ANTONIO BONACARO: AWARDED THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN TRANSCULTURAL NURSING ASSOCIATION

    Federica Sorrentino

    During the 10th International Conference of the European Transcultural Nursing Association (ETNA), recently held in Budapest, Professor Antonio Bonacaro – Associate Professor of Nursing Science at the University of Parma and coordinator of the Healthcare Master’s programs – was awarded the prestigious ETNA Fellowship. This is the highest honor conferred by the Association to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of health from a transcultural perspective.

    The award celebrates an academic and scientific journey marked by consistency and vision, built over more than a decade of international activity. Professor Bonacaro has passionately dedicated himself to the development of care models that are sensitive to cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. His work has taken shape through teaching, research, and the design of educational programs that promote equity, inclusivity, and intercultural dialogue.

    ETNA emphasized the value of Professor Bonacaro’s contribution, describing him as a shining example of nursing leadership committed to social justice and the creation of truly accessible healthcare systems for all communities. At a time when health systems are increasingly interconnected, transcultural competence is emerging as a fundamental pillar for ensuring quality, safety, and the humanization of care.

    The award aligns with the broader mission of the University of Parma’s Healthcare Master’s programs, which promote advanced education that is attuned to global challenges and inspired by the values of openness, respect, and pluralism. The focus on the cultural dimension of care – integrated into the educational content of the Master’s programs – equips professionals with the awareness and responsibility needed to operate effectively in today’s multicultural environments.

    “Receiving this recognition from an important association like ETNA is not only a great honor for me,” said Professor Antonio Bonacaro, “but also a strong encouragement to continue pursuing my commitment to a truly intercultural nursing education, rooted in the values of respect, dialogue, and compassionate care.”

    ADMISSION NOTICE FOR HEALTHCARE MASTER’S PROGRAMS – ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026

    Federica Sorrentino

    The University of Parma has published the admission notice for its Healthcare Master’s Programs for the 2025/2026 academic year. Starting from July 2, 2025, it will be possible to apply for the first- and second-level Master’s courses designed to address the latest challenges in the healthcare and social care systems, with an up-to-date, interdisciplinary, and innovation-oriented educational offering.
    Applications will remain open until January 30, 2026.

    The Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma are a benchmark in advanced training for healthcare professionals. These programs are developed in close collaboration with clinical, academic, and institutional partners, and aim to strengthen participants’ clinical, organizational, managerial, educational, and interpersonal skills.

    Educational Offer for 2025/2026

    First-Level Master’s Programs:

    • Case/Care Management in Hospitals and Community Settings for Healthcare Professions
    • Palliative Care and Pain Therapy for Healthcare Professions
    • Family and Community Nursing and Integrated Care for Public Health
    • Critical Care Nursing
    • Management of Healthcare-Associated Infection Risk

    Second-Level Master’s Programs:

    • Leadership/Coordination of Services for Healthcare-Associated Infection Risk
    • Educational Strategies in the Social and Healthcare Fields; European Standards and Innovation

    The programs are designed to support the balance between study and work, with a predominantly online learning format featuring live-streamed lectures. Strong emphasis is placed on personalized learning paths through tutoring, project work, and research thesis development.

    The Healthcare Master’s Programs remain a dynamic, inclusive, and constantly evolving initiative, committed to training a new generation of healthcare professionals capable of combining technical expertise with ethical vision.

    ADMISSION NOTICE

    CYBERSECURITY IN DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

    Federica Sorrentino

    With the increasing digitalization of the healthcare sector, cybersecurity has become a strategic priority. Electronic health records, remote monitoring systems, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine improve the efficiency and accessibility of care, but at the same time expose the system to new risks: cyberattacks, privacy breaches, and disruptions of critical infrastructure.

    Protecting healthcare data means safeguarding not only personal information but also the fundamental right to health. Clinical data are among the most sensitive of all: their loss, alteration, or improper disclosure can compromise diagnoses, treatments, and the trust between patients and the healthcare system.

    Cybersecurity in healthcare requires an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, combining technological, legal, organizational, and ethical competencies. It is essential to build robust data governance, implement resilient and up-to-date systems, establish incident response plans, and raise awareness among all system actors — from top management to clinical staff — about the correct and secure use of technology.

    Training plays a key role in this process: healthcare professionals must be prepared to act responsibly in the digital world as well. This means acquiring specific skills in information security management, device protection, and the adoption of conscious behaviors. The Master’s programs in Healthcare at the University of Parma address these new challenges by offering an updated educational model that integrates technological innovation with ethical responsibility.

    Because taking care of health today also means defending the digital security of systems and individuals. In an age where data is an integral part of the care relationship, investing in cybersecurity means investing in the quality, integrity, and sustainability of the healthcare system.

    GAMIFICATION AND HEALTHCARE TRAINING: INNOVATING LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

    Federica Sorrentino

    In recent years, the field of healthcare education has seen a growing interest in innovative teaching approaches, among which gamification stands out. Gamification refers to the application of game-like dynamics in non-game contexts, such as teaching and clinical training. This approach combines active engagement, motivation, and experiential learning, contributing to the development of essential skills for healthcare professionals.

    The use of gamification in healthcare goes beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. It supports the development of cross-disciplinary skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, stress management, quick decision-making, and effective communication. Through realistic scenarios and challenges, learners are exposed to complex situations that require critical thinking and adaptability, all within a safe and dynamic environment.

    This methodology can be effectively integrated with emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), which allow for immersive representations of clinical settings and highly realistic simulations of care practices. The Master’s programs in Healthcare at the University of Parma are fully aligned with this evolution, promoting a training model that values experiential and interdisciplinary learning. The goal is to prepare healthcare professionals who are not only technically skilled but also equipped to handle real-life scenarios with autonomy, awareness, and a collaborative spirit.

    In this context, play is not just a tool — it is a meaningful educational strategy.

    THE HEALTHCARE MASTER’S PROGRAMS AT THE CEU 2025 CONGRESS

    Federica Sorrentino

    From May 8th to 10th, 2025, the city of Rimini hosted the fourth edition of the CEU – Emergency and Urgency Culture Congress, promoted by the Emergency and Urgency Foundation (FEU). This nationally significant event was created with the aim of raising public awareness about emergency and urgent care issues, while fostering dialogue among healthcare professionals, institutions, and citizens to build a more responsive, cohesive, and sustainable healthcare system.

    During the congress, the work carried out by students of the Master’s Program in Critical Care Nursing at the University of Parma was also presented. These projects were developed as part of their Project Work activities under the supervision of research tutors Dr. Elisa La Malfa, Dr. Maria Bertuol, and Dr. Fabio Mozzarelli.

    The students’ contributions addressed key issues in improving emergency care, with a particular focus on strategies to optimize clinical practice. These projects are a clear demonstration of the Master’s Program’s educational quality, combining academic rigor with current professional relevance. Participation in CEU 2025 provided both meaningful recognition of the students’ efforts and a valuable opportunity to engage with a professional community dedicated to transforming the emergency care system.

    Once again, the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma reaffirm their role as hubs of innovation, preparing professionals equipped with the skills, vision, and collaborative spirit needed to meet the challenges of both today and tomorrow.

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH PROF. TAIS VERNAGLIA

    Federica Sorrentino

    A new international event is on the horizon for the Master’s in Healthcare community at the University of Parma. As part of its academic cooperation and scientific exchange activities, a series of meetings will take place on June 18–19, 2025, led by Prof. Tais Vernaglia, PhD in Mental Health and Director of the “Alfredo Pinto” School of Nursing at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro—the oldest nursing school in Brazil.

    The initiative is open to undergraduate nursing students as well as those enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences. This is a valuable opportunity to explore topics of major global relevance, with a special focus on the Brazilian healthcare system and international nursing education.

    Schedule of Meetings:

    Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Title: Insights from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s Oldest School of Nursing
    An introduction and open discussion with Prof. Vernaglia, who will provide insights into the evolution of nursing in Brazil, the structure and mission of the historic Alfredo Pinto School of Nursing, and the role of mental health in education and clinical practice.

    Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Title: Public Health Policies in Brazil: The Role of the Nursing Profession
    A deep dive into Brazil’s public health policies and the pivotal role of the nursing profession in their implementation. The session will explore the strategic contribution of nurses in the context of global health, especially in light of recent healthcare challenges.

    Both meetings will be held in Room 1 of the “Biotechnology Center” building (Via Volturno 39, Parma).

    This initiative aligns with the strategic direction of the Master’s in Healthcare programs, which have consistently emphasized the international dimension of education and the promotion of intercultural dialogue in healthcare. Encounters with internationally renowned experts like Prof. Vernaglia enrich students’ learning journeys and strengthen the University’s global academic network.

    PROGRAM

    June 14 – World Blood Donor Day

    Federica Sorrentino

    Today, June 14, marks World Blood Donor Day, promoted by the World Health Organization under the 2025 slogan: “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.” This date highlights the vital importance of voluntary blood donation in ensuring safe and readily available blood supplies—an essential resource in emergencies, medical treatments, and cancer care.

    According to the WHO, a single unit of blood can save up to three lives, demonstrating the profound impact of donors’ generosity. Yet, many parts of the world still face blood shortages, with serious consequences for healthcare systems. In Italy, numerous organizations actively promote the donation of whole blood and blood components, playing a crucial role in supporting the National Health Service. This life-saving act not only protects patients’ health but also strengthens community solidarity.

    The Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma incorporate these values into their educational framework, particularly emphasizing the role of donation as an integral part of prevention, healthcare risk management, and collective well-being.

    The academic and cultural commitment to blood donation reflects the ethical and social dimensions embedded in the training path, preparing future professionals to view donation as a responsible and necessary act—one that sustains the life of increasingly interconnected communities.

    ONLINE RECORDINGS OF MEETINGS WITH PROF. SHARON BROWNIE NOW AVAILABLE

    Federica Sorrentino

    The training series led by Prof. Sharon Brownie continues. She is a Visiting Professor of Nursing at the University of Parma and a distinguished figure in international healthcare leadership.

    Each week, recordings of the meetings from this series are published on the Master in Healthcare YouTube channel. Four videos are already available and can be freely accessed by professionals, students, and educators in the healthcare field.

    The sessions address key strategic topics for the future of healthcare, including:

    • Teaching and learning: developments in interprofessional education—partnership-based service delivery (link)
    • Teaching and learning: competency-based curriculum development and assessment, including tips for OSCE examiners (link)
    • Research and innovation: current and future perspectives in nursing education (link)
    • Research and innovation: defining your research question, developing a funding application & submitting an application (link)

    This series represents a valuable professional development opportunity, designed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals with an international and interdisciplinary approach.

    Stay tuned! A new video will be uploaded every week to further enrich the shared educational resources of the Master in Healthcare programs.

    “Sharing knowledge is the first step toward building a more informed, equitable, and global healthcare system. We are pleased to offer high-quality content thanks to our collaboration with Prof. Brownie, to whom we extend our sincere thanks for her valuable contribution”, said Prof. Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Parma.

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