The 4D Project aimed to introduce mobile technology in practice placements, creating a bridge between the various actors involved in learning contexts to enhance the experience of practice-based learning in healthcare settings. This goal was addressed through the following five main objectives: 1. To identify key factors and elements: The project sought to determine the critical factors (practice-based learning models) and the essential elements (diffusion of innovation theories) required for the successful introduction of mobile technology into practice placements. 2. To co-design a mobile learning application: A mobile app was designed to ensure the successful adoption of mobile technology in practice-based learning, reflecting the core values and needs of its users. 3. To promote digitalization and provide training: The project introduced digital tools and trained participating institutions through workshops and tutorials to enable effective adoption of the app. 4. To pilot and assess the mobile learning solution: The use of mobile learning in practice placements in healthcare higher education was tested and evaluated across three European countries. 5. To disseminate findings.
Contemporary health systems focus on integrated, person-centered care, where technology became a standard in care delivery. In this context, healthcare Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) introduce the use of technology in their degree programs to develop students' digital health skills, equipping them for future workplaces. Especially in practice placement scenarios, the introduction of mobile technology helps to achieve competencies by identifying learning needs, the context where the practices were carried out, their purpose or objectives, the methods of assessing students, the practice education model, and the actors involved. The 4D Project (Determinants, Design, Digitalization, Dissemination) in the Digitalization of Learning in Practice Placement aimed to address this gap by building an individualized and customized mobile application (app) for students, tutors, supervisors, and teachers of each participating organization. It achieved this through practice-based reflective learning, mobile technology, co-creation and co-design, and technology adoption.