The TECH-HEALTH project aimed to strengthen digital competences of healthcare professionals through training in innovative 3D printing technologies for medical implants and prostheses. Specific objectives: 1. Identify and share 10-15 latest medical 3D printing technologies applicable in clinical practice 2. Develop two high-quality Open Educational Resources (Toolkit and Handbook) for VET professionals and healthcare workers 3. Train healthcare professionals from 4 partner hospitals through hands-on international workshops 4. Integrate implementation guidelines and best practices within educational outputs 5. Launch a comprehensive Virtual Classroom platform accessible to healthcare professionals across Europe 6. Promote patient-centered, participatory approaches in designing 3D medical devices 7. Disseminate results widely to the European VET and healthcare community through workshops with open sessions for external stakeholders 8. Ensure sustainability and continued use of project outcomes beyond the funding period
The healthcare sector faces a critical skills gap in adopting advanced digital technologies for patient care. The four partner hospitals from Poland, Spain, and Austria identified a shared need to enhance their staff's competencies in 3D printing technologies for medical implants and prostheses. Traditional mass-produced medical devices often fail to address individual patient anatomies, leading to suboptimal fit, longer recovery times, and reduced quality of life. Meanwhile, 3D printing technology offers unprecedented opportunities for personalized healthcare solutions but requires specialized knowledge that is not currently part of standard VET curricula in the healthcare sector. The project addressed the need to: - Identify 3D printing practices across European healthcare facilities - Develop practical VET resources for healthcare professionals - Bridge the gap between technological innovation and clinical application - Promote patient-centered, participatory approaches in medical device design - Support the digital transformation of the VET and healthcare sectors in line with EU priorities (Digital Education Action Plan, European Year of Skills)