XiA – Xpanding Innovative Alliance
Programme: Erasmus+
Project Status: ONGOING (January 2025 – December 2028)
What aims and scope
The goal of the XiA project is to advance digital health interoperability by addressing the skills gap among healthcare providers, digital solution developers, and individuals, particularly in preparation for the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation. Through tailored educational materials, personalised learning pathways, and accredited programmes, XiA aims to empower stakeholders, foster cross-border collaboration, and ensure sustainable upskilling in interoperability, digital transformation, and cybersecurity, driving long-term innovation in the EU healthcare sector.
How it will become possible
XiA seeks to enhance professionals’ skills in using online tools and follows a unique methodology centred on the Quadruple Helix Model of innovation, which emphasises the interaction between four key actors: government, industry, academia, and society. This model forms the foundation of the project, facilitating collaboration across these sectors to address the post-COVID educational needs in the digital health sector.
The overarching approach of the XiA project is grounded in Trialogical Learning and Microlearning methodologies. Trialogical Learning integrates monological, dialogical, and trialogical methods to design diverse learning topics. Microlearning promotes flexible, accessible educational content that supports continuous professional development and boosts interpersonal interoperability, forming the basis for advanced digital health systems. These approaches are crucial in supporting the digital transition in healthcare, particularly across the 15 countries involved in the project.
Implementation is structured across multiple phases, starting with the establishment and connection of networks. Two primary networks target healthcare professionals and digital health solution providers across the EU. The project aims to develop a resilient community of digital health change agents by establishing online communities for trainers and trainees, enhancing capacity-building and engagement with stakeholders.
XiA’s innovative methodology emphasises co-creation and active stakeholder involvement. Partners with expertise in eHealth, health curricula, and interoperability contribute to developing courses that align with the European Qualifications Framework. These courses are validated through a Quality Assessment Team overseeing the needs assessment, design, and implementation phases.
Finally, XiA incorporates established EU instruments and frameworks, such as ECTS, to ensure recognition and quality assurance of micro-credentials across European institutions. This guarantees that outcomes, including micro-courses and credentials, will be integrated into higher education and vocational training institutions, extending their impact beyond the project’s duration.
Where EHMA delivers
EHMA will assist in stakeholder engagement activities, the establishment of a Community of Practice, and crafting a comprehensive strategy for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling professionals engaged in the health system. This strategy will focus on interoperability and innovation in digital health and will be validated through consultations with stakeholders and experts. EHMA will also contribute to communication, dissemination, and sustainability activities, enhancing the project’s visibility. Additionally, EHMA will lead the development of policy recommendations to advance interoperability skills and professionalisation in the healthcare sector.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Related Projects
XpanDH – Expanding Digital Health through a pan-European EHRxF-based Ecosystem
XpanDH will mobilise and build capacity in individuals and organisations to create, adapt and explore the purposeful use of interoperable digital health solutions.
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I have been active in EHMA since the first years of the '90s and I have seen its evolution from a small association of members interested in sharing knowledge on health management practices to the current status of reference and advisory key player for EU, health systems and organisations, stakeholders associations, industry and universities. EHMA is now a unique knowledge hub, policy advisor, community of practice and network of best in class organisations involved in health policy and management. A place where health managers can build their competences, policy-makers and stakeholder associations envision how to implement and sustain change through health management, industry leaders understand how to engage more effectively with health organisations and systems. The right place to nurture and grow health management capabilities and capacity for every stakeholder of health systems.
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Prof. Ann Mahon, University of Manchester, UK
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