European training program for competence enhancement in management of health regions

BACKGROUND: Health regions aim to increase equal opportunities in health care through the networking of regional actors. In the Erasmus+ founded project Com.HeNet, a European training for the management of health regions was developed. The contents were defined through interviews with European health experts (n = 33). The Com.HeNet training was developed in international interdisciplinary teams with a great transfer potential to other sectors. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the Com.HeNet training is to impart European competences in the development, management, and evaluation of health regions. The training is designed for 5 ECTS (EQF level 6) and consists of 6 teaching modules (Blended Learning). The question arises: Do EU blended learning modules for the management of health regions offer the potential for competence enhancement for successful management in the health sector? RESULTS: Through an Erasmus+ grant, a total of 23 students and health care practitioners from seven EU countries were able to evaluate the Com.HeNet Training. In a qualitative survey, the training was evaluated for quality, quantity, and professional relevance. 19 (n = 23) respondents stated a high to very high increase in their knowledge regarding the online course on theoretical introduction. 21 (n = 22) respondents perceive, inter alia, the teaching of ‘Health and society - theoretical background’ as helpful to very helpful for their professional future. CONCLUSIONS: The blended learning format of the Com.HeNet training has the potential to useful enhance competences in European health management. The modules have been successfully piloted and will now be transferred into practice. KEY MESSAGES: • A European establishment of health regions and the associated training requires cooperation between the national level and the European Union. • Interdisciplinary competencies can be taught in European blended learning trainings.