Finland: How does technology change the reality for practical nurses?

The Finnish learners in the CARESS pilot teaching project were learning about the use of welfare technologies this December.

How does an automatic meal machine work? Which ethical questions arise with the use of cameras and sensors in homes? How can technology improve outcomes for pratcital nurses and care recipients?These were topics touched upon during the learning module.

In the Finnish CARESS pilot, about 20 students are learning contents that have been commonly agreed between the Italian, Spanish and Finnish project partners. Next to new technologies, students also learned in modules on intercultural issues in home care and on abuse on old people.

With the course on technology, Finnish adult learners have finished their presence learning: after the winter break, they will go deeper on the touched-upon issues using online learning tools, also developed by the project, and engage in practical training with home care providers in the municipality of Espoo, near Helsinki. To keep the link between students and teachers, an online virtual community of practice stays available – students will discuss the issues that arise during their practical training on this platform, shared as well with Italian and Spanish learners.

‘The course did improve my skills and learning about intercultural issues and technology in care was very interesting’, assessed one student after the technology class. Students hope that the online exchange and learning tools will remain online after their practice learning – which they will. Partners will evaluate the pilot teachings in the coming quarter and revise the pilot’s design to roll them out in their regular teaching after the end of the project, this fall.