Development of a tailormade comprehensive training concept on sarcopenia for health care workers

The project was initiated to address the urgent need for specialized education on sarcopenia, a disease recently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). With the aging population and th...

The project aimed to achieve several key objectives. The primary goal was to establish a comprehensive curriculum and develop an innovative eLearning concept that could be tested by both learners and trainers. This training concept was designed to be integrated into various healthcare organizations, addressing all relevant aspects of sarcopenia, such as nutrition, exercise, and screening, through a cross-sectoral approach. The project sought to create a training program aligned with the latest online learning standards and European educational frameworks (EQVET). Additionally, the objective was to reach a wide range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, general practitioners, and physiotherapists, while building sustainable partnerships across Europe to effectively address sarcopenia.

A range of activities was carried out to ensure successful project execution. Frequent online meetings with partners monitored progress and addressed issues, while VIVES ensured quality, tracking indicators and deadlines. Seven transnational meetings prepared and discussed key outputs and included project administration. Input was gathered through a literature review, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses on best practices, and focus groups to identify knowledge gaps. To refine the training concept and eLearning materials, test events with target groups provided valuable feedback, shaping effective tools and an evaluation strategy. Two Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities (LTTAs) were organized: LTTA 1 consolidated knowledge and practices for developing outcomes and materials, while LTTA 2 pilot-tested materials and eLearning modules. In the final year, multiplier events across Belgium, Denmark, Slovenia, and Europe disseminated the training concept and eLearning modules to general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, and other stakeholders, ensuring broad impact.

The project delivered significant outputs and results. It enabled the exchange of effective training concepts in healthcare, allowing partners to share best practices and improve training standards. Expertise from nutrition, exercise, screening, and elderly care was integrated, creating a multifactorial learning environment that enhanced knowledge and skills, particularly in understanding sarcopenia. Academic research from universities and VET (Vocational Education and Training) institutions was combined with practical experience from elderly care organizations, leading to a learning concept and eLearning modules reflecting the latest advancements. Tailor-made modules, including evaluation tools, were developed with field experts for healthcare professionals, ensuring high relevance and applicability. After evaluation, they were shared with other healthcare organizations, extending their impact. As a result, healthcare workers gained stronger skills and deeper knowledge of sarcopenia. Adoption by VET institutions and healthcare providers further raised education and competence levels across the sector, creating a more capable workforce to address related challenges.