Blended intensive programs in higher education: collaborative innovation for digital health in physiotherapy

Blended Intensive Programs (BIP), merge short-term mobility with online collaboration to promote innovative learning and teaching approaches (BIP, 2024). These actions support joint program development for students, academics within Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and enable participants to create creative solutions, particularly in the context of Digital Health and Emerging Technologies in Health Care. Academics from nine institutions in eight countries developed a BIP to enhance participants' awareness and knowledge of integrating digital health into their practice. The two-month program, involving 11 teachers and 34 students, included online sessions and an in-person week. The course covered digital health technologies and their applications in physiotherapy, discussing innovative strategies to improve patient care and outcomes. Participants gained insights into the complexities of healthcare systems in different countries and the importance of incorporating digital health in the clinical context for professionals and patients. An online questionnaire collected student´s feedback, providing a comprehensive overview of their experiences and learning outcomes. Overall, most respondents (n=20) Agreed or Strongly agreed on the BIP's positive impact on their knowledge, awareness, and professional development in digital health. The responses indicate a favorable reception of the program's content and activities, reaffirming its essential role for future professionals.