Future of Healthcare Partners Unite in Tralee to Shape the Future of AI-Enabled Healthcare Education
Partners of the Future of Healthcare (FoH) Erasmus+ project gathered at Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry, Tralee, Ireland, for the WP2 Workshop on FoH Framework Preparation, a key milestone in the development of the project’s methodological framework for future healthcare skills. During the intensive workshop, partners reviewed research findings, consolidated focus group results, and collaboratively refined the first draft of the FoH Framework, which will serve as the foundation for future training modules and the FoH digital learning platform.
FoH project partners gathered at MTU Kerry in Tralee to jointly review, discuss, and validate the first draft of the FoH Framework for future healthcare skills.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared conviction that technological innovation must always support, rather than replace, human-centered healthcare:
“AI can support healthcare, but only humans can provide the care.”
This statement emerged as a defining message of the workshop and reflects the core philosophy guiding the FoH project.
Building the FoH Framework for the Healthcare Workforce of Tomorrow
One of the workshop’s main objectives was to review and validate the draft FoH Framework (WP2.5), a methodological document designed to identify the future skills healthcare professionals will need in increasingly AI-enabled healthcare environments. Partners discussed findings from national focus groups, analysed competency requirements, and agreed on the framework structure that will guide the development of future learning materials and training activities.
The workshop confirmed that healthcare professionals need more than technical AI knowledge. Future healthcare workers must be equipped with competencies related to:
- AI literacy and digital skills,
- ethical and legal awareness,
- critical thinking and AI evaluation,
- communication and teamwork,
- patient-centred care,
- professional responsibility and accountability.
The resulting framework will help vocational education and training providers across Europe prepare healthcare professionals for responsible and effective AI integration.
Partners actively participated in collaborative discussions and presentations focused on future healthcare competencies, AI integration, and vocational training needs.
From Research Findings to Practical Training Solutions
The workshop also provided an opportunity to finalise research reports and discuss how focus group findings will be translated into practical educational resources. Partners reviewed evidence collected from healthcare professionals, educators, and learners across Europe and explored how these insights should influence future training provision.
Discussions focused on ensuring that future training modules remain relevant to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape while addressing real-world challenges such as AI-supported decision-making, data management, patient communication, and ethical responsibility.
The consortium reaffirmed that the six planned FoH training modules will provide healthcare professionals with practical, workplace-oriented skills that can be directly applied in healthcare settings.
The workshop concluded with a strong consensus around the FoH project motto, highlighting the importance of combining AI innovation with human care, empathy, and professional judgement.
Strengthening European Cooperation for Human-Centred AI in Healthcare
Beyond the technical discussions, the workshop strengthened collaboration among project partners and reinforced a common European vision for the future of healthcare education. Representatives from partner organisations exchanged experiences, good practices, and perspectives from different healthcare and educational systems, contributing to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of future workforce needs.
The meeting also provided valuable opportunities for intercultural exchange and networking, helping to build stronger partnerships and a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Throughout the workshop, participants repeatedly returned to the project’s central message:
“AI can support healthcare, but only humans can provide the care.”
This principle will continue to guide the development of the FoH Framework, the training modules, and the future FoH Platform, ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with empathy, trust, ethics, and patient-centred healthcare.
Key Outcomes of the Tralee Workshop
- Validation and refinement of the draft FoH Framework.
- Review and consolidation of national research findings and focus group results.
- Agreement on future tasks and responsibilities under WP2.
- Strengthened cooperation and shared understanding among project partners.
- Confirmation of a human-centred approach to AI integration in healthcare.
- Preparation for the next phase: development of training modules and the FoH digital learning platform.
The consortium would like to thank Munster Technological University (MTU) for hosting the workshop and all partners for their active participation, valuable expertise, and commitment to shaping the future of healthcare education across Europe.
Together, we are building a healthcare workforce that is digitally competent, ethically responsible, and firmly centred on human care.
