Courses and Coaching
Ethical competence is described as an experience acquired through the combination of knowledge and practice, and our objectives in this part of the project are based on this recipe. We apply ethical knowledge and ethical awareness in a clinical context through educational interventions in collaboration with health care professionals and students.
The joint ethics courses for healthcare professionals (learning material for Coaching including theory lessons, Ethical Coffee Room and simulations, scope 5 ECTS) will be created in collaboration with five partner countries. The created learning material aims to enhance and support ethical competence among (future) healthcare professionals. An employee will adopt the role of an ethical coach in the work place – an identified need by healthcare professionals. The theory material will be easily reached and interactive, it will be spread through the partner organisations’ internal channels. A structure, content, scope and teaching methods of the courses will be properly planned and versatile.
The learning materials will be evaluated in terms of content, relevance, scope, accessibility and functionality. Feedback will be gathered, and needed adjustments will be done after the implementation of each course, aiming to increase feasibility of ethical principles and actions.
Applications are open! Please use this link to register to the micro-credential – Ethics in Healthcare Environments.
Applications will be open until the 8th December 2023.
1. Submit your application as NEW USERS.
2. Create a new username and password, which are specific to your submission.
3. When prompted to choose the course start date, from the drop-down menu, select Visiting Student (1/O) – 2023/4.
4. A submission is deemed to be complete only when you press the submit button at the end of the application page.
You will be contacted in the coming days by the course coordinator.
Ethics in Healthcare Environments 5 ECTS course contents
This 5 ects course will focus on understanding the essential concepts of ethics, exploring ethical theories and principles, identifying and analysing ethical challenges in healthcare through decision making models, ethical principles and theories, using different learning methods including ethical coffee rooms and multiprofessional simulation scenarios.
The course content is developed and delivered by an eclectic groups of academic and clinicians from the nursing and physiotherapy disciplines of health care with expertise in the field of health care ethics.
In bringing together students, clinicians and academics from 5 European countries, that is Finland, Latvia, Malta, Spain, and Sweden this short micro-credential course offers a unique opportunity to study the important aspect of health care ethics through an authentic interdisciplinary pan-European approach, which augurs well to the eventful impact of intended learning on practice in contemporary health care systems and contexts.
EthCo Students Testimonial after intensive week
Nikita Arefjevs, Riga Stradins University Nursing Student
“This spring, I had an incredible opportunity to participate in an Erasmus project in Malta, focused on exploring ethics and collaboration in multidisciplinary healthcare team. As a student of nursing, I found the experience not only enriching from an academic perspective, but also deeply personal.
The project brought together nursing and physiotherapy students from Malta, Latvia, Spain and Finland, allowing us to explore how different specialties can collaborate to deliver the best care for patients. One of the most eye-opening aspects of the intensive week was how integral effective communication and mutual respect are when working in a multidisciplinary team. During our discussions and workshops, it became clear that every role in healthcare holds unique insights, but communication and collaboration is the key how we can provide holistic care.
I really enjoyed participating in coffee rooms and simulations during this week, it was a great experience. We spent a lot of time diving into ethical dilemmas, which challenged me to think critically about decision-making in healthcare. Ethics is not a black-and-white field, and I learned that finding the best solution often involves balancing medical, ethical, and human factors.
Of course, we have had some time to rest and to bond with fellow participants. These moments of connection made the experience even more meaningful, reminding me of the importance of empathy not just in healthcare, but in life.
The intensive week was a unique blend of professional growth and personal reflection, and I left Malta with a deeper appreciation for the power of teamwork and the responsibilities that come with providing care.”
Toni Anželo, Riga Stradins University Nursing Student
“This past April, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the EthCo project in Malta, an initiative aimed at enhancing ethical awareness among future and current healthcare professionals (nurses and physiotherapists).
My journey began with preliminary assignments completed individually before the trip to Malta where the so called Intensive week was held. These tasks were carefully chosen to build a foundational understanding of ethical principles and prepare us for the Intensive week ahead.
The Intensive week itself was structured around various interactive activities. A highlight was the “coffee rooms” (my favourite one), where we engaged in thought-provoking discussions on ethical dilemmas in healthcare. These sessions encouraged us to analyze and debate different perspectives, providing a unique space to consider situations from the viewpoint of both the patient and the healthcare provider.
Another engaging aspect of the program was the simulation exercises. We were assigned roles, such as a nurse, a physiotherapist or a patient, and given scenarios that tested our understanding and application of ethical principles. Whether observing a scenario unfold or actively participating in it, each simulation offered deep, practical insights into the complexities of real-life ethical decision-making.
Overall, the EthCo project was an enriching experience that not only deepened my understanding of ethics in healthcare but also enhanced my confidence in addressing these issues in professional settings.
Why do I think this course is that important? Well, many students entering healthcare lack adequate preparation for these complex, emotionally charged situations, where ethical principles like beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for autonomy may conflict. By expanding ethics education, future professionals would have a stronger foundation for navigating these dilemmas, fostering compassionate, well-informed decision-making under pressure.”
Clara Noé, 4th year student of Physiotherapy at UV
“The intensive week has helped me grow ethically as a future healthcare professional. After the training, I am able to distinguish the different ethical conflicts in clinical practice and how to address them, always seeking the greatest benefit for the patient.
Additionally, it has also allowed me to learn about other cultures and enrich myself with their professional experiences, values, and ethical perspectives.”
Nuria Bartual, 4th year student of Physiotherapy at UV
“The intensive week of the EthCo project has been an unforgettable experience, not only because of everything I have learned about ethics in the healthcare setting, but also because it has been a great opportunity to get to know other cultures and work methods.
Undoubtedly, it has provided me with tools that will be very useful for my future work practice and will allow me to be a better professional.”
Clara Duboy, 4th year student of Physiotherapy at UV
“What I liked most about the course was getting to know other cultures and debating ethics from new perspectives.”
Pau Martín, 3rd year student of Physiotherapy at UV
“From the EthCo project course, I not only gain a lot of knowledge to apply in my future career, but I also return with a backpack full of new, different visions of our profession and experiences accompanied by wonderful people with whom to share our vocation.”
Ibtissam Benaboura, Master’s Degree Student at UV
“My experience with the EthCo project in Malta was amazing. In addition to meeting wonderful people from different countries and exploring the island, I now have a deeper understanding of ethical conflicts in clinical practice and how to address them.
Undoubtedly, more projects like this are needed to promote an ethical healthcare environment that benefits everyone because, as we were taught: ethics is everywhere!”
Aino Saarinen, Nursing Student at TUAS
“The intensive week in Malta was a great chance to learn about the ethics in healthcare in a different and unique environment. To be able to learn, discuss and share thoughts with others was something I will cherish now and in the future as a healthcare professional.
Getting to meet new people and learn about cultural differences in a beautiful setting was definitely an unforgettable experience.”