The evolution of European healthcare systems, the progressive ageing of the population, and the increasing complexity of care needs are making the role of Healthcare Assistants increasingly important. In this context, LYRA – Learning pathwaYs for Relational, Art-based and Digital Skills in VET for Healthcare Assistants was established. Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, LYRA aims to contribute to the modernisation of vocational education and training for Healthcare Assistants.
Coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), the project brings together a partnership of healthcare institutions, vocational education and training providers, universities, and specialised organisations from Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Sweden. Through transnational cooperation, LYRA seeks to develop training pathways capable of responding to the transformations affecting the health and care sector.
A shared vision for vocational education and training
LYRA promotes a training approach that combines technical and professional skills with transversal competences, recognising the complexity of care work and the importance of person-centred relationships. In particular, the project focuses on strengthening communication, relational, ethical, digital and interprofessional collaboration skills, which are becoming increasingly relevant in healthcare and social care settings.
Project objectives
LYRA aims to contribute to the modernisation of Healthcare Assistant training through a shared European approach focused on quality, innovation, and cooperation in vocational education and training. To achieve this goal, the project will:
- Improve the recognition of competences and the transferability of training across European countries, in line with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET).
- Strengthen the competences of VET teachers and trainers through a European training programme combining digital learning, face-to-face training, and international mobility.
- Promote cross-sectoral and cross-border collaboration among organisations working in the fields of healthcare, vocational education and training, and research, fostering innovative approaches to healthcare education.
To translate these objectives into concrete actions, the project will develop four multilingual VET training modules, available in English and the languages of the partner countries, and integrated into national vocational education and training programs.
The development of these modules will adopt the Health Humanities approach, integrating narrative, artistic, ethical, and relational dimensions into healthcare education with the aim of strengthening communication, empathy, and the ability to provide person-centred care.
The four modules will focus on four priority areas: Caring in Complexity and Fragility; Empathy and Communication in Educational and Developmental Contexts; Inclusive Care in Intercultural and Diverse Teams; and Working in Interprofessional Care Teams.
Through the collaboration of healthcare institutions, VET providers, and universities from four European countries, LYRA seeks to contribute to the development of increasingly shared and responsive vocational education and training, supporting the professional development of Healthcare Assistants and promoting the adoption of innovative educational approaches across Europe.