The DISCERN-DSS (Digitally Enhanced Scenario-Based Learning for Digital Soft Skills) project is a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening digital competencies among health profession students in Indonesia through innovative, scenario-based learning. In response to the rapid digital transformation in healthcare—marked by advancements such as AI, robotic surgery, and IoT—this project seeks to integrate interactive digital learning experiences into medical education using tools like virtual patients and digital case scenarios.
 
Co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education scheme (ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE), the project brings together a consortium of institutions including Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), the European Union of Medical Specialists (Belgium), and Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), under the coordination of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece).

 

DISCERN-DSS focuses on five key objectives: (1) modernizing digital health curricula by embedding relevant digital soft skills; (2) equipping educators, content experts, and technologists through co-creative training programs; (3) integrating virtual patient scenarios into existing modules on telemedicine and digital medicine; (4) enhancing institutional capacity with the establishment of dedicated digital literacy offices; and (5) fostering sustainable collaboration through the formation of a national coordinating body.
 
The initiative officially commenced with a Kick-off Meeting held in Brussels on 11–13 February 2025, attended by key representatives from each partner institution, including a delegation from UNS. Moving forward, DISCERN-DSS will deliver multiple international and local Train-the-Trainer programs, develop 15 digital patient cases, and engage over 350 students in digital scenario-based learning activities. Ultimately, the project aims to establish a National Excellence Hub for Transformative Digital Soft Skills to promote innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and alignment with EU-led digital education frameworks across Indonesia’s health education sector.

In addition to its academic impact, DISCERN-DSS seeks to instill a mindset of adaptability and lifelong learning among future healthcare professionals. By engaging students in dynamic, problem-based scenarios that reflect real-world clinical challenges, the project promotes not only technical proficiency but also essential soft skills such as digital communication, teamwork, and ethical reasoning in digital environments. This approach ensures that graduates are not only technologically competent but also capable of navigating complex healthcare systems shaped by digital transformation.
 
Furthermore, the project reinforces the strategic role of universities as catalysts for systemic change in healthcare education. By embedding digital innovation into teaching practices and administrative structures, DISCERN-DSS empowers partner institutions to become leaders in the regional digital health ecosystem. Through strengthened networks, shared resources, and harmonized pedagogical standards, the project lays the groundwork for sustainable integration of digital soft skills into health education policies and practices, ultimately contributing to a more resilient, tech-ready healthcare workforce across Indonesia and the broader Asian region.

UNS team members:
Prof. Ari Natalia Probandari, dr., M.P.H., Ph.D
Prof. Dr. Eti Poncorini Pamungkasari, dr., M.Pd
Vitri Widyaningsih, dr., M.S., Ph.D
Bulan Kakanita Hermasari, dr. MMedEd
Amandha Boy Timor Randita, dr., MMedEd., Sp.K.F.R
Hanifiya Samha Wardhani, dr., M.Kes
Yeny Ristaning Belawati, dr., M.K.M
Tamara Maulidya, S.Ked
Hillary Kirana Harendira, S.Ked
 

“The DISCERN-DSS project has received co-funding from the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme under Grant Agreement No 101179391”