North Friesland Blog Information on current topics
The cross-border cooperation between North Friesland and Southern Denmark is a prime example of future-oriented education policy in the healthcare sector. With the Interreg project “Health Education in the Border Region”, the North Friesland Economic Development Agency, together with UC Syd and the North Friesland Clinic, is focusing on sustainable solutions to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the region.
The core idea of the project is to develop joint training programs in the field of nursing and obstetrics. The educational offers in both countries were analyzed, their strengths and weaknesses identified and a mutual understanding of the training methods and content created. This knowledge has resulted in detailed roadmaps that show concrete measures and innovative approaches on how cross-border training can be designed. The aim is to make it easier for students to enter the nursing and midwifery professions and at the same time ensure high-quality training.
The project work provided valuable insights into the differences and similarities between the training systems. The roadmaps bridge these differences and proposals for joint training programs are discussed. The harmonization of entry requirements, examination requirements and mutual recognition of qualifications (authorization) were also examined in detail.
“Our collaboration not only revealed the differences in the training courses on offer, but also highlighted significant differences in the work content and skills profiles of the job profiles. To give one example: We found that midwives in Denmark are only responsible for the follow-up care of mother and child for a few days. The occupational profile of the freelance midwife, as it is known in Germany, does not exist there. Instead, the focus in Denmark is much more on preventative care and comprehensive support during the birth.”
Martina Carstensen, Project Manager at the North Friesland Economic Development Agency.
The one-year project, which ran until the end of September 2024, is funded by the Interreg 6A Germany-Denmark program. The one-year PKP project made a decisive contribution to better understanding the framework conditions and differences between the education systems. Even if no direct follow-up project results from it, the knowledge gained is of great importance. They provide impetus and perspectives that will be explored in greater depth in working groups and discussed with politicians in order to develop sustainable long-term solutions to the challenges in the healthcare sector. It shows how European cooperation can tackle local challenges and develop long-term solutions. The roadmaps serve not only as a guide for policy-makers, but also as a source of inspiration for other cross-border projects.
With “Health Education in the Border Region”, a significant step has been taken to strengthen health education and care in the border region. The project stands for innovation, cooperation and the common will to overcome the challenges of the shortage of specialists. Special thanks go to all project partners, network partners and supporters who have contributed significantly to the success of this project through their expertise, cooperation and commitment. Without this valuable support, the extensive analyses and the development of the roadmaps would not have been possible.
