METAHEFO project

METAHEFO (The Metaverse as a Clinical Simulation Tool for Higher Education in Health Sciences within the Foot Field) is developing a new type of digital learning environment for foot health education.
The project utilizes simulation, virtual reality (VR), and the metaverse to make education in this field more equal, ecological, and inclusive across Europe.

Objectives

• Create a digital learning environment for foot health education utilizing virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse.
• Reduce educational disparities between EU countries.
• Promote ecological and inclusive practices.
• Improve teachers’ digital competencies and students’ clinical skills.

Work Packages

The project is coordinated by Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Spain. Four higher education institutions are involved as partners: UCAM (Spain), Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), ESSCVP-Lisboa (Portugal), and Università ta Malta-Logos (Malta).

The project includes five work packages, implemented in collaboration with the partner institutions.

Work Package 1

Project Management

Universidad de Málaga (UMA)

Work Package 2

Library of Clinical Cases (SCP)

• Preparation and classification of clinical cases
• Development of a search and indexing system
• Expert panels and evaluations

Lead partners Metropolia & Università ta Malta

Work Package 3

Creation of Virtual Environments

Lead partner UCAM

Work Package 4

Teacher Training

Lead partner ESSCVP-Lisboa

Work Package 5

Implementation of Virtual Environments

Lead partner: Universidad de Málaga, UMA

Expected Results

• 10 clinical simulation cases from various areas of foot health
• A learning platform in the metaverse
• Training for teachers in VR and metaverse use
• Deployment of virtual environments for students and professionals in different countries
• A public closing event in Málaga

Metropolia’s Role in the Project

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, together with Università ta Malta, leads the creation and development of the library of clinical cases (Work Package 2). Metropolia also participates in the design and testing of virtual environments (Work Package 3), organizes VR/metaverse teacher training in Finland (Work Package 4), and implements the simulations and platform for students and professionals in Finland (Work Package 5).

Project Duration

1 September 2023 – 31 August 2026

Project Partners

• Coordinator: Universidad de Málaga (UMA)
• Partners: UCAM (Spain), Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), ESSCVP-Lisboa (Portugal), Università ta Malta-Logos (Malta)