Across Europe, the way healthcare is delivered is undergoing rapid change. Digital technologies are no longer add-ons; they are core parts of how services operate. From AI-assisted diagnosis and online patient records to wearable devices that track health in real time, digital tools are creating a more flexible and interconnected system of care. Increasingly, healthcare is moving towards a hybrid model — blending in-person consultations with digital support to deliver services that are more responsive to patients’ needs.
Hybrid care in practice
In hospitals, clinics and community settings, the hybrid model is becoming the norm. Telemedicine consultations allow patients to see specialists without travelling, while remote monitoring means chronic conditions can be managed more effectively at home. Electronic health records help ensure that information follows the patient, supporting continuity and safety. For patients, this approach brings convenience and access; for healthcare systems, it can ease pressure on staff and resources.
But with opportunity comes complexity. Digital technologies require healthcare professionals to develop new skills, not just in using the tools themselves, but also in managing data, working across virtual teams, and ensuring that technology supports — rather than replaces — the human side of care. This is where hybrid management becomes critical: leaders and teams must be able to navigate both the technical and the organisational aspects of digital transformation.
The role of higher education
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are key to preparing the workforce for this reality. Many universities have embraced hybrid teaching models, especially after the pandemic, where online and face-to-face learning are combined. In healthcare and medical education, this can mean anything from virtual anatomy labs and simulation software to digital case studies and telehealth role-plays. Research shows that when well designed, hybrid teaching not only makes learning more flexible, but can also enrich it — giving students more opportunities to engage actively with content and practise real-world skills.
However, the picture is uneven. Some institutions have advanced programmes that integrate digital health into every stage of training, while others still rely largely on traditional, lecture-based approaches. Educators often report limited time, funding, or training to adapt courses. Students, meanwhile, may face inconsistent access to digital resources depending on their institution or country. This patchwork means that while healthcare delivery is going hybrid, education has not yet fully caught up.
Challenges and opportunities
The shift towards hybrid healthcare raises important questions for universities:
- How do we ensure all students graduate with core digital health competences?
- What support do educators need to confidently teach emerging technologies?
- How can curricula keep pace with change, without overwhelming staff and students?
Addressing these questions requires not just tools, but also collaboration and shared learning across institutions. This is exactly the space where the Hybrid Healthcare project is working — providing practical resources, case studies and training opportunities to help HEIs embed digital health and hybrid management into their teaching in a sustainable way.
Looking forward
The current landscape makes one thing clear: hybrid healthcare is no longer optional, it is essential. Patients, professionals and institutions are already living it. For higher education, the task now is to close the gap between classroom and practice — ensuring that graduates are prepared not just for today’s healthcare environment, but for the future that is rapidly emerging.
Hybrid Healthcare builds on this momentum, aiming to create a bridge between practice and education. By supporting both staff and students, the project hopes to accelerate progress and make hybrid education a standard, not an exception, across Europe.