GeroDigiLead -hanke ja Vanhustyön digimuutosprosessien johtaminen iäkkäiden kuntoutumista edistävässä toiminnassa –verkkokoulutuksen toteutus ja käyttäjäkokemukset

The reform of social and health services represents one of the most significant recent structural and operational changes in Finland and involves extensive utilisation of digitalisation. In the wellbeing services counties, the development of digital solutions in older adults care is highly topical, and it is essential to provide frontline managers with support and new tools for leading this work. The aim of the GeroDigiLead project (2023–2026) was to strengthen the readiness of frontline managers working in elderly care organisations in the wellbeing services counties of North Ostrobothnia and Lapland to lead digitalisation-related change processes within the context of rehabilitation‑oriented care. The project was funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of North Ostrobothnia. It was implemented through multidisciplinary collaboration between the University of Lapland, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Oulu. Within the University of Oulu’s sub‑project, a three‑credit online course Leadership of Digital Transformation Processes in Elderly Care within Reablement‑Oriented Practice was developed and delivered in the Moodle learning environment in 2024–2025. A total of 65 frontline managers participated in the course, and its effectiveness was assessed using the ReCCA self‑assessment instrument and participant feedback. Based on the ReCCA self‑assessment, managers’ competence increased particularly in leading the implementation of digital solutions, assessing older adults’ functional capacity, and applying the reablemet‑oriented care model. Improvements were also observed in leadership related to supporting physical, psychological, and social functioning. The training was well‑received: 76% of participants reported that the online course supported their learning, and 88% considered the learning materials fully appropriate. Open‑ended responses emphasised a reduced threshold for digitalisation, strengthened managerial roles in digital transformation, and the practical applicability of the training. The results indicate that the online course is highly suitable for strengthening digital competence in elderly care and leadership of reablement‑oriented practice. After the project ends, the course will be offered free of charge through the Open University beginning in autumn 2026.