Lessons Learnt Co-creating a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Refugees' Health Integration

Abstract

Refugee integration into healthcare is a global challenge, with millions facing barriers in accessing healthcare services due to language, cultural differences, and limited health literacy. In response to these challenges, this study explores the experiences and recommendations contributed by individuals directly involved in the co-design and co-creation of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and its effectiveness in addressing refugees’ integration into the European healthcare system. A bimodal research approach was employed, combining qualitative insights from individuals involved in the design and development of the MOOC and quantitative data from refugees and professionals engaged in the MOOC’s evaluation. Stakeholder discussions were conducted to explore experiences, challenges, and recommendations related to the MOOC development. Additionally, a Computer System Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ) was administered to evaluate the MOOC’s usability, quality, and interface. Stakeholder discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and participatory design in MOOC development. Involving stakeholders and refugees in this participatory process ensured that the MOOC addressed real-world needs and experiences. Additionally, CSUQ results indicated high participant satisfaction with the MOOC, with digital users’ literacy level and educational background influencing their perceptions. In summary, this study contributes to the ongoing discussion on refugee healthcare integration and the role of digital education in this context.

Received: 24 October 2024 | Revised: 15 January 2025 | Accepted: 7 March 2025

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support this work are available at reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Author Contribution Statement

Ioanna Dratsiou: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Project administration. Annita Varella: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Visualization. Anastasia Gkrimoura: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing. Iraklis Tsoupouroglou: Methodology, Validation, Investigation, Resources, Writing - review & editing. Stathis Th. Konstantinidis: Methodology, Resources, Writing – original draft, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition. Natalia Stathakarou: Methodology, Resources, Writing - review & editing, Project administration. Klas Karlgren: Methodology, Resources, Writing - review & editing, Project administration, Funding acquisition. Maxine G. Harjani: Methodology, Resources, Writing - review & editing. Maria Segura Segura: Methodology, Software, Resources, Writing - review & editing. Vicente Traver Salcedo: Methodology, Software, Resources, Writing - review & editing, Project administration, Funding acquisition. Panagiotis D. Bamidis: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Investigation, Resources, Writing - review & editing, Project administration, Funding acquisition.