To other new educational ways for interdisciplinary cooperation and innovation: about a student-driven hackathon

Abstract

Background: Innovation in healthcare cannot be conceived without an interdisciplinary approach. Hackathons are an innovative approach to promote team working and demonstrated an interest in higher education through inquiry-based learning. An interdisciplinary team of students and young professionals organized the first hybrid presential and online neurorehabilitation hackathon, within the joined 2020 WCNR-SOFMER congress, adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Interdisciplinary teams worked during two days on concrete issues met by people with a disability and their caregivers, accompanied by multi-skilled mentors to create tangible solutions. An independent jury selected the winning project. Results: HRL met the expectations of 96% of the 31 participants. They reported better knowledge and ability about teamwork, ethics, and patient-centered approaches. Conclusions: HRL allowed the creation of a strong interdisciplinary and international network which will be valuable to foster innovation. It demonstrated its value in the junior and students’ training for teamwork, communication, creativity in innovation, and ethics in health.