SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN MEDICAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: A TEAM APPROACH AND IMPORTANT VECTORS

Abstract

The problem of creating an inclusive educational environment in medical education institutions is relevant and promising for Ukrainian medical education in the context of wartime challenges and post-war recovery prospects. It is necessary to take into account both progressive foreign experience and objective realities in which Ukrainian medical education and the medical industry are developing.

The aim of the article is to present current aspects of inclusion in higher medical education, in particular important vectors and a team approach to organizing an inclusive environment in medical educational institutions, supporting students with special educational needs.

The main methods are defined as: theoretical analysis of publications presented in scientific publications included in the scientometric databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Index Copernicus, Ulrich’s Periodicals; analysis of information materials from Ukraine and other countries; generalization of experience working as part of the Youth Council under the Ministry of Health of Ukraine; discussion in focus groups of students within the framework of teaching at the Department of Dentistry of the Institute of Postgraduate Education of the O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University; generalization of experience of completing an internship at the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy.

Important vectors of accessibility of medical education are characterized: creating opportunities for Ukrainian youth, in particular veterans, to obtain high-quality and accessible medical education, which will allow developing the Ukrainian medical industry in accordance with the best European standards, as well as responding to significant challenges caused by martial law; developing an inclusive educational environment for students with special educational needs and providing appropriate support during their studies; attracting capable foreign students, which will allow supporting the material and technical base of universities, etc. At the same time, a team approach is necessary to organizing support for students with special educational needs in medical educational institutions, which involves the involvement of specialists from various fields, representatives of public organizations, stakeholders, future applicants and students.