Hospital schools' guidelines On Physical Education (HOPE): An International, Interdisciplinary and Intersectoral Endeavour.

2026-07-22

"Built on the European priorities on digital and technological empowerment as well as equal, tolerant and fair way of life for all citizens despite their condition, the ""Hospital schools' guidelines On Physical Education"" (HOPE) project is a 42-month pioneering initiative aimed at developing transnational guidelines to enhance the quality of physical education for students in hospital schools, offering a unique scientific, social and economic contribution across and outside Europe. The HOPE project is anchored in a robust framework of research objectives to develop evidence- and eminence-based knowledge. This includes: i) a comprehensive desk analysis and Delphi method encompassing a systematic review, international focus groups and surveys, and ii) a solid andragogical structure construction to be applied through pilot studies of a multilingual online program for PE teachers and further developed by means of the International Judo Federation involvement. Within the project, the trainee supervision is powered by an advisory board with a mentorship approach, ensuring guidance and support from expert professionals in the fields of sport, movement, education, psychology, and health sciences within and outside academia. Involving stakeholders from mixed backgrounds and recognising the gender- and diversity-dimensions, the HOPE multifaceted research not only enhances the reliability of the guidelines but also ensures their applicability across diverse hospital school contexts and in the post-hospitalization transition. Including a 6-month non-academic placement to expand the project outcomes and foster the trainee soft and transferable skills, HOPE is sustainable, adaptable and long-running. Finally, a solid collaborative partnership and a thorough risk assessment ensure proactive identification and mitigation of potential challenges while guaranteeing the smooth execution of the project and enhancing its international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral nature."

Italy

2026-02-15