Project kicked off in Turku

Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world. In addition to the specialized cancer care nurses, it is important that other nurses also gain the skills and knowledge to face cancer patients during their education. Education can also influence the attitudes and perceptions about the treatment of a person with cancer.

The 3-year international EduCanNURS project, coordinated by the Turku UAS, develops cancer care education as part of the nurses’ under graduate education. Project work takes into consideration the knowledge and diagnosis of different forms of cancer, forms of treatment with their adverse effects, support for self-care, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and palliative care.

– It is also important to be aware and mindful of the challenging situations and feelings of the patient´s family and others close to them. The project will also pay attention to nurses’ communication skills and readiness to provide psychosocial care, says Virpi Sulosaari, leader of the Advanced Supporting Cancer and Palliative Care (CARE) Research Group at Turku UAS.

– It is also important to be aware and mindful of the challenging situations and feelings of the patient´s family and others close to them.

Turku UAS is working on this Erasmus+ funded project together with the University of Galway from Ireland and the Josip Juraj from Strossmayer University of Osijek in Croatia. The project’s kick off meeting in December 2023 brought the partners together in Turku to plan the project’s work packages, division of work and schedules. During the meeting, the project team also visited the Turku University Hospital Cancer Centre and the Medisiina simulation facilities.