Research group
Advancing Supportive Cancer and Palliative Care (CARE)
We specialize in developing the entire continuum of care for people with cancer and in palliative care, as well as promoting the clinical career paths of health care professionals. We are broadly networked, international and multidisciplinary research group.
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death. Without urgent action, cases are expected to increase by 24% in Europe by 2035. The rising number of people with cancer is a major public health challenge in Finland and internationally, affecting many. At the same time, treatment outcomes have improved and mortality rates have declined.
Globally, the quality and availability of healthcare are facing major challenges, as the population is ageing, costs are rising and there is a shortage of skilled personnel. Cancer cases in Europe are predicted to increase by a quarter over the next ten years, and more and more people are living longer with their disease.
As the population ages, the need for palliative care also increases. An estimated 40 million people in the world need palliative care every year, but only a few have access to treatment. Unequal access to care causes unnecessary suffering to both patients and their loved ones. The ageing of the population and the decrease in the number of working-age people, on the other hand, threaten the continuity of health care services. Operating methods and service forms must be developed in order to ensure the quality and effectiveness of care.
We focus on three key themes in our operations
1
Applied research and development of care for cancer patients
- Development of human-centred services in the entire continuum of care for cancer patients
- Cooperation with national and regional cancer centres and other regional cooperation in basic and specialised care.
2
Research and development of palliative care
- Development of human-centred services throughout the continuum of palliative care.
3
Wide-ranging development and research of the competence and work of health care professionals
- Digitalisation in the changing operating environment of healthcare
- Pedagogical research and development
- Multi-professional transformational and authentic leadership and mentoring
- Operating conditions of healthcare personnel in demanding operating environments
- Ensuring excellence by promoting expertise and different career paths..
1
Developing human-centred care for seriously ill patients and their loved ones
In recent years, there has been an emphasis on a human-centred approach in services, care and nursing. The person who needs and uses the services and their loved ones should be at the centre of care. The next step is to promote people- and community-based social and health care in different operating environments. CARE responds to the needs of developing the care and support of seriously ill people and their loved ones with strong RDI expertise and the group’s diverse expertise.
2
The development of care requires strong special expertise and network cooperation
The development of care requires strong special expertise and multi-professional cooperation across organisational boundaries both in Finland and internationally. Promoting the quality and effectiveness of care requires the development of expertise and services, as well as the examination of the division of labour, job descriptions and operating models. CARE and its experts are experienced developers of professional career paths and competencies in the healthcare sector.
Our research group focuses on practical applications, continuous improvement of treatment methods and the development of the competence of professionals. The aim is to apply the latest scientific knowledge in practical nursing and thus improve the comprehensive and individual care of seriously ill people throughout the disease continuum.
Virpi Sulosaari, Executive Lecturer, Research Group Leader
Our Experts
The CARE research group has a wide range of clinical, educational, development and research expertise in cancer care, palliative care and knowledge promotion.
Fellow
Our group works closely with Wendy Oldenmenger. She is a nurse and health scientist currently working as an Assistant Professor of Pain and Palliative Care at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and as a Senior Lecturer at University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam.
Publications
Erickson, N., Sulosaari, V., Sullivan, E. S., Laviano, A., van Ginkel-Res, A., Remijnse, W., Wesseling, J., Koepcke, U., Weber, N., Huebner, J., Mathies, V., Theurich, S., & Fey, T. (2025). Nutrition Care in Cancer: An Overlooked Part of Patient-Centered Care. Seminars in oncology nursing, 41(1), 151799.
Dowling, M., Sulosaari, V. & Hernon, O. (2025). Development and Implementation of a Digital Skills E-learning Program for Healthcare Professionals in Cancer: DigiCanTrain: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of Cancer Education,
Lähteenmäki, M., Hökkä, M. & Sulosaari, V. (2025). The effect of a Finnish national palliative care specialisation education on nurse’s palliative care competence: A pretest-posttest study. BMC palliative care, 24(1), 273. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01913-0
Sulosaari, V., Beurskens, J., Laviano, A., & Erickson, N. (2025). Malnutrition Diagnosed via Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria – Association with Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Value: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 41(1), 151798.
Sulosaari. V., Mikkonen, H. & Elonen I (2025). Tekniikka kohtaa potilaan: älykkäät ratkaisut tuottavat ihmisläheistä syöpähoitoa. Must Read.
Nurmi, S-M., Haavisto, A-M., Berg, J., Kuusisto, H., Pernaa, H-K., & Sulosaari, V. (2025) Sairaanhoitajien kliinisten urapolkujen edistäminen Länsirannikon alueellisessa yhteistyössä. Talk Reports. S
Tuominen, L., Poraharhu, J., Carrion, C., Lehtiö, L., Leino-Kilpi, H., Moreto, S., Stolt, M., Sulosaari. V. & Virtanen, H. (2024). Digital skills of health care professionals in cancer care: A systematic review. Digital Health, 10, 20552076241240907.
Kyllönen, R, Mikkonen, H., Tuomikoski, A-M, Hökkä, M., Lamppu P. & Sulosaari, V. (2024). Sairaanhoitajien näkemyksiä palliatiivisen hoitotyön asiantuntijoiden tehtävänkuvista. Tutkiva Hoitotyö 22(2), 14-22.
Sulosaari, V., Dodlek, N., Brandl, A., De Munter, J., Eriksen, J. G., McInally, W., O’Higgins, N., Benstead, K., & Díez de Los Ríos de la Serna, C. (2024). Interprofessional education in cancer care – a scoping review. BMC medical education, 24(1), 767.
Drury, A., Sulosaari, V., Sharp, L., Ullgren, H., de Munter, J., & Oldenmenger, W. (2023). The future of cancer nursing in Europe: Addressing professional issues in education, research, policy and practice. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 63, 102271.
Degree programmes
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Master's Degree or Path Studies
ACP, Advanced Nursing Practice: Treatment of Cancer Patients
On CampusTurku -
Master's Degree
ACP, Advanced Nursing Practice: Support for Self-care and Nursing of Endemic Diseases
On CampusTurku
Networks and partners
Domestic
- Health Campus Turku
- Western Cancer Centre
- West Coast Wellness Areas
- Turku University Central Hospital
- Finnish Cancer Organisations
- Finnish cancer patients
- Association of Cancer Nurses
- Finnish Nurses Association
International
- European Oncology Nursing Society
- European Cancer Organisation
- In addition, numerous colleges and universities from different countries
News
We actively participate in significant domestic and international events, conferences and seminars in our field.
- 19th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care
29 – 31. 5. 2025, Helsinki, Finland - ICN Congress 2025
9-12.6.2025, Helsinki, Finland
Research group leader Virpi Sulosaari is one of the ambassadors of the event. - ESMO Congress 2025
17-21.10.2025, Berlin, Germany
Turun UAS’ health and well-being blog
Sun Opix
Sun OpiX blog of Turku UAS Health and Welfare opens up students’ experiences of working in a research team.
In the blog, students, experts and partners write for the professional audience in their field and for others interested in health and well-being. The articles are based on the latest researched or information tested in practise.
Strong project skills
Turku University of Applied Sciences’ Project Office offers support and guidance throughout the life cycle of an RDI project. Our project experts have years of experience and strong expertise in national and international funding programmes. We have more than 200 projects running every year, and our RDI activities have received more than €10 million in external funding.