Research group

Advancing Supportive Cancer and Palliative Care (CARE)

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.

CARE’s specific areas of interest are both at the national and international level:

Applied research and development in cancer care

  • Developing people-centred services across the cancer care continuum
  • Cooperation with national and regional cancer centres and other regional cooperation in primary and specialised care.

Research and development in palliative care

  • Developing people-centred services across the palliative care continuum.

Comprehensive development and research of the knowledge and work of health professionals

  • Digitalisation in a changing healthcare environment
  • Pedagogical research and development
  • Multi-professional, transformational and authentic leadership and mentoring
  • Capacity building of the health workforce in a demanding environment
  • Ensuring excellence by promoting expertise and different career paths.

1

Developing the whole continuum of care for people with cancer

Research and development work is often focused on medicine, even though cancer care and the development of treatment require multidisciplinary research and collaboration. Specialised research and development should therefore focus more strongly on the whole continuum of care, from cancer prevention to early detection, high quality care, support for rehabilitation and survivorship, quality of life and palliative care. Not only the person with cancer but also their loved ones need to be considered.

2

Developing care requires strong expertise and networking

In Finland, cancer treatment has been systematically developed for more than ten years. The National Cancer Centre and its sub-centres have moved from the planning stage to the implementation stage in terms of specialist care. However, from the perspective of the health service system, it is essential to recognise that cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship support is not limited to specialist care.

Preventing cancer and ensuring a high level of care for people with cancer are key areas for action in Europe. This work has been supported by programmes such as EU4Health 2021-27, Cancer Mission and the EU Beating Cancer Plan 2021.

The Advancing Supportive Cancer and Palliative Care (CARE) research group contributes to the development of cancer care by promoting multidisciplinary and inter-professional collaboration with various research groups at Turku UAS and regional, national and international actors.

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.

  • Virpi Sulosaari

    Principal Lecturer, Research Group Leader
    +358 44 907 4569
    virpi.sulosaari@turkuamk.fi
  • Teija Franck

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 40 355 0433
    teija.franck@turkuamk.fi
  • Tarja Bergfors

    Senior Lecturer, Leader, Education and Research
    +358 44 907 5497
    tarja.bergfors@turkuamk.fi
  • Salla Grommi

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 50 408 3704
    salla.grommi@turkuamk.fi
  • Laura Harikkala

    Advisor, RDI Coordinator
    +358 40 355 0437
    laura.harikkala@turkuamk.fi
  • Johanna Berg

    Senior Lecturer, Researcher
    +358 40 355 0504
    johanna.berg@turkuamk.fi
  • Jassi Aho

    Advisor, Coordinator, Global Education|Viestintäasiantuntija \ Communications Advisor
    +358 40 355 0360
    jassi.aho@turkuamk.fi
  • Isa Öhberg

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 44 907 4572
    isa.ohberg@turkuamk.fi
  • Imane Elonen

    Advisor
    +358 50 570 1933
    imane.elonen@turkuamk.fi
  • Heli Mikkonen

    Senior Advisor
    +358 50 431 9437
    heli.mikkonen@turkuamk.fi
  • Heli Vaartio-Rajalin

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 50 435 1146
    heli.vaartio-rajalin@turkuamk.fi
  • Hannele Kuusisto

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 50 598 5416
    hannele.kuusisto@turkuamk.fi

Publications

Degree programmes

Betoniportaat, joiden päällä erivärisiä istuintyynyjä.

The 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.