Research group
Advancing Supportive Cancer and Palliative Care (CARE)
We specialise in developing the whole continuum of care for people with cancer, as well as clinical career pathways for health professionals and their promotion. We are a broadly networked, international and multidisciplinary research team.
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.
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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.
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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.
We look at the whole continuum of cancer care; from prevention to early detection, high quality care, rehabilitation and palliative care. Not only the person with cancer but also their loved ones need to be considered.
Virpi Sulosaari, Principal 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.
Publications
- 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. 2024;10.
- Sulosaari, V., Blaževičienė, A., Bragadóttir, H., Bäckström, J., Heikkilä, J., Hellesø, R., Hopia, H., Lenk-Adusoo, M., Norlyk, A., & Urban, R. (2023). A comparative review of advanced practice nurse programmes in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Nurse education today, 127, 105847. Advance online publication.
- 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.
- Sulosaari, V., Kosklin, R., & De Munter, J. 2023. Nursing Leaders as Visionaries and Enablers of Action. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 39(1), 151365.
- Kaihlanen, A., Virtanen, L., Kainiemi, E., Sulosaari, V., & Heponiemi, T. (2024). Continuing Education in Digital Skills for Healthcare Professionals — Mapping of the Current Situation in EU Member States. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 32:396.
- Tuominen L, Leino-Kilpi H, Poraharju J, Cabutto D, Carrion C, Lehtiö L, Moretó S, Stolt M, Sulosaari V, Virtanen H. (2024). Interactive digital tools to support empowerment of people with cancer: a systematic literature review. Support Care Cancer 32(6), 396.
- Sulosaari, V., Dodlek, N., Brandl, A. et al. Interprofessional education in cancer care – a scoping review. BMC Med Educ 24, 767 (2024).
Degree programmes
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Master's Degree, 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.