Welcome to the postdoctoral programme in nursing science, PDNurs!
The purpose of the programme is to further postdoctoral research and academic career of the graduates.
The duration of the postdoctoral period is generally five active years following a dissertation. During these years the postdoctoral researcher establishes their own research group and area of study, as well as an international network. Progressing according to the postdoctoral programme enables applying for a title of docent after the postdoctoral period.
In case the postdoctoral programme is not suitable as a whole, individually planned and shorter postdoctoral periods are possible. Shorter postdoctoral periods can be mentored if the postdoctoral research plan is of high-quality and complements to the research programme of the Department. In addition, we are willing to mentor suitable postdoctoral researchers in their application for external funding. However, we cannot guarantee that the application to the funding body will be successful.
Requirements for becoming a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Nursing Science:
- a doctoral dissertation that has been defended or will be defended in the near future
- a research plan for the postdoctoral stage (including a plan for financial resources)
- a career plan in nursing science
Applying for the programme
- A researcher planning their postdoctoral study should contact the head of the research area of interest. An academically responsible senior researcher from the Department is needed to act as a mentor of the postdoctoral researcher during the postdoctoral period.
- The researcher draws up a research plan in co-operation with the mentor and/or the research group. The research plan is written following the instructions of the Academy of Finland and it must include a plan for financial resources and a career plan in nursing science. The plan must include the contact information of the Department’s senior researcher (mentor).
- The application includes the following documents. It's recommended that the documents are written in English.
- Postdoctoral research plan (including financial plan and career plan in nursing science and following the instructions of the Academy of Finland)
- CV (following the instructions of Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK))
- List of publications (following the instructions of the Academy of Finland).
The reseacher sends the documents to the coordinator of the Doctoral Programme in Nursing Science (verna.louhivuori@utu.fi). - The steering committee of the Doctoral Programme in Nursing Science reviews and considers the postdoctoral plan for approval. The committee makes a proposal to the head of the Department for the approval of the postdoctoral researcher.
- Based on the proposal by the steering committee, the head of the Department makes the decision on whether or not to approve the postdoctoral researcher in the Department. A decision of approval does not entail an employment relationship with the University of Turku. If necessary, the head of the Department will discuss the financial issues with the postdoctoral researcher.
Applying for a shorter post doc period
Length of a postdoctoral period will be negotiated individually. The researchers interested in visiting the Department as a postdoctoral researcher should:
- contact the head of the research area of interest. An academically responsible senior researcher from the Department is needed to act as a mentor of the postdoctoral researcher during the postdoctoral period.
- conduct a plan for the postdoctoral period about the aims and collaboration with the Department of Nursing Science. The mentor supports and approves the plan.
- prepare a research contract with the mentor. The length of the postdoctoral period should be defined in the contract which is signed by the Head of the Department.
The aim is that after completing the postdoctoral period, eligibility requirements for the title of Docent would be fulfilled.
The postdoctoral researcher should proceed, according to his/her plan, to contribute to the development of nursing science. Regular discussions with mentor are recommended at least yearly basis. Postdoctoral researcher is responsible for organizing the mentor discussions.
For the promotion of academic progress it is recommended for the postdoctoral researcher:
- to participate in at least one international meeting per year (e.g. network, visit, conference). In addition, one longer-term, international working period during the postdoctoral stage is recommended. The aim is to build systematic international cooperation.
- active international scientific output, meaning 1–3 international publications per year (in peer-refereed journals, with an impact factor and JUFO classification of level 2, at least) NOTE! To apply for the title of docent, a minimum of 20 publications are needed.
- active national scientific output, meaning 1–3 publications in national professional journals (includes publications of the Department of Nursing Science), with the purpose of implementing the findings of the research.
- activity in applying for research grants.
Academic career advancement requires cooperation and interaction between researchers. Academic cooperation may take the form of
- an annual seminar day for postdoctoral researchers to promote peer support
- an annual research symposium for junior researchers.
Such events are arranged by the postdoctoral researchers with the support of the coordinator of the Doctoral Programme in Nursing Science. Postdoctoral researchers are welcome to offer suggestions regarding forms of cooperation and to be proactive to develop collaboration between themselves, the staff of the Department, and other researchers as rewarding as possible to all parties concerned.
One of the goals of the University of Turku is to enable a straightforward and attractive research career. In the 2021–2030 Strategy, the University has committed to developing the postdoctoral phase. To promote this goal, a new webpage gathering information for postdoctoral researchers has been launched and an email list for postdoctoral researchers has been created.
The Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Turku webpage gathers information on e.g. services and funding possibilities targeted both for postdoctoral researchers employed at the University and for post docs working on a grant.
There is also a new email distribution list which aims to reach postdoctoral researchers more easily and improve the support offered to postdoctoral researchers. Postdoctoral researchers may join the list by following the instructions on the abovementioned webpage. The postdoctoral researchers employed at the University of Turku have already been added to the list. It is also possible to opt-out from the list.
See the Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Turku webpage for more information.
Steering Committee
Steering committee of Doctoral Programme in Nursing Science covers also the issues regarding the Postdoctoral Programme in Nursing Science.
Steering Committee 1.8.2021- 31.7.2025
- Riitta Suhonen, Professor, Director of the Doctoral Programme in Nursing Science (Chair of the Board)
- Anna Axelin, Associate professor, Department of Nursing Science
- Katja Joronen, Professor, Department of Nursing Science
- Mari Kangasniemi, Professor, Department of Nursing Science
- Leena Salminen, Professor, Department of Nursing Science
- Tapio Salakoski, Dean, Faculty of Science
- Anne Heimo, professor, Faculty of Humanities
- Päivi Rautava, Professor, Public Health
- Tuija Lehtikunnas, TYKS Hospital director of nursing at Hospital District of Southwest Finland
- Noora Narsakka, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Nursing Science (1.8.2023-31.7.2025)
- Secretary: Verna Louhivuori, Coordinator, Research Career Unit
Information and opportunities
Here you can find general guidelines provided by the University of Turku, as well as relevant presentations and publications regarding postdoctoral research and/or postdoctoral career. More material such as presentations of the seminar days are available in Moodle (not public: only for official post doc researchers in nursing science, PDNurs).
Guides
Presentations
Relevant publications
You can search for suitable funding bodies from these databases. Research funding specialists at the university support researchers in managing the demands of research funding.
Postdoctoral researchers in nursing science are allowed to participate in the courses for doctoral researchers (Postgraduate studies). If the number of participants in a course is limited, doctoral researchers are preferred over postdoctoral researchers.
Postdoctoral programme in nursing science PDNurs collaborates with the two Research Collegia of the University of Turku:
Seminar day and symposiums for post doc researchers
Department of Nursing Science organises the second international symposium "Postdoctoral Researchers in Nursing Science Shaping the Future of the Social and Health Care" on December 12-13, 2024 in Turku.
» The abstract submission is open, see more here.
» Abstracts are submitted online. The deadline for submitting abstracts is July 31, 2024.
» See more on symposium website.
Friday 1st of December, at 9-15
Venue: Department of Nursing Science, Medisiina B, 6th floor, room B610
Preliminary programme
9:00–9:15 Welcome and introduction of the day
Professor Riitta Suhonen, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
9:15–9:45 Funding targeted to postdoctoral researchers
Senior Grant Writer Maria Maunula, Research Services, University of Turku
9:45–10:30 How to conduct a successful funding application
Academy Research Fellow, Associate professor Marja Härkänen, Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland
10:30–11:30 Working in small groups
11:30–12:30 Lunch break
12:30–13:15 International postdoctoral research training - from the Moominvalley to Australia (and back again?)
Professor, Associate Dean David Edvardsson, Academic Office of Nursing & Midwifery, LaTrobe University, Australia
13:15–14:45 Working in small groups
14:45–15:00 Conclusions and closing the day
Professor Riitta Suhonen, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
For information, please contact University Lecturer Tella Lantta, tella.lantta@utu.fi.
Department of Nursing Science organised the first international symposium "New Horizons for postdoctoral researchers in Nursing Science" on December 8-9, 2022 in Turku.
Thanks to all participants for attending the symposium!
» See more on symposium website.
PROGRAMME
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Time: Thursday December 9th, 2021 at 9.45–15.45 Venue: Säätiö-sali, Medisiina D; participation via Zoom also possible |
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Friday 11 June 2021 at 10-16 via Zoom
The seminar day is organized as a collaboration between the two Research Collegia, TIAS and TCSMT, and the Post doc Programme in Nursing Science. Postdoctoral researchers in these programmes are warmly invited to participate. The aim of the seminar day is to provide new insights on current scientific topics, as well as to network with other postdoctoral researchers at the University of Turku.
The Academy of Finland, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies have named 2021 the Year of research-based knowledge. The theme of the seminar day reflects this: with the amount of humbug challenging scientific knowledge on different social media, research-based knowledge is now more important than ever.
The seminar day will consist of a lecture and small group discussions. All participants are invited to present their own postdoctoral research projects to peer researchers in multidisciplinary groups. In the presentations, researchers are asked to reflect on their experiences of humbug and misinformation related to their research area. The presentations should be informal and concise, no more than 10 minutes. In the afternoon, we will organize program specific events.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME
10:00–10:15 Welcome to the seminar day
10:15–11:15 Lecture: Professor Juhani Knuuti
11:15–12:30 Networking and informal presentations in small groups
12:30–13:15 Lunch break
13:15–14:15 Networking and informal presentations, part 2
14:15–14:30 Coffee break
14:30–16:00 Separate program for TIAS, TCSMT, and PDNurs researchers
Building a career and applying for funding
Date: Tuesday 8th of December, 2020 at 10-16
Location: via Zoom
Program
| 10:00-10:15 | Opening the seminar day Riitta Suhonen, Professor, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku |
| 10:15-11:00 | Combining research and leadership position Heljä Lundgrén-Laine, Docent, Chief nursing officer, Central Finland Health Care District |
| 11:00-12:00 | Postdoctoral researchers in nursing: the ups and downs of their roles, functions and careers Hugh McKenna, Professor of Nursing, Ulster University, UK |
| 12:00-12:30 | Research and career in a university of applied sciences Arja Suikkala, PhD, Principal lecturer, Health Care Sector, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences |
| 12:30-13:15 | Lunch break |
| 13:15-14:00 | International paths for post docs – panel discussion Chair: Hannakaisa Niela-Vilen, PhD, Postdoctoral researcher Panelists from the Department of Nursing Science: Mari Kangasniemi, Docent, University research fellow Anna Axelin, Associate professor Minna Stolt, Docent, University lecturer |
| 14:00-14:45 | Funding possibilities to a post doc researcher in health sciences Maria Maunula, Funding specialist, Development Services, University of Turku |
| 14:45-15:00 | Break |
| 15:00-15:45 | Building a powerful research career Helena Leino-Kilpi, Professor, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku |
| 15:45-16:00 | Closing the seminar day – how to continue from here? Riitta Suhonen, Professor, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku |
Participants of the seminar
Kohti dosentuuria
Seminar was held in Finnish
Aika: tiistai 10.12.2019 klo 10:00-16:00
Paikka: Turun yliopisto, Dentalia, ls 2.
Ohjelma
| 10:00-10:30 | Tervetulokahvi |
| 10:30-10.45 | Päivän avaus professori Helena Leino-Kilpi |
| 10:45-11:15 | Dosenttitoimikunnan käytännöt Anne Saarenpää, lääk.tdk:n dosenttitoimikunnan sihteeri |
| 11:15-12:15 | Post doc -tutkijasta dosentiksi TtT, dos. Minna Anttila |
| 12:15-13:15 | Lounas Dentalian Koivukabinetissa |
| 13:15-14:15 | Kansainvälinen post doc -tutkija TtT, tutkijatohtori Tella Lantta |
| 14:15-15:45 | Dosenttityöpaja* Iltapäiväkahvit työskentelyn lomassa |
| 15:45-16:00 | Päivän yhteenveto |
*Dosenttityöpajaan voit valmistautua perehtymällä Turun yliopiston lääketieteellisen tiedekunnan dosentuurin hakuohjeeseen. Halutessasi voit valmistella vaadittavia dokumentteja jo etukäteen. Työpajassa saat vinkkejä ja vertaistukea hakemuksesi kehittämiseksi.
Participants of the seminar
Post doc researchers
Maria Ameel, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Connected Health UTU, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
maria.k.ameel@utu.fi
Digitalization and artificial intelligence in psychiatry – researching the effects of digitalization and AI in experiences by patients and clinicians
Digitalization in health care has several advantages, including more flexible ways of providing care, enhanced quality of care due to the implementation of clinical decision-making support mechanisms, as well as more detailed information and understanding of personal health. Digitalization of health care information makes it possible to gather large amounts of data. With the help of artificial intelligence, the data could be turned into new knowledge that helps both clinicians and patients to better understand health risks and the effects of care interventions. At the same time, many clinicians find that digitalization increases work-related stress.
The aim of this research is to better understand how digitalization in health care changes work and the experience of care. The postdoctoral research project studies digitalization in psychiatric care through three separate studies: the use of video consultations, the integration of an evidence-based violence prevention protocol into the electronic patient health record system, and the use of health data from wearables for patients suffering long-term psychiatric illness.
The founding methodological principle in this research is that conducting research and development of new digital innovations needs to be carried out in co-operation with end users to make the digital processes meaningful and sustainable. In the separate studies, end-users include clinical professionals, patients and their family members, as well as data scientists. Co-design and participatory methods are included in all three studies. Research methods include qualitative methods such as ethnographic studies, interviews, focus groups as well as a large variety of statistical methods.
The findings will be summarized into a user-oriented theory on implementing new digital tools in the health care setting.
The research is planned to take place in 2021-2026 and the main partner in each phase is HUS Psychiatry.
Riitta Askola, PhD, RN, postdoctoral researcher in Mental Health Nursing Science programme, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
riittaanneli.askola@utu.fi
Mentor: Docent Tella Lantta
Service system and care pathway of forensic psychiatry patients and their development: Views of patients and treatment providers
Background: The Finnish forensic psychiatric service system lacks the standards and criteria guiding the quality and contents of patient care. Ensuring best recovery-oriented practices in forensic psychiatric services need to be developed at several levels.
Aims: The purpose of this research project is to develop safe, high-quality psychiatric care. The outcome of this project is the production of quality criteria for the forensic psychiatric care and service system.
Methods: The research methods include a literature review, a survey based on validated measurement questionnaires, individual and group interviews as well as the Delphi method. The research will cover the multidisciplinary employees at adult psychiatric wards in Finland’s larger hospital districts, and both employees and patients of forensic psychiatric hospitals.
Expected results: The research results will allow the development of the service system for forensic psychiatric patients in such a way that the identification of so-called risk patients can be improved already at the early stages of treatment, at the general psychiatric level. Moreover, the substance of care and participation during care can be created and the care following inpatient care and the patient’s transfer out of forensic psychiatric care can be developed. The research may promote the effectiveness of treatment by highlighting areas in the care chains that, when reinforced, will allow patients to receive the right kind of treatment at the right time. A proposal of standardized operating methods and quality criteria will be created for the Finnish forensic psychiatric treatment system. The research project will also reveal previously unresearched information that can be utilized in national health policy.
Lotta Hamari, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Connected Health UTU, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
anloka@utu.fi
INTERNATIONAL PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY EXERCISE GUIDELINES (iPOEG) -PROJECT
– An international Delphi consensus process and an implementation study in Finland
Post doc supervisors:
Professor Nicole Culos-Reed, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada
Professor Sanna Salanterä, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Finland
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to come to a consensus with a team of experts on exercise guidelines in pediatric oncology
METHODS: A Delphi consensus project was conducted with international experts in pediatric oncology and exercise. The knowledge translation into Finnish health care will be conducted with an implementation study design including clinical mentoring, interviews, and developing educational materials.
EXPECTED RESULTS: Based on the consensus between experts in the field, the final international pediatric oncology exercise guidelines (iPOEG) and recommendations will be published. This knowledge will be translated into Finnish health care. Finally, the equity, efficiency, and sustainability in physical therapy and exercise guidance improve the health and wellbeing of childhood cancer patients. The exercise guidelines developed in this project will provide practical direction and support for individuals at multiple levels (eg, clinicians, community-based organizations, patients/families) nationally and internationally in an effort to extend and promote the inclusion of exercise in pediatric oncology.
Satu Kajander-Unkuri, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Health Care and Nursing Education, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
satu.kajander@utu.fi
Yliopettaja, Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
Post doc tutkimus 2017-2022
Competence of nursing students in Europe (COMPEUnurse)
The study focuses on competence of nursing students at the point of graduation and in early years of practice in Europe. This post doc study is continuation of PhD study (Kajander-Unkuri 2015), where competence of graduating nursing students with related factors was evaluated in Finland as an outcome of nurse education. The study is an independent part of the project PROCOMPnurse (principal investigator professor Helena Leino-Kilpi, PhD) in University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science
This study will produce new knowledge about the competence during transition period from nurse education to early years of practice in Europe. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nurse competence of GNSs at the point of graduation and competence of NGNs in early years of practice in Europe and to identify factors related to nurse competence.
This study has started in 2017. There are several partners from Europe, where we are collecting the data (Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain). In all these countries nurse education is guided by EU Directives (2005/36/EC and 2013/55/EU) and its competence requirements.
Hanna Kallio, PhD, RN, public health nurse
hanna.m.kallio@utu.fi
Environmental Sustainability in Nursing Practice
Developing an instrument for the assessment
Mentor: Mari Kangasniemi
Background: Worldwide nursing practices have a significant impact on the environmental burden and thus people's environmental health. Environmental competencies and organizational support are needed to realize nursing with minimal environmental harm.
Aims: In this research project I develop research instrument for assessing realization and promotion of environmentally sustainable nursing practices. The core instrument will be for the research purposes and further versions for supporting environmental leadership in nursing.
Methods: Methodology is largely quantitative but previous qualitative knowledge is crucial for the survey development. Participants will be experts and other researchers in the field of nursing, nursing staff and nursing leaders.
Expected results: The core instrument is needed for the uniform data collection in nursing field and provides generalizable and comparable data nationally and internationally. Further versions are needed to support strategic work and decision making in patient care organizations when developing environmentally sustainable services.
Emilia Kielo-Viljamaa, PhD, RN, postdoctoral researcher in Quality of Clinical Nursing and Health Care, Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Turku
emilia.a.kielo@utu.fi
Senior Lecturer at Novia University of Applied Sciences, Turku
Development of a wound care curriculum and further development and validation of a wound care competence assessment instrument
My research focuses on the development of wound care education in bachelor's level nursing education. The research is divided into two phases: Instrument development and education development, which are conducted parallelly between 2022 and 2026. The objectives of my research project are to 1) further develop and test the previously developed wound care competence assessment instrument (WoundComp), 2) translate and validate the WoundComp instrument to Swedish and English, 3) identify and assess the effectiveness of educational interventions in wounds care, 4) map the structure and content of the wound care education in nursing education in Europe, and 5) develop and pilot test a wound care curriculum for bachelor's level nursing education in Finland. Outcomes of this research will include more standardized wound care education and competence assessment methods in bachelor's level nursing education. With standardized wound care education, the quality and equality of education could be improved, leading to more competent nursing professionals and higher quality of care to the patients.
Abigail Kusi Amponsah, PhD, RN, FGCNM
Postdoctoral researcher in Connected Health UTU, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Finland
abkuam@utu.fi
Lecturer at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
akamponsah.fahs@knust.edu.gh
Post doc Mentor: Associate Professor Anna Axelin
Implementation and evaluation of a pediatric pain educational program for healthcare providers in a resource-limited setting
Considering the effects of unrelieved children’s pain and the important role of healthcare providers, the proposed project seeks to implement and evaluate a developed pediatric pain educational program in a resource-limited setting (Ghana).
The pilot-feasibility and main trial will be designed as a two-arm cluster, randomized controlled trial with a three-month follow-up. All physicians and nurses working at two specialist children’s hospitals (pilot-feasibility phase) and four teaching hospitals (main trial phase) in Ghana will be randomly allocated into the intervention (flipped classroom) or control (lecture) group.
Outcomes will include pediatric pain knowledge and attitudes, self-efficacy, pain assessment and management competencies, documentation, satisfaction with pain management and evaluation of the educational program. Data on the project outcomes will be collected at baseline, in the immediate post-intervention and three-months after the educational program. Data will be analysed and presented using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics.
It is hoped that by the end of this 36-month project, there will be improved pediatric pain care which will ultimately improve the bio-psycho-social well-being of hospitalized children and their family caregivers. The workload on healthcare providers and increased consumption of healthcare resources will also be reduced especially in a resource-limited country like Ghana.
Anne Kuusisto, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Quality of Clinical Nursing and Health Care, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
anmakuu@utu.fi
Securing the continuity of care for a patient with cancer by means of advance care planning (ENG)
The purpose is to describe the evidence-based practices of advance care planning (ACP) in terms of data content, data structure and data quality from the perspective of professionals.The aim is to ensure the continuity of care for a patient with cancer, to improve quality of care and patient safety by promoting the flow of information and preventing unnecessary emergency visits.
Syöpää sairastavan potilaan hoidon jatkuvuuden turvaaminen ennakoivan hoitosuunnitelman avulla (FIN)
Tarkoituksena on kuvata ennakoivan hoitosuunnitelman näyttöön perustuvia käytäntöjä tietosisällön, tietorakenteen ja tiedon laadun osalta ammattilaisten näkökulmasta.
Tavoitteena on turvata syöpää sairastavan potilaan hoidon jatkuvuutta, parantaa hoidon laatua ja potilasturvallisuutta edistämällä tiedonkulkua ja estämällä turhia päivystyskäyntejä.
| Phases | Purpose | Material and methods | Analysis methods | Substudies |
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Phase I |
To describe evidence-based practices of ACP in terms of data content, data structure and data quality from the perspective of professionals |
Scoping review Focus groups, individual and couple interviews |
Content analysis |
Articles I–IV |
| To describe the significance of ACP for a patient with cancer and family members |
Articles V–VI |
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Phase II |
To develop the content and structure of evidence-based ACP instrument from the perspective of professionals, patients and family members. |
Expert panels Instrument piloting |
Statistical analysis Psychometric tests |
Articles VII–VIII |
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Phase III |
To describe and compare how the information continuity of patient care is realized when using ACP |
Surveys Audit of textual data |
Statistical analysis Psychometric tests |
Articles X–XII |
Scientific publications
Kuusisto, A., Santavirta, J., Saranto, K. & Haavisto, E. 2020. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of advance care planning in palliative care unit: A qualitative descriptive study. Submitted.
Kuusisto, A., Santavirta, J., Saranto, K. Korhonen, P. & Haavisto, E. 2020. Advance care planning for patients with cancer in palliative care: A scoping review from a professional perspective. Journal of Clinical Nursing 29 (13–14), 2069–2082. DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15216.
Scientific conferences
Kuusisto, A., Santavirta, J., Saranto, K., Korhonen, P. & Haavisto, E. 2020. Ennakoiva hoitosuunnitelma syöpää sairastavan potilaan palliatiivisessa hoidossa - Scoping katsaus. XVI Hoitotiede-konferenssi. Kuopio. Oral presentation accepted.
Kuusisto, A., Santavirta, J., Saranto, K., Korhonen, P. & Haavisto, E. 2020. Ennakoiva hoitosuunnitelma syöpää sairastavan potilaan palliatiivisen hoidon jatkuvuuden turvaajana – kartoittava (scoping) kirjallisuuskatsaus. Satahyvää 2020 -tutkimuspäivä 21.1.2020. Pori
Professional publications and presentations
Kuusisto, A. Ennakoivan hoitosuunnitelman monialainen kirjaaminen syöpää sairastavan potilaan palliatiivisessa hoidossa. Valtakunnallinen palliatiivisen hoitotyön seminaari. Fioca. Vuonna 2021.
Kuusisto, A. 2020. Syöpää sairastavan potilaan hoidon jatkuvuuden turvaaminen ennakoivan hoitosuunnitelman avulla. Satasairaalan Hoitotyön uutiset.
Kuusisto, 2019. A. Syöpää sairastavan potilaan hoidon jatkuvuuden turvaaminen elämän loppuvaiheen ennakoivan hoitosuunnitelman avulla. Satakunnan III hoitotieteen symposium – Näyttö käyttöön potilaan parhaaksi 4.4.2019. Pori.
Mari Lahti, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Mental Health and Technology, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
melaht@utu.fi
Background: The staff members working in public health services and in psychiatric/mental health nursing must have the possibility for safe working environment. However, particularly in mental health nursing various risk factors, such as patient aggressive behaviour, are directed towards nurses. In psychiatric in-patient units, the occupational safety of nurses may be endangered due to aggressive behaviour of a patient who is managed by coercive measures, e.g. seclusion or mechanical restraints. Therefore, we need to study the communication during coercive measures and develop new practices to manage challenging behaviour.
Aim: First phase of this post doc study (EriTurva 2016-2018) aimed to promote the occupational safety of nurses working in psychiatric in-patient units. This was done by developing guidelines for therapeutic communication for nurses. In second phase of post doc study (TurvaSiipi 2019-2022) aim is to strengthen violence prevention by introducing the Brøset Violence Checklist and replace the traditional coercion room with a new security room-intervention, so that nurses’ safety and well-being are not compromised, but therapeutic interaction between patients and nurses increases.
Methods: In EriTurva study we used security videotape observation in seclusion rooms in psychiatric hospital together with focus group interviews among psychiatric nurses. In TurvaSiipi study we used pre and post surveys related to job-satisfaction and ward atmosphere, register data related to adverse incidents and seclusion numbers, patient interviews and focus group interviews among psychiatric nurses.
Results: In EriTurva study based on the literature review, there were only few studies related to patient aggressive behaviour towards nurses during seclusion. However, three main themes were identified: 1) management of patient aggression during seclusion, 2) nurses’ injuries, and 3) prevention of patient aggressive behaviour. Based on the security camera videotape data, patients were mostly alone in the seclusion room. During seclusion, patients acted either calmly or restlessly. In addition, they had contact with nurses but this was rather limited. Nurses’ actions in seclusion room were versatile and they often acted two by two. Nurses offered patients basic care, medical treatment, and nutritional care. They also took care of the safety of the seclusion room, discussed with the patient, cleaned up in seclusion room and monitored the patient when he or she left the seclusion room. Nurses gave various suggestions for developing the occupational safety in a seclusion room situation. They mentioned improving the physical layout of the seclusion room and developing seclusion practices, like patient-staff communication. In TurvaSiipi study results will be reported in year 2022.
Conclusion: Results of this post doc study can be used to produce further knowledge related to seclusion room situations and management of aggressive behaviour of psychiatric patients. This is important to recognize possible occupational risk factors for nurses. Results can be used in working life in Finland when developing mental health nursing practices and the occupational safety of nurses in psychiatric in-patient units.
Kaisa Mishina, PhD, RN, Postdoctoral researcher in Mental Health and Technology, University Teacher, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
Senior Researcher, Research Center of Child Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku
kaemka@utu.fi
Psychosocial health and wellbeing of people who inject drugs
AIM
This study focuses on people who inject drugs (PWID) entering a needle exchange program assessing their psychosocial health, wellbeing and use of health services. More specifically, this study explores physical health, mental health, perceived wellbeing, discrimination, substance use habits and use of health care services among people who uses inject drugs.
CONTENT
Mixed-method study including survey, time-trend assessment, cross-cultural comparison and qualitative interviews.
IMPLICATIONS
Knowledge about indicators of self-perceived psychosocial health and wellbeing as well as needs of PWID.
Information about gaps existing in our health care service system that are possibly neglecting this population.
Insight that could help to design and implement new interventions to substance use treatment that can effectively target needs of PWID and further reduce the risks associated with the iv-use of drugs.
Tanja Moilanen, PhD, RN, postdoctoral researcher in Ethical Health Care and Nursing, Senior researcher, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
ttmoil@utu.fi
Project manager, Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo, Kuopio, Finland
Nuorten arvoperustaiset terveysvalinnat: tunnistaminen ja tuki / Adolescents’ value based health choices: determination and support
Post doc –tutkimukseni kohdistuu arvoperustaisiin terveysvalintoihin ja nuorten hyvinvoinnin edistämiseen mukaan lukien nuorten terveysvalintoihin liittyvät oikeudet ja velvollisuudet sekä väkivaltaisen radikalisoitumisen ennalta ehkäisyn moniammatillisessa yhteistyössä. Tutkimus on monimenetelmäinen ja sisältää empiirisen ja teoreettisen vaiheen. Tuotettava tieto auttaa tunnistamaan ja tukemaan nuorten terveysvalintoja monialaisesti ja siten edistämään nuorten osallisuuden toteutumista.
My post doc research focuses on value based health choices and adolescents’ wellbeing promotion including adolescents’ health choices related rights, duties and responsibilities and prevention of violent radicalization in multi-professional collaboration. This multimethod research includes empirical and theoretical phases. The produced knowledge enables identification and multi-dimensional support for adolescents’ health choices and thus the promotion of adolescents’ societal participation.
Karoliina Nikula, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Ethical Health Care and Nursing, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
More information: https://fi.linkedin.com/in/karoliina-nikula-68223851
The rationale of my postdoctoral research is based on the fact that while there is some research on experts-by-experience (EBEs), there is as yet little on related ethical questions. There is thus a compelling need to study these fundamental ethical and critical questions.
The novelty of this study is to develop the theoretical base of EBE ethics in general and thus increase the possibilities to develop the practical side, e.g. clinical practices in health care where EBEs could be a sustainable part. Clearer understanding of the ethics of EBEs will make it easier to justify and defend their wider use in the health care sector.
The purpose of the study is to examine the ethical issues of experiental expertise/EBEs in the health care sector. This research will help us understand what experiential expertise is, what good it provides, and what are the fundamental (moral) grounds for ethical actions of experiential expertise.
The aim of the research is to provide new perspectives and tools for a diverse range of actors/agents to develop the utilization of expertise/knowledge in the health care sector and to develop clinical practices using shared expertise in a sustainable and responsible way.
As a social ethicist my background is in concept and argumentation analysis. My doctoral thesis was in Social Ethics / in the field of health care ethics.
Anni Pakarinen, PhD, RN, postdoctoral researcher in Connected Health UTU, Senior researcher, Development manager, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
ankorh@utu.fi
Gamified interventions for Health- Development, evaluation and implementation
My research focuses on health promotion and digital interventions, particularly on serious games and gamified applications. My research approaches the topic from many perspectives; development through user-centered design process, evaluation of the usability, feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention, as well as the implementation process of digital interventions. The research aims to provide both the knowledge and methods to support the work of professionals, to promote the health of individuals and to support the use of high-quality and evidence-based digital interventions in health and social care for disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The aim is also to provide information that can be used in the design and development of new digital interventions for health promotion purposes.
Heidi Parisod, PhD, RN/PHN, postdoctoral researcher in Connected Health UTU, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
hemapar@utu.fi
Developing evidence-based adolescents' health promotion and nursing practices (ENG)
My post doc research concentrates on two topics and includes several sub projects. The projects are conducted in national and international collaboration.
1. Digital interventions to promote children's and adolescents' health
The research projects concentrate on children's and adolescents' health promotion and gamified digital interventions. The purpose is to recognize new means to support children's and adolescents' health and wellbeing and to support implementation of existing interventions e.g. into school context.
2. Development needs of evidence-based nursing practices and digital support structures
The purpose is to recognize development needs in actualization of evidence-based nursing practices and its support structures in Finnish social and health services. In addition, the purpose is to examine clinical decision support systems as a support structure for evidence-based nursing.
Developing evidence-based adolescents' health promotion and nursing practices (FIN)
Post doc -tutkimukseni muodostuu kahdesta kokonaisuudesta ja useasta alaprojektista. Tutkimusprojekteissa tehdään sekä kansallista että kansainvälistä yhteistyötä.
1. Digitaaliset interventiot lasten ja nuorten terveyden edistämisessä
Tutkimusprojektit tarkastelevat monipuolisesti lasten ja nuorten terveyden edistämistä ja pelillisiä interventioita. Tarkoituksena on tunnistaa uusia keinoja edistää lasten ja nuorten terveyttä ja hyvinvointia sekä tukea olemassa olevien interventioiden implementaatiota mm. koulukontekstiin.
2. Näyttöön perustuvan hoitotyön kehittämistarpeet ja digitaaliset tukirakenteet
Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on tunnistaa kehittämistarpeita näyttöön perustuvan hoitotyön toteutumisessa ja sen tukirakenteissa sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon palveluorganisaatiossa. Lisäksi tarkoituksena on tarkastella sähköistä päätöksentukea näyttöön perustuvan hoitotyön tukirakenteena.
Marita Ritmala, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Quality of Clinical Nursing and Health Care, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
maritm@utu.fi
Patient Centred Sleep Support (ENG)
Purpose
to improve patients’ quality of sleep by developing sleep assessment methods and interventions to enhance patients’ sleep quality in the ICU and on hospital wards
Goals
- to test sleep assessment instruments used for ICU patients
- to develop and test the Individualised sleep promotion model
- to evaluate the model’s impact on the quality of ICU patients’ sleep
- to improve nurses’ knowledge of sleep promotion with educational intervention
Content
- Different methods for sleep evaluation have been and will be used in different populations and the psychometric evaluations will be performed
- Individualised sleep promotion model has been developed and is being tested in different ICU settings, and later on wards
- Nurses’ educational program will be developed and its effect on nurses’ knowledge of sleep promotion will be tested
Research team
- Marita Ritmala, PhD, principal investigator, Post doc researcher, University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, ICU Advanced Practice Nurse, Magnet Program Director, Helsinki University Hospital, Nursing Administration
- Anna Axelin, Associate Professor, PhD, University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science
- Marion Mitchell, Associate Professor, PhD, Griffith University and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia
- Helena Leino-Kilpi, Professor, PhD, University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, Director of Nursing, Turku University Hospital
Patient Centred Sleep Support (FIN)
Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on tehohoidossa olevien potilaiden toipumisen edistäminen tuottamalla yksilöity unen tukemisen menetelmä potilaiden unen tukemiseen. Potilaiden unen laatu vaihtelee suuresti eri potilaiden välillä ja suuri osa potilaista nukkuu todella huonosti tehohoidon aikana. Univaje heikentää muun muassa immuniteettia, rasittaa verenkiertoa, hengitystä, aineenvaihduntaa ja jaksamista ja laskee mielialaa. Näin ollen voidaan ajatella univajeen olevan haitallista myös tehohoidossa olevan potilaan toipumiselle. Näyttö potilaiden unen tukemiseksi kehitettyjen interventioiden tehosta on varsin vähäistä, osin ehkä johtuen potilaiden yksilöllisistä tarpeista.
Tutkimuksessa on luotu yksilöllinen unen tukemisen malli ja siihen liittyvä unianamneesi-instrumentti perustuen aikaisempaan tutkimukseen ja terveiltä kotona nukkujilta (n=114) kerättyyn aineistoon, joka analysoitiin tehohoitotyön asiantuntijapaneelin (n=7) avulla.
Syksyn 2018 – kevään 2020 aikana, on tutkittu, miten ”Potilaan yksilöity unen tukeminen” -toimintamallin käyttö (interventio) vaikuttaa potilaan unen laatuun ja toipumiseen. Aineisto on kerätty pretest-posttest asetelmalla HUS:n kahdella teho-osastolla, jotka satunnaistettiin interventio- ja kontrolliosastoiksi. Potilaiden unen laatua mitattiin RCSQ-mittarilla (potilaat ja yöhoitajat) sekä Emfit QS monitorointilaitteella. Ympäristön valoisuus ja melutaso kontrolloitiin mittaamalla ja yön aikaisten hoitotoimien useus ja tiheys analysoimalla hoitajien dokumentoinnit. Mukaan otettiin aikuiset, orientoituneet potilaat, joilla ei ole todettua neurologista vauriota tai diagnosoitua unihäiriötä. Unen laadun paranemisen vaikutuksen analysoimiseksi kerättiin tiedot potilaiden hoitoajasta ja sekavuudesta.
Interventio-osastoilla työskentelevät hoitajat (n=81) koulutettiin unen tukemiseen ja arviointiin 14 sisällöltään samanlaisessa työpajassa. Hoitajien tietoa unen merkityksestä ja tukemisesta mitattiin tietotestillä ennen koulutusta, välittömästi koulutuksen jälkeen ja 6-8 kk intervention käyttöönoton jälkeen tietotason pysyvyyden selvittämiseksi.
Interventio-osastolla potilaiden unta on tuettu ”Potilaan yksilöity unen tukeminen” -toimintamallin mukaisesti. Kontrolliosastolla potilaita on hoidettu normaalin käytännön mukaan. Interventio-osaston potilailta kerättiin myös data intervention toteutumisesta. Aineiston keruu jouduttiin keskeyttämään kontrolliosaston siirtyessä hoitamaan vain COVID-19 potilaita, joten sieltä data jäi puuttumaan yhdeksältä potilaalta. Interventio-osastolta saatiin tarvittava aineisto. Koko aineistoa analysoidaan parhaillaan.
Evanthia Sakellari, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Empowering Patient Education (EPE), Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
evasak@utu.fi
Adolescents’ mental health needs assessment in the community
The aim of the study is to assess the adolescents’ mental health needs, determine the factors that are connected with those needs and further, identify the resources they use in order to address those needs. The ultimate goal is to assist the health professionals to promote mental health among adolescents in different European countries. Thus, the study will provide a framework to gain a better understanding of the mental health needs among adolescents. The findings of this study will have scientific as well as societal impact within community health for adolescents.
Virpi Sulosaari, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Quality of Clinical Nursing and Health Care, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
virsul@utu.fi
Yliopettaja, Turku AMK, Executive Board Member European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS), Chair of EONS Communication Working Group
Post doc Tutkimus 2017 – 2022
Oncology nursing competence of cancer nurses
Cancer is a major disease increasing internationally pressure on all relevant health services. The present and future health workforce provides health services for increasingly complex health issues. Nurses are the largest health care profession responsible of patients care. Cancer nurses play a central role in caring for individuals diagnosed and living with and beyond cancer. Cancer nurses provide essential nursing care, patient, family and community education and support, administer, monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes, identify and manage complications, provide supportive and palliative care, and collaborate on clinical research
The care the nurses are delivering requires special competences, including medication competence. European education of cancer nurses need to be based on competence requirements. Thus, there little agreement about the role of the cancer nurse and what training or education elements are important for the continued growth of the profession (Cambell et al. 2017). Most of the descriptions of cancer nurses’ oncology nursing competence are published by health care organisations such as hospitals or foundations or the requirements are embedded into curriculum description.
Therefore, this post- doctoral research program focuses on oncology nursing competence of cancer nurses b) cancer nursing education. The objectives of the research program is to enhance the development of cancer nurses oncology nursing competence, to develop oncology nursing education in undergraduate and postgraduate level and to make visible the oncology nursing competence and clinical career pathways of cancer nurses. The purposes of this research program are 1) to describe the oncology nurses competence, 2) develop instrument to assess oncology nursing competence of cancer nurses and 3) evaluate oncology nursing competence of cancer nurses and 4) evaluate the current education on field of cancer nursing.
In the phase I oncology nursing competence is defined by a systematic review and survey results on perceptions of people with cancer on cancer nursing. In the phase II , instrument is developed through Delphi panel method and the instrument content is assessed by nurses working in cancer care. In the phase III, oncology nursing competence of cancer nurses and cancer nursing education will be assessed in three countries.
Syöpäsairaanhoitajan kompetenssi - erityisosaaminen syöpäpotilaan hoitotyössä
Syöpä on yleisin kuolinsyy maailmassa, 14 miljoonaa uutta syöpätapausta todetaan vuosittain ja niistä noin puolet johtaa potilaan kuolemaan. Samaan aikaan hoidon tulokset ovat parantuneet ja syöpä on sairausryhmänä nykyisin keskeinen osa kroonisia (NCD) sairauksia. Hoitojen tuloksissa ja kuolleisuudessa on kuitenkin eroja maiden välillä Suomen kuuluessa hoitotuloksiltaan kärkimaihin. Tällä hetkellä joka kolmas suomalainen sairastuu syöpään ja yli puolet heistä paranee. Syöpään on arvioitu sairastuvan lähivuosina jo yli 33 000 ihmistä vuosittain. Suomessa elää kaikkiaan yli 260 000 syövän jossain elämänsä vaiheessa sairastunutta ihmistä. Syöpä sairautena onkin yksi kansanterveydellisesti ja taloudellisesti merkittävä haaste. Tarve syövän hoidolle ja hoidon osaajille on lisääntynyt. Syöpäpotilaan hoito- ja palvelukokonaisuudessa sairaanhoitajat ovat yksi keskeinen ammattiryhmä, joiden roolia pidetään kansainvälisesti keskeisenä hoidon toteutuksessa ja sen vaikuttavuudessa. Yhtenä haasteena vaikuttavuuden arvioinnissa on syöpähoitotyön koulutuksen kirjavuus sairaanhoitajien perus- ja, erikoistumiskoulutuksessa sekä ylemmissä korkeakoulututkinnoissa.
Syöpäpotilaan hoitotyön koulutuksen tulisi perustua osaamisvaatimuksiin. Syöpäsairaanhoitajan kompetenssikuvauksia tai opetussuunnitelmien sisältökuvauksia ei Suomessa ole julkaistu. Myös kansainvälisesi kuvauksia on julkaistu niukasti, lähinnä syöpäsairaanhoitajan kompetenssista lääkehoitoon liittyvään erityisosaamiseen kohdistuen. Syöpäpotilaan hoitaminen on kompleksinen ja laaja kokonaisuus., jonka tulisi olla yksilöllistä, potilaslähtöistä ja kokonaisvaltaista. Olennaisena osana hoitotyön toteutusta on potilasohjaus, potilaan ja hänen omaistensa tuki, kommunikaatio moniammatillisessa työryhmässä ja potilaan sekä hänen omaistensa kanssa.
Tutkimushankkeen tavoitteena on edistää syöpäsairaanhoitajien erityisosaamista sekä tehdä näkyväksi syöpäpotilaan turvallisen hoidon toteutumisen edellyttämä syöpäsairaanhoitajan kompetenssi. Tutkimushanke vahvistaa syöpäsairaanhoitajien kompetenssin tunnustamista ja osallisuutta syöpäpotilaan moniammatillisesti toteutettavassa hoito- ja palvelukokonaisuudessa sekä kansallisesti että kansainvälisesti. Tutkimushankkeen tarkoituksena on 1) määritellä ja arvioida syöpäsairaanhoitajan kompetenssi ja 2) kuvata syöpäpotilaan hoitotyön opetuksen keskeiset sisältöalueet sairaanhoitajien perus- ja tutkinnonjälkeisessä lisäkoulutuksessa. Tutkimushanke on kansainvälinen.
Kirsi Talman, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Health Care and Nursing Education, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
kimata@utu.fi
Lecturer in Nursing Education, King's College, London, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Department of Adult Nursing.
Post doc research 2015–2022.
Development of Student Selection in Healthcare Education
Aim
The aim of this research project is to develop and evaluate a new student selection method in health care education that is evidence-based, cost-effective, objective and reliable.
The study is undertaken in three parts:
Part I Reforming student selection in nursing education (2015-2019)
Aim: to develop, implement and evaluate a new selection method nationally.
In the Definition phase (2015-2016), the factors to be assessed in the future on-site student selection in nursing education were identified. As the result of data synthesis of three literature reviews and three focus group reviews (n=27), three main parts of the new selection method were identified, namely, learning and social skills, and certainty of the career choice.
In the Development phase (2016- 2018) a new selection method was developed and piloted. In this phase, three research questions were answered:
- What is the structure of the selection method?
- What is the content of the selection method?
- What is the reliability of the selection method?
As the result of the Development phase, the new selection method was piloted in the entrance exam of four UAS in autumn 2016. Further development of the new selection method was undertaken during the year 2017, based on the results of the pilot study.
Part II Evaluation of the new student selection method (2018-2021)
Aim: To assess the predictive value of the new selection method. Research questions are:
- What is the level of learning skills, social skills and certainty in the career choice of nursing applicants?
- What factors are related to learning skills, social skills and certainty in the career choice?
- What are the psychometric properties of the new selection method?
The new selection method has been validated in the entrance exam of six UAS in autumn 2017. Longitudinal data will be collected (in the years 2018-2021) to test the predictive validity of the selection method.
Part III Testing of the selection instrument in health care education in Finland (2021-2022)
Aim: to modify and test a selection method in different fields of health care education nationally.
Outi Tuominen, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Connected Health UTU, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
ouantu@utu.fi
The aim of my study is to study the impact of different staffing models from the perspective of patient safety pediatric and adolescent nursing in a hospital setting. The perspective of my research focuses on the management, experience of nursing staff and competency needs assessment. Patients and families will be involved in the study where appropriate. The overarching concept of the study is patient safety. This study will deepen the knowledge of different staffing models. Staffing models in this context refers to the management of sudden absences, by using float pool nurses, floating nurses and substitute nurses to cover sudden absences of nursing staff. The research will be conducted as a multi-method study.
The overall aim is to develop evidence-based guidelines to guide and support healthcare management and decision-making during day-to-day staffing in the context of patient safety. The research project is part of the Children and Young People's Division's (Turku university hospital) research and Development project for 2021 - 2026 "Patient Safety and Quality in Children and Adolescents in Health Care".
Jaakko Varpula, PhD, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
Minna Ylönen, PhD, RN, postdoctoral researcher in Older Individuals' Health, Nursing and Services, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku
misuyl@utu.fi
Nurse Director, Welfare Division, administration, Turku
Older Individuals Care - Home Best? Assessing prerequisites for living at home of older individuals with comorbidities - evidence for development
The study focuses on supporting evidence-based practices in older individuals’ nursing care. The aim is to model independent living at home, prerequisites for, current and future practices including management and develop uniform practices. The objective is to test Nursing Research Foundation’s Operational Model for Evidence-Based Practices model in the context of home health care in assessing prerequisites for living at home of older individuals with comorbidities.
There will be results in many levels of social - and health care; national, organization, older individuals, informal caregivers, managers, and nurses. This will constitute versatile frame of assessing prerequisites for living at home of older individuals with comorbidities.
Mentors
Currently available mentors in our research programme:
- Professor emerita Helena Leino-Kilpi
- Professor Sanna Salanterä
- Professor Riitta Suhonen
- Professor Katja Joronen
- Professor Leena Salminen
- Professor Mari Kangasniemi
- Professor Minna Stolt
- Associate Professor Anna Axelin
- Docent Tella Lantta
