On 8–12 June 2026, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) hosted Minna Tiainen, a lecturer, nurse, researcher, and doctoral student from the Faculty of Health and Social Services at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Finland), at the MRU Health Laboratory. The visit took place within the framework of the European research network “COST Action BetterCare” as part of a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM).
The guest was welcomed to MRU and the visit was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Birutė Mockevičienė, who actively participates in the activities of “COST BetterCare” and develops international cooperation in the field of health sciences. According to the researcher, such visits provide opportunities not only to exchange scientific insights but also to build long-term partnerships that become the foundation for new research and innovative solutions.
The “COST BetterCare” network addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in contemporary Europe – the growing need for nursing care in an ageing society. As the number of older people and chronic disease cases continues to increase, ensuring safe and high-quality home care is becoming increasingly important. Research shows that the most suitable place for older adults to live and receive care is their own home; however, transferring nursing services to the home environment also creates new challenges related to patient safety, quality of care, and error prevention.
Professor Natalja Istomina, Vice-Dean for Research at the MRU Faculty of Public Governance and Business, emphasises that population ageing is becoming one of the greatest challenges for European healthcare systems, making international cooperation in this field particularly important.
“Safe and high-quality home care today is not only a healthcare priority but also a social policy priority. International networks such as “COST BetterCare” enable researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to jointly seek innovative solutions that help people remain independent for as long as possible and receive quality care in their own homes. We are pleased that MRU is becoming an active platform for these discussions and new initiatives,” says Prof. N. Istomina.
The project places significant focus on home care processes, risk factors, strengthening patient safety, and the so-called nursing economy – the efficient and sustainable organisation of nursing services in a rapidly ageing society.
Although trained as a nurse, Minna Tiainen’s professional work has for many years focused on patient safety and improving the quality of nursing care. She coordinates the Master’s programme in Nursing at Tampere University of Applied Sciences and actively conducts research aimed at safer patient care.
During the visit, the researcher became acquainted with MRU’s scientific infrastructure, ongoing research, and activities in the field of health sciences. Meetings were also held with the “Science Hub” community, during which ideas for new international project applications and opportunities for further cooperation were discussed.
A significant part of the visit was dedicated to joint scientific work and discussions about home care support systems operating in different European Union countries, their strengths, and the challenges they face. Researchers aim to identify best practices that could contribute to the development of safer and higher-quality nursing services across Europe.
According to MRU researchers, the activities of “COST BetterCare” not only contribute to the creation of new scientific knowledge but also help shape future healthcare policy decisions. Minna Tiainen’s visit once again confirmed that international cooperation is an important prerequisite for developing more effective, sustainable, and people-centred nursing services in Europe.
