Implementation of nEUroBlend

1. Implementation of nEUroBlend Developing Neuroscience Nursing in Sweden Ann-C Jönsson

2. Vision for the future in Sweden • The study material created through the nEUroBlend project will enable neuroscience nurses to develop their competence through internet availability of study material. • A goal of the Swedish Association is to make the nEUroBlend material known and available to as many neuroscience nurses as possible. • Step one: The full Swedish partners of nEUroBlend will disseminate knowledge of the education material to all neuroscience clinics. • Step two: The full Swedish partners of nEUroBlend will start discussions among the universities and the authorities concerning the need to develop a formal specialist education for neuroscience nurses. In such a program the nEUroBlend material can be used. Ann-C Jönsson

3. The present situation in Sweden Only two Swedish universities have post basic nursing education in neuroscience on a regular basis • Uppsala University • Gothenburg University Ann-C Jönsson

4. Uppsala UniversityAvailable courses in neuroscience • Neuroscience, B-level 5 weeks For nurses, physical therapists, biomedical scientists and occupational therapists - part time (25%) over the term The aim of the course is to broaden the knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. • Neuroscience, C-level, 5 weeks For the same professionals as above. Neuroscience B-level required. The aim of the course is to broaden the knowledge in acute and rehabilitative care of patients with neurological diseases and for patients in post-operative care after neurosurgery. Focus on care planning, identification of risks and analysis of care needs for these patients. The course includes neuropsychology, brain damage mechanisms and diagnostic methods. • Neurobiology, 5 weeks For nurses, biologists, pharmacists, physical therapists, biomedical scientists The aim of the course is to give a survey of recent research in modern neurobiology concerning the function of the brain on the cellular and molecular level to improve understanding of diseases and disturbance of the nervous system. Ann-C Jönsson

5. Gothenburg universityEducation program in neuroscience Presentation by Gothenburg University: • The extensive development within health care requires increasing knowledge and a scientific attitude among the different professionals involved in patient care and rehabilitation. • The courses in clinical neuroscience at our institution aim to provide deeper and broader knowledge and competence within neuroscience. • Our courses have a multiprofessional perspective, including communication and discussion between representatives of the different professions around the patient. We also want to stimulate a quality enhancing way of thinking in health care. Target group • Personnel with health care education at the university, i.e. nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and biomedical scientists. • To be continued… Ann-C Jönsson

6. Gothenburg University - neuroscience courses • Acute care in the field of neuroscience 10 weeks • Existential issues in health care 5 • Family and network 15 • Brain tumours 5 • Disturbance of memory and dementia 10 • Multiple sclerosis 5 • Neuro intensive care 5 • Parkinson’s disease 5 • Perspectives on neuroscience care 5 • Stroke 10 • Traumatic brain injury 5 • Traumatic spine injury 10 • Scientific theory and scientific methods 10 • Neuro pediatric care 5 • Neuromuscular diseases 5 Ann-C Jönsson

7. Lund University • In 2003 Ann-C Jönsson organized a university course in stroke care (10 weeks) for nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists. • In 2006 Ann-C Jönsson organized a university course in neuroscience care (5 weeks) for the same professionals, covering neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and evidence based care. Ann-C Jönsson

8. Örebro University • Courses have been available from time to time depending on the initiative of teachers and researchers with special interest in the neuroscience field Ann-C Jönsson

9. Top priority in Sweden • The large proportions of patients with neurological diseases is not known, or perhaps ignored, in the Swedish society, on the hospitals’ management level, and in the basic education for nurses. • There is a lack of understandingof the need for deepened neurosciencenursing knowledge among nurses, universities, and society. • The lack of neuroscience in basic nursing education must be emphasized in the implementation phase of nEUroBlend. Ann-C Jönsson