E. Milly L. Haagedoorn Lecture EACE 2006. Developing oncology nurse education and training across Europe

Education is an important tool in the development of specialist nursing within Europe. Awareness of cancer and its treatment and the impact it has on individuals and families helps in reducing negative perceptions and fatalistic attitudes. Education not only improves care, but can enhance outcomes; research studies have identified that appropriate and timely nursing can make a difference. There are several drivers for change within cancer nurse education. First, the increasing complexity of cancer treatment delivery plus the shift of cancer therapy and support into community and ambulatory settings are demanding wider skills. Second, the implementation of the Bologna Process across Europe aiming to make study programs compatible and comparable to facilitate transparency and academic recognition at a European level. As a result of the Bologna declaration, educational systems in most European countries are in the process of reform. These changes are an opportunity for cancer nursing to establish and constitute a starting point for providing a commonality of curricula for cancer nurses across Europe.