The Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) welcomed Rodrigo Ruiz and Denis Opresnik, representatives of the sustainability work package of the European Joint Action JACARDI and members of the National Institute of Public Health Slovenia.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss strategies to ensure that the achievements promoted by JACARDI in Cantabria can be maintained and sustainably integrated into the healthcare system. During the working sessions, the Slovenian representatives gained first-hand insight into the three pilot initiatives currently being implemented in the region by IDIVAL’s Nursing Research Group.
JACARDI is a European Union Joint Action focused on addressing the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes through evidence-based strategies and collaboration among European countries. The project brings together 81 institutions across Europe and develops 143 pilot initiatives aimed at preventing and improving the management of these non-communicable diseases.
In Cantabria, IDIVAL’s Nursing Research Group is involved in three initiatives designed to improve health literacy and self-management among patients and the general population. These include a MOOC-based model to promote heart-healthy lifestyles through accessible online learning; a programme of free digital courses for people living with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; and participatory workshops based on scientific evidence to strengthen self-care and active health management.
The sustainability of these pilots was one of the main focuses of the visit. Gina Lladó and Miguel Santibáñez, coordinators of two of the pilot initiatives, took part in the meetings, alongside Verónica García from the Cantabrian School of Health, the organisation hosting JACARDI-related activities in the region. The Slovenian representatives highlighted the close collaboration between IDIVAL, the Cantabrian School of Health and the regional healthcare system as a particularly valuable aspect of the project.
The visit also included the participation of Patricia Corro, Deputy Director for Care, Training and Continuity of Care at the Cantabrian Health Service, reinforcing the institutional commitment to the continuity and practical implementation of the actions promoted by the European project.
Several researchers from IDIVAL’s Nursing Research Group organised and participated in the working sessions. Carmen Sarabia, JACARDI coordinator in Cantabria, emphasised the value of this type of meeting for sharing knowledge and strengthening future international collaborations aimed at consolidating sustainable models of prevention and self-care in health.
Photo caption: Lorena Madrigal, Miguel Santibáñez, Verónica García, Patricia Corro, Francisco Amo, Rodrigo Ruiz, Denis Opresnik and Ignacio Velasco during one of the working sessions.
