Investigation into the Specialist Nursing Programme completed

The background for the investigation was the fact that, both nationally and in Region Uppsala, there is a shortage of specialist nurses, while higher education institutions are struggling with underfunding of the programmes, declining student numbers and challenges in securing qualified teaching staff.

After several months of work, the investigator, Johan Dabrosin Söderholm, Senior Professor of Surgery at Linköping University, is now ready to submit the report for further operational planning.

“The work has been stimulating, and it has been interesting to explore an important issue in depth and to look for underlying causes, but above all, for possible solutions. The commissioners at the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy also ensured that I received excellent administrative support during the process, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them,” he says.

“Strong engagement”

The investigation is based on more than 40 interviews and working meetings, in addition to analyses of the current situation and the wider environment. According to Johan Dabrosin Söderholm, the proposed measures have been perceived as constructive.

“Throughout this period, there has been a strong commitment to this issue. Staff at the Faculty of Medicine are aware of the challenges that need to be addressed, and it has not been difficult to arrange meetings with representatives from different parts of the Specialist Nursing Programme. My impression is that both heads of department and teachers viewed most of the proposals as constructive, which is gratifying.”

Uppsala University – a potential national frontrunner

Now that the report has been finalised and presented to the Executive Committee, a working group will be appointed to carry out an operational analysis based on the report. The working group will be chaired by Vice-Rector Mats Larhed, who says the work going forward is very important.

“Reviewing the proposals in the report is a very high priority. The Disciplinary Domain has therefore decided to appoint a working group, with me as chair, to develop concrete measures based on the material. The goal is to create the conditions to deliver a high-quality Specialist Nursing Programme that is sustainable in the long term,” he says.

Johan Dabrosin Söderholm sees continued challenges ahead but also significant opportunities for Uppsala University to act as a national frontrunner. Moving forward will require a willingness to make decisions and sustained development work, he believes.

“The challenges are complex, and the financial situation needs to be addressed urgently, but I see the prospects ahead as good. With its academic strength in the field, Uppsala University has the potential to be a leader in the development of the Specialist Nursing Programme, for example, by enabling greater collaboration between higher education institutions.”

Robin Widing