ABOUT THE RESEARCH WORKSHOPS

The 8th EONS Research Proposal Workshop took place at the University of Barcelona campus of Bellvitge, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Barcelona, from 31 May to 2 June. This event was specifically designed for oncology nurses with an interest in and aptitude for research who would like to develop their confidence and skills in writing a research proposal to address a contemporary clinical issue in cancer care. A comprehensive programme of interactive taught sessions, participant presentations, small group work and structured feedback discussions help nurses to build the confidence and skills they need to put together a proposal for their research project, which can then be used to apply for funding. Participating nurses were asked to identify a mentor who will provide ongoing advice and support to develop the full proposal. Feedback on the workshop was extremely positive.

The 4th EONS PhD Workshop took place from June 1 –3 at the University of Barcelona, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain. This exciting learning experience, designed for oncology nurses who are at any stage of their doctoral studies, provided the participants with the opportunity to network with other PhD students and improve their knowledge, confidence and expertise in oncology nursing research, as applied to their PhD. The doctoral students were able to discuss, develop and share ideas, progress and gain European perspectives in relation to their doctoral research within a supportive learning environment. The facilitators were: Maura Dowling (Ireland), Nikolaos Efstathiou (UK), Paz Fernandez-Ortega (Spain), Eva Pape (Belgium).​

The 3rd EONS Virtual PhD Research Workshop 2021 took place over three consecutive Fridays in July (2nd, 9th, 16th). The workshop was facilitated by Maura Dowling (Ireland), Paz Fernández-Ortega (Spain), Cherith Semple (UK), and Sara Colomer-Lahiguera (Switzerland).

Participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the event:

• They expressed gratitude to all the lovely and helpful mentors.
• The workshop was described as very interesting and helpful. Participants felt reassured and supported.
• Understanding of the PhD journey improved, which they hoped would help them succeed in the future.
• Participants conveyed heartfelt thanks, stating: "I really, really loved the workshop!"
• They appreciated hearing about experiences and approaches to research across Europe.
• The workshop exceeded expectations and was described as very well organised.
• Participants felt the topics covered were appropriate, ensuring everyone took home something relevant to them.

The 7th EONS (Virtual) Research Proposal Workshop 2021 was held over three consecutive Tuesdays in June (15th, 22nd, and 29th). The workshop was facilitated by Dr Grigorios Kotronoulas (UK), Dr Nikolaos Efstathiou (UK), and Dr Karin Dieperink (Denmark).

This inspiring three-day event was specifically designed for oncology nurses with an interest in and aptitude for research, aiming to build their confidence and skills in writing research proposals addressing contemporary clinical issues.

The workshop provided a supportive and constructive learning environment where participants began developing their ideas into research proposals. To achieve this, the comprehensive programme featured interactive taught sessions, participant presentations, small group work, and structured feedback discussions.

Participants shared highly positive feedback about their experiences:

• Very comfortable atmosphere from all participants so I was not embarrassed by mistakes, we helped each other, learned a lot.
• Before I started this workshop I thought I knew more about research than I actually did. This workshop has definitely streamlined my thought process on how to start a good research project.
• How approachable people who run the workshop are. It makes a huge difference.
• All smaller groups, all exercises, very interesting to work and evaluate immediately.
• Correct and just right balance of pace, guidance, and instructions from the management team.
• All three days of the workshop were extremely useful, we have learned a lot through interaction, exercises, correcting each other, lecturers pointing us in the right direction with advice.
• I felt very comfortable, team was excellent, lecturers, guests, participants, I will absolutely recommend it. I am thankful for this great opportunity.

The 6th EONS Research Proposal Workshop took place from 5 to 7 June 2019 at Golden Age Athens Hotel, Athens, Greece. Ten cancer nurses from eight European countries joined the faculty and guest speakers. The aim of the workshop was to provide a supportive, constructive and interactive learning environment for participants to begin to develop their clinical ideas into a research proposal.

Back row (left to right): Konstantina Maniati, Dr Stelios Katsaragakis, Dr Melanie Charalambous, Dr Grigorios Kotronoulas, Prof Elisabeth Patiraki, Dr Constantina Papadopoulou, Majda Cauševic, Johan De Munter.

Front row (left to right): Cristina Castells Roura, Charlotta Bergström, Edita Balasova, Remziye Semerci, Jasmina Vukovic, Foteini Antonopoulou, Celia Diez de los Rios.

What participants said:

An anonymous course evaluation took place that aimed to help improve future EONS research events.

The participants provided positive feedback, particularly appreciating the critical thinking, peer-work, interactive learning and practical knowledge that the workshop provided. Here are some representative quotes:

“I would like to congratulate the faculty. It was an honour to learn from you and the team. And of course, the group rocks.”

“I liked all tools we got (Gantt chart, Readability test…), inspiring video from Mr. Jeremy Dearling… I liked working together in workshops and also nice time spent outside the box (hotel).”

“I loved how we all worked together in groups! When everyone presented their projects, the discussions with the teachers were so useful. But the most moving: the PPI, Jeremy [Dearling]”

“I liked when we worked together, and I liked when the teachers came back and helped us. […] They have managed to combine the theoretical and practical very well.”

“The interaction during and between sessions was fantastic. Thanks to the great facilitators – You were all amazing!”

“The facilitators were always available to help and give advice. Even now with the workshop finished!”

“Amazing facilitators. Thank you for the great input but also to the great participants! It was a fantastic learning experience! Lots to take home!”

The 2nd EONS PhD Research Workshop was held from 6–8 June 2018 at the Poseidonia Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, with 11 participants from eight countries, reflecting the diversity of EONS. Facilitated by Prof. (Asso.) Andreas Charalambous, Dr. Wendy Oldenmenger, and Dr. Grigorios Kotronoulas, the workshop provided doctoral students with a supportive environment to discuss, develop, and share ideas about their research while gaining European perspectives. Participants presented their projects, received critical feedback, and explored various clinical fields and methodologies. The three-day event included tailored sessions on research methods, funding strategies, ethical considerations, and practical PhD advice. Participants described the workshop as an inspiring experience that boosted their confidence and enthusiasm, while also providing invaluable networking opportunities to support future research collaborations.

The 5th EONS Research Proposal Workshop was held from 10–12 May 2017 at the Regionalt Cancercentrum in Stockholm, Sweden, facilitated by Andreas Charalambous, Wendy Oldenmenger, Lena Sharp, and Kristina Olausson, with 12 delegates from seven countries participating. The workshop provided a platform for delegates to present and refine their research ideas, addressing diverse topics such as integrating acute oncology and palliative care, cancer care for LGBT individuals, supporting patients with cachexia, using VR for coping with body image changes, and implementing eHealth for treatment adherence. Sessions included lectures on good research practices by Prof. Carol Tishelman and Dr. Mona Ridderheim, who discussed the Swedish Cancer and Quality Registries. Delegates explored research methods, systematic reviews, ethical considerations, and funding applications, with additional guidance on mixed-methods research by Dr. Ulrika Ostlund. Participants valued the critical evaluations, small-group discussions, and the supportive learning environment, with EONS President-Elect Lena Sharp praising the workshop for helping participants develop their important research plans further.