Focus on Scientific Research and Development are as follows:

• Improving treatment quality and safety 
  Innovative solutions in radiotherapy planning and delivery are being explored, including technology comparisons and ensuring treatment safety. 

• Assessing patient experience and quality of life 
  Focus is placed on the experiences, emotional well-being, and satisfaction of breast cancer patients throughout the treatment journey. 

• Developing virtual learning environments 
  360° virtual reality is used in the training of patients and healthcare professionals to reduce anxiety and raise awareness. 

• Promoting interprofessional collaboration and education 
  International cooperation and educational materials are developed to support collaboration among specialists from different fields in cancer care. 

Completed International Projects:

“Interprofessional co-operation in breast cancer therapeutic phase” 

Duration: 01.09.2020 – 31.08.2023

Funder: ERASMUS+

Leading Partner: Tartu Applied Health Sciences University’

Partners: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Metropolia ammattikorkeakoulu OY, Finland), Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oulun ammattikorkeakoulu OY, Finland), Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Hogskulen Pa Vestlandet, Norway), Tartu University Hospital (Estonia), Helse Bergen – Haukeland University Hospital (Helse Bergen HF*Haukeland University Hospital, Norway) University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (Switzerland). 

Objective: to develop the competencies of healthcare professionals, educators, and students in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. 

To achieve this goal, three multimedia learning modules were developed, focusing on: 

• Early detection of breast cancer 

• Interprofessional aspects of cancer care organization 

• Cancer therapies and patient safety 

Educational materials are being developed to provide healthcare professionals involved in treatment with up-to-date knowledge and skills. 

Ongoing Research/Master´s Theses/Doctoral Dissertations

• Radiographers’ readiness and motivation for professional continuing education and the factors influencing it in the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology of Tartu University Hospital (G. Soodla, P. Alert). Supervisor: S. Kivistik.

• The impact of surface-guided radiotherapy on repeated imaging and treatment couch shifts in patient positioning in the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology of Tartu University Hospital, using prostate cancer as an example (A. Mihhailova, K. Põder). Supervisor: S. Kivistik. 

• Barriers and perceptions of RTT-led research – Estonian experience (M. Sarim; S. Kibena; S. Kivistik) – Qualitative research (PERH/TÜK). Approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Tartu No. 402/T-16.

• Experiences of breast cancer patients and healthcare professionals using the 360-degree virtuaal reality educational environment: A qualitative study (TÜK) (L. Randle, S. Kivisitik). Approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Tartu No. 402/T-19.

• Evaluation of laryngeal motion for RT of early-stage cancer of the glottis on MR-Linac (J. Povilatis; V. Aydemir;  M. Kangro) – qualitative study (Hospital off Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos).

• Exploring  RT for non-malignant diseases: Safety, Efficacy, Long-term outcomes and patient QOL compared to conventional treatments: A Scoping Review (D. Borodachev; S. Kivistik; J. Ter-Minasjan).

• Effect of 360-degrees virtual education environment on the anxiety and knowledge of patients with cancer. (S.Kivistik; E.Metsälä; H.Virtanen) University of Turku. S.Kivistik´s doctoral thesis.

Publications:

• Metsälä, E. Kivistik, S. Straume, K. Marmy, J.A.P.Jorge, Strom, B. (2022) Breast cancer patients’ experiences on their individual care pathway: A qualitative study. Radiography, Volume 28, Issue 3, 697 – 703 

• Metsälä, E. Schroderus-Salo, T. Straume, K. Strøm, B. Marmy, L. Øynes, Pires-Jorge, J.Randle, L. Kivistik, S. (2022). The Factors for Success and Lack of Success in the Breast Cancer Patient Care Pathway: A Qualitative Study From the Health Care Staff Perspective. European Journal of Breast Health. 18. 222-228. 10.4274/ejbh.galenos. 3-1.  

• Kivistik, S. Metsälä, E, Virtanen, H. (2025). Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review. Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology. 34. 100312. 10.1016/j.tipsro.2025.100312.  

Science Popularization: 

• Kivistik, S.Exploring the current and future RTT research landscape.  Transformative innovation through partnership. Radiotherapy&Oncology.Vol 206,suppl 2. 2025.  

• E. Metsälä, S. Kivistik, T. S. Schroderus-Salo, L. Marmy, L. Randle, K. Straume, H. Patanen, M. Øynes (2023). Evidence-based open access learning course for health care staff treating breast cancer patients.   European Society of Radiology . DOI: 10.26044/ecr2023/C-13877. 

• E. Metsälä, K. Straume, L. Marmy, T. S. Schroderus-Salo, B. Strom, M. Øynes, L. Randle, S. Kivistik (2023). Educational needs of the health care staff treating and caring for breast cancer patients.   European Society of Radiology . DOI: 10.26044/ecr2023/C-13891. 

• E.Metsälä, K.Paalimäki-Paakki, J. Hoffren, J.A.Jorge, S.Kivistik, R. Lumme, L. Marmy, T.S.Schroderus-Salo, B.Strom.  (2022). Radiation therapists`, diagnostic radiographers, biomedical laboratory scientists and nurses working together in breast cancer care and treatments. European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, Austria, 13-17 July 2022.  EPOS, C-10420. DOI: 10.26044/ecr2022/C-10420. 

• E. Metsälä , S. Kivistik , L. Marmy , J. A. Jorge , K. Straume , B. Strom  (2022). Women’s positive and less positive experiences of mammography and radiotherapy services during their breast cancer care pathway. Insights into Imaging, ECR 2022 Book of Abstracts, Vol. 13, suppl. 4: European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, Austria, 13-17 July 2022.  Springer, 93−93. 

• E. Metsälä , T. S. Schroderus-Salo , L. Marmy , J. A. Pires Jorge , K. Straume , B. Strom , M. Øynes , L. Randle , S. Kivistik  (2022). Breast cancer patient viewpoint versus staff thoughts regarding mammography and radiation therapy services. Insights into Imaging, ECR 2022 Book of Abstracts, Vol. 13, suppl. 4: European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, Austria, 13-17 July 2022.  Springer, 245−245. 

• S. Kaur, K. Metsamärt. Breast cancer patients’ assessment of their quality of life during radiotherapy at Tartu University Hospital; Supervisor: S. Kibena. Conference of Baltic Radiographers: Research and Practice (in Teams), 7 November 2025. Klaipeda University.

• S. Kaur, K. Metsamärt. Breast cancer patients’ assessment of their quality of life during radiotherapy at Tartu University Hospital; Supervisor: S. Kibena. Tartu Applied Health Sciences University´s 5th International Student Conference “Health in Our Hands” 2025, 20 November 2025. Tartu Applied Health Sciences University. 

Recognitions

Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Agency Award “Golden Apple in the Field of Higher Education” for the project “Interprofessional Cooperation in Breast Cancer Therapeutic Phase” (2024).

Presentation: “Breast cancer patients’ assessment of their quality of life during radiotherapy at Tartu University Hospital” received the following recognition at the 5th International Student Conference “Health in Our Hands” of Tartu Applied Health Sciences University: “Outstanding thematic competence in the field of woman health.”

Master´s Theses Related to the Research Group

• S. Kibena. Breast cancer patients`quality of care, support needs and satisfaction with their radiotherapy treatment in Tartu University Hospital (2022). Supervisors: E. Metsälä. K. Kallak (TÜK).

• M. Kangro. IMRT and 3D conformal treatment technique comparison regarding organs at risk for left breast cancer patients in TUH (2022). Supervisors: E. Metsälä, E. Randla (TÜK).

• B. Musa Yohanna. Incident learning and reporting systems in NSIA-LUTH and NHA RT Centres, Nigeria (2024). Supervisors: E. Metsälä, S. Kivistik.

• S. Kaur, K. Metsamärt. Breast cancer patients’ assessment of their quality of life during radiotherapy at Tartu University Hospital (2026). Supervisor: S. Kibena.