(WHEART) Knowledge of Women’s Cardiovascular Health in Estonian Nursing Education (SekMo)

Project number: 2021-2027.1.01.26-2071

Funding programme: SekMo – Support for Intersectoral Mobility

Measure: 2021-2027.1.1 (EC 1.1) Research and Innovation Capacities, Advanced Technologies

Project duration: 1 October 2026 – 31 August 2029

Total project budget: EUR 154,546

Grant funding: EUR 108,182.20 (70%)

Own contribution: EUR 46,363.80 (30%)

The risk factors, symptoms and progression of cardiovascular diseases can differ between women and men. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals better recognise these conditions, advise patients and provide care that meets their needs.

The aim of the WHEART project is to strengthen the capacity of Tartu Applied Health Sciences University to integrate knowledge of biological sex and gender-related factors into nursing education. The project uses women’s cardiovascular health, particularly acute coronary syndrome and early secondary prevention, as an example. It examines how this knowledge is currently addressed in Estonian nursing education and how it can be integrated more systematically into curricula. The research includes a review of scientific literature, an exploration of the experiences of teaching staff, practice placement supervisors and students, and the development of expert consensus on essential knowledge and learning outcomes.

Outcomes: To produce an evidence- and consensus-based framework with recommendations for developing undergraduate nursing education and master’s-level health sciences education, and for planning continuing education programmes. In the longer term, the project aims to contribute to more patient-centred and equitable healthcare.

Principal Investigator: Krista Staškevitš, krista.staskevits@tartuh.ee