Former cancer patients aid the sick in Ticino

Context

In brief

• Former oncological patients help the sick in Ticino
• Innovative project at Lugano Civil Hospital
• Patients active in reviewing care

Key facts

• What: Project involving active participation of oncological patients
• When: Started with training courses and review of informational materials
• Where: Lugano Civil Hospital, Ticino
• Who: Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) and IOSI
• Amount: About half of the participants took on an active role

LUGANO - An innovative project at Lugano Civil Hospital is transforming oncological patients from passive recipients to active protagonists in reviewing care and health services. The initiative, promoted by Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) and the Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana (IOSI), aims to integrate the patients' perspective into the continuous improvement process of care.

The importance of the patients' perspective

The project was born from the need to complement medical knowledge with the direct experience of those living with or having lived through the disease. Angela Tolotti, EOC and IOSI research nurse, explains: 'We realized that the opinion of professionals is fundamental, but often the direct experience of those living with the disease is missing.'

The journey began with an information campaign in oncological outpatient clinics, followed by a structured training course in several meetings to explain the basics of clinical research. In the end, about half of the participants decided to take on an active role, collaborating in the review of informational materials, the definition of projects, and the organization of events.

The review of the booklets

Among the main activities is the review of booklets destined for patients. A work that has a concrete impact. Nicoletta Hoderas Gada, a former oncological patient involved in the project, recounts: 'Medical language is not always suitable. We act as a bridge, to make the information more understandable and less anxiety-inducing.' The goal is also emotional: to avoid language that is too rigid or alarming that could increase the anxiety of patients.

Not just oncology

The project has already shown an important evolution. From the initial meetings reserved for oncological patients, it has moved to a broader involvement, open to all patients and not just in the field of research, but also in the organization of health services. 'Today, patients are no longer just recipients of care, but active partners,' emphasizes Cristiana Sessa, retired oncologist.

The next step

The next step will be the Patients' Forum dedicated to active involvement in clinical research, scheduled for May 7, 2026, from 17.00 to 20.30 at the Regional Hospital of Lugano, Civico site. An event open to the public that will give space to the voice of the patients and aims to attract new people interested in collaborating.

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy, this project represents an opportunity for active participation in the quality of healthcare. Being involved in the review of informational materials and the definition of projects can improve access to and understanding of health services, making them more accessible and comprehensible for those living across the border.

How to participate

Cross-border workers interested in participating in the project can contact Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) or the Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana (IOSI) for more information. The next Patients' Forum represents an excellent opportunity to learn more about the project and understand how to actively contribute.

Conclusion

The innovative project at Lugano Civil Hospital represents an important step towards a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system. For cross-border workers, this initiative offers the opportunity to be actively involved in improving care and health services, making them more accessible and understandable for everyone.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The project to actively involve oncological patients at Lugano Civil Hospital has important practical implications for cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy. Being involved in reviewing informational materials and defining projects can improve access to and understanding of healthcare services, making them more accessible and comprehensible for those living across the border.

Before and After Comparison

Before the start of this project, patients were primarily passive recipients of care. Now, thanks to the initiative, patients can actively contribute to reviewing informational materials, defining projects, and organizing events. This change represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system.

Concrete Scenarios

Imagine a cross-border worker who works in Ticino and resides in Italy. Thanks to this project, they can actively participate in reviewing pamphlets intended for patients, making the information more understandable and less anxiety-inducing. Furthermore, they can contribute to defining projects and organizing events, improving access to and understanding of healthcare services for all patients, including cross-border workers.

Concrete Procedures

To participate in the project, interested cross-border workers can follow these steps: 1. Contact the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) or the Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana (IOSI) for more information. 2. Attend training courses structured in multiple meetings to explain the basics of clinical research. 3. Collaborate in reviewing informational materials, defining projects, and organizing events. 4. Participate in the Patient Forum dedicated to active involvement in clinical research, scheduled for May 7, 2026.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the start of this project, patients were primarily passive recipients of care. Now, thanks to the initiative, patients can actively contribute to reviewing informational materials, defining projects, and organizing events. This change represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system.

Comparative Table

Conclusion

The project to actively involve oncological patients at Lugano Civil Hospital represents an important step towards a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system. For cross-border workers, this initiative offers the opportunity to be actively involved in improving care and healthcare services, making them more accessible and comprehensible for everyone.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to do to participate

For cross-border workers interested in participating in the project, it is important to follow some concrete procedures. First, it is necessary to contact the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) or the Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana (IOSI) for more information. Subsequently, you can attend training courses structured in multiple meetings to explain the basics of clinical research. At the end of the course, you can decide to take an active role, collaborating in the review of informational materials, the definition of projects, and the organization of events.

Deadlines and procedures

The next Patient Forum dedicated to active involvement in clinical research is scheduled for May 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Civico site. This event represents an excellent opportunity to get to know the project up close and understand how to actively contribute. It is important to mark this date on your calendar and participate to obtain more information and opportunities for involvement.

Tools and resources

For cross-border workers who wish to delve deeper, you can use the salary calculator to get a clear idea of your income and expenses. Additionally, it is useful to consult the practical guides available on the site to better understand the healthcare services and opportunities for active participation.

Conclusion and CTA

The innovative project at the Ospedale Civico di Lugano represents an important step towards a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system. For cross-border workers, this initiative offers the opportunity to be actively involved in improving care and healthcare services, making them more accessible and understandable for everyone. For more information and to participate actively, you can contact the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) or the Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana (IOSI). Additionally, you can use the salary calculator to get a clear idea of your income and expenses.

Source: tio.ch