Former cancer patients aid the sick in Ticino (cross-border guide)

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.

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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.

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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.

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