European Professionals Research Articles

Openness to Migrate Internationally for a Job: Evidence from LinkedIn Data in Europe

Understanding the factors that explain why people move – or stay – and where they go, is a central goal of migration research. This article improves our understanding of migration aspirations of professionals in Europe by leveraging a previously untapped data source: aggregate-level information on LinkedIn users open to work-related international relocation, accessed through the LinkedIn Recruiter platform. We collected data at regular intervals from Oct. 2020 to Sept. 2021. First, we offer descriptive statistics of proxies for migration aspirations (or lack thereof) for millions of Linkedin users in Europe. Then we approach our questions using a standardization technique, based on gravity models of migration, in order to account for a number of biases in the data, including uneven use of LinkedIn across countries. We found that, in absolute terms, countries in Northern and Western Europe are the most attractive ones when considering LinkedIn users open to work-related relocation (about 60%), followed by Southern Europe (about 40%) and Eastern Europe (30%). We also observed substantial heterogeneity in directionality of aspirations: for example, roughly 20% of LinkedIn users would relocate from Western to Northern Europe, while less than 10% would relocate from Northern to Western Europe. After accounting for differences in population density, geographic and linguistic distances, as well as internet and LinkedIn penetration, we observed that, in relative terms, Southern Europe appears to be a highly desired destination for professionals, indicating that there is potential for changing patterns in actual flows, should more opportunities for professionals arise in Southern Europe.

Assessing verbal interaction: towards European harmonization. Insights from the co-operation between Spanish and French language exams for Higher Education (CertAcles/CLES)

Abstract Verbal interaction has been the subject of a growing interest among language professionals in Europe since the CEFR was published in 2001; in linguistics, verbal interaction has long been studied. In the Bakhtinian approach, it is even considered “the fundamental reality of language”. All types of interaction share the fact that they are dynamically co-constructed by participants. How then can we assess or certify interactional competence on an individual basis when dynamic instability prevails? What criteria can be defined in order to deconstruct interactional competence into specific operational criteria, if interaction is intrinsically multidimensional? These are the questions that we address in this paper. To do so, this paper presents the insights gained as a result of the co-operation between two certification systems: CertAcles (Spain) and CLES (France), both belonging to NULTE (Network of University Language Testers in Europe). These certification systems have agreed to collaborate extensively, sharing their constructs and assessment routines. As a result, CertAcles is shifting towards more contextualized tasks and CLES is considering adopting descriptive assessment scales for interaction (C1 level). We hope to demonstrate that the materialization of scientific collaboration of this kind can help improve individual systems.

Establishing a benchmark of diversity, equity, inclusion and workforce engagement in radiation oncology in Europe – An ESTRO collaborative project

Background and purposeDiversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the medical workforce is linked to improved patient care and innovation, as well as employee retention and engagement. The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology launched a survey to provide a benchmark of DEI and engagement among radiation oncology (RO) professionals in Europe. MethodsAn anonymous survey was disseminated among RO professionals in Europe. The survey collected demographics and professional information, and participants were asked if they felt they belonged to a minority group. A DEI and workforce engagement questionnaire by Person et al. evaluated 8 inclusion factors. A favourable score was calculated by adding the percentage of “strongly agreed” or “agreed” answers. ResultsA total of 812 complete responses were received from 35 European countries. 21% of respondents felt they belonged to a minority group, mostly based on race/ethnicity (5.9%), nationality (4.8%) and age (4.3%). Compared to benchmark data from the United States, scores were lower for most inclusion factors, and to a greater extent for minority groups. The overall favourable score was 58% for those belonging to a minority group, significantly lower than for other respondents (71%, p < 0.001). Those belonging to a minority group because of their gender or age had the lowest overall favourable score (47% and 51% respectively). ConclusionsOur work indicates that actions to improve DEI and workforce engagement among RO professionals in Europe are urgently needed, in particular among minority groups. This would potentially improve employee wellbeing and retention, promoting high quality care and innovation.

COVID-19 and Physical Distancing Measures: Experience of Psychiatric Professionals in Europe.

A The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the organization of psychiatric care. The present study examines how care professionals experienced this period and faced these new constraints weighing on their professional practices. Based on a qualitative research methodology, 13 group interviews with healthcare professionals working in psychiatric wards were conducted in five countries in western Europe. To complement this, 31 individual interviews were carried out in Belgium and France. Public health measures hindered certain therapeutic activities, jeopardized communication, and obliged healthcare professionals to modify and adapt their practices. Confronted with a transformation of their usual roles, healthcare professionals feared a deterioration in the quality of care. Impossible to continue in-person care practices, they resorted to online videoconferencing which went against their idea of care in which the encounter holds an essential place. The lockdown contradicted efforts to co-build care pathways toward readaptation, social reintegration, and recovery, thus reviving the perception of psychiatric hospitalization based on isolation.

ENETWILD training: second online course on the use of camera trapping for monitoring wildlife and density estimation

The main objective of ENETWILD is to collect data on wildlife density, hunting and occurrence and to model geographical distribution and abundance of wildlife species throughout Europe. This subject is of particular concern in the case of wild boar due to the continued advance of African swine fever (ASF). Training, generation of harmonized wildlife abundance data following defined standards and enhancing the network of wildlife professionals in Europe is a key activity of the project that, especially in previously identified gap areas (eastern Europe). In this context, the ENETWILD consortium previously organised an online training course on camera trapping in September 2020. An outcome of this previous course was the need to organizing specific and more intensive training focused exclusively on camera trap data analysis. Therefore, the objectives of a second online course carried out in April 2021 were: (i) to be able to prepare a datasheet (using their own data or those provided by ENETWILD), and (ii) to analyse the data to estimate the density and error intervals. This course was attended by 53 game biologists, animal health professional and wildlife experts from national hunting and forest authorities. Detailed explanations, protocols and examples to implement such analyses were provided. This course on the use of camera trapping for monitoring wildlife and density was useful to complete training of a network of collaborators which are estimating wild boar densities over gap regions of Europe and are funded and supported by ENETWILD. They are now self-sufficient to apply field protocols and to analyse data. In addition, several participants manifested their interest to join this initiative by using their own means, contributing to this pioneer network of harmonized wildlife monitoring over Europe.

Data generated by camera trapping in at least 15 areas in Europe including East and South Europe: Report of the field activities ‐ first semester 2021

The activities related to the generation of reliable wild boar density values in at least 15 areas in Europe by camera trapping, mainly in East Europe are presented. The ENETWILD consortium has offered training to collaborators in order to generate harmonized wild boar abundance data (following standards) and has enhanced the network of wildlife professionals in Europe. As a next step, ENETWILD has engaged and enhanced this network, and a number of participants are currently developing field operations to estimate wild boar density in certain areas from their respective countries or confirmed that will do during summer 2021. A protocol for field camera trap (CT) provided by ENETWILD is being applied. By now, 12 field studies are ongoing in 10 countries and in most of them data has been already collected. In addition, there are 3 countries (Albania, North Macedonia and Turkey) in which, due to logistic problems during transport of the CTs at customs, the field work will be developed during 2021. In April 2021, ENETWILD is offering a second online training course to participants, so they will be trained specifically in data analysis. This strategy aims promoting a network of professionals/researchers capable of designing, developing field work and analysing data on their own, contributing also to disseminate the experience and train other colleagues in their respective countries. Most participants, who were already estimating wild boar densities during the season 2019/2020, will also apply the same methodology in different areas during 2021 in their respective countries. Therefore, the number of wild boar density values finally obtained through this experience by the end of 2021 will exceed 15 different locations in a total of 12 countries.

Qualitative evaluation of an educational intervention about healthcare improvement for nursing students

Objective: To explore the meaning of the experience and knowledge acquired by nursing students trained in healthcare improvement. Material and methods: A phenomenological approach based on the Giorgi method was made through a group discussion of 21 European students from four countries in July 2019. The data was triangulated with the testimonies of key informants and with the use of an evaluation tool specific to this topic. The analysis was also triangulated with three experienced researchers who reduced the data by consensus to eight units of meaning. Results: Nursing empowerment and horizontal health organizations were two of the most recurrent units of meaning along with professional values such as teamwork and humanization of care. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitudes and values acquired are evidence of the shortcomings in the training of future nursing professionals in Europe. The theoretical and practical approach of the sessions, as well as the mixture of cultures, were strengths for the students. It is necessary to follow up on more cases that show the return on the training investment in substantial improvements in real contexts and its impact on the quality of care.

Towards institutionalization of communication as a strategic function in organizations of Argentina, Lithuania and Spain

This research paper discusses the degree of institutionalization of communication as a strategic managerial function to explore the different scopes and status achieved across countries and organizational sectors. Empirical work was conducted in Lithuania, Spain and Argentina, chosen as pioneers and regional leaders towards institutionalization through the establishment of the first university-level communication studies, national and worldwide networks of communication researchers and practitioners. Purposeful convenience sampling also ensured data collection through 61 semi-structured interviews with communication experts, senior managers and scholars from these countries, and a pilot survey with 20 Lithuanian communication specialists. The results suggest that CEOs in Argentina (70.6%) and Spain (65%) are more aware of the communication value, 60% communication specialists hold executive/senior positions. All this is 10-15% lower in post-communist countries. For 90% Lithuanian respondents, the CEO’s full understanding of communication is the number 1 factor affecting the institutionalization of communication, followed by the evolution of their profession in the country, which influences the perception of the communication function. Strengthening their role and status is the 4th priority for communication professionals in Europe and Argentina. This requires further education to fill a widening gap of data competencies and management skills, expressed by 69% of Spanish communicators, 75-87% in the former communist bloc, and 45% of seasoned Argentinean communicators. The empowerment of communication specialists remains highly dependent on the communicative competence and willingness of CEOs, who also need ad hoc executive education, which is more widely available in Spain and Argentina than in Lithuania. AcknowledgmentThis paper was written under the Lithuanian Research Council and European Investment Funds grant No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712, as part of the post-doctoral research project “Towards an assessment model for mission-based strategic communication excellence”.

The intertextual nature of embedded email communication for contract negotiation activities

Abstract Emails have become the institutionalised communication medium for many discourse activities in work contexts. Sociolinguistic research in this area has mainly focused on the textual and communicative conventions of emails, as defined by disciplinary cultures and practices. This study is the first to analyse the intertextual nature of email communication for commercial contract negotiation purposes, with a particular focus on the communicative function of embedded emails. This concept relates to a genre of email discourse, which embeds the meaning of a series of messages generated by different participants in response to the original email, hence the name ‘embedded emails’. This study uses discourse and genre analysis to examine how a geographically dispersed team of legal and business professionals in Europe exploited the dialogic nature of embedded emails to negotiate amendments to contracts pertaining to an international Merger &amp; Acquisition (M&amp;A) transaction in English. The findings of this study show that embedded emails facilitate transparent collaboration between the individual professionals, by enabling them to monitor the exchange of proposals and counter-proposals during the negotiation process. This documented ability to trace and participate in contract negotiation activities through intertextual chains of embedded email communication is a key feature of professional communicative competence.

LGBT+ Training Needs for Health and Social Care Professionals: A Cross-cultural Comparison Among Seven European Countries

Research suggests that specific training on LGBT+ issues may improve the competencies and skills of health and social care (HSC) professionals, which reduces the negative attitudes toward LGBT+ people. Despite this, there seems to be a lack of coverage of LGBT+ needs in HSC education. The present study aims to explore the specific LGBT+ training needs of HSC professionals and to examine the relationship between these training needs and the four dimensions of the Papadopoulos model, i.e. cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competence. The research used data from a cross-cultural project, “Intercultural Education for Nurses in Europe (IENE9),” which was administered to 412 HSC academics and workers (62% females; Mage = 46.06, SDage = 10.48) between February 2020 and July 2020, in seven European countries: UK (coordinator), Denmark, Spain, Germany, Cyprus, Italy, and Romania. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that higher training needs were associated with cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, and cultural competence. The need for training on LGBT+ issues was higher for Cyprus, Romania, Spain, Italy, and the UK, compared with Denmark (no differences between Germany and Denmark were found). We believe that there has been a lack of focus on the LGBT+ training needs of HSC professionals: Greater efforts are required to develop a culturally competent and compassionate LGBT+ curriculum. Findings from the present study will inform the development of a free, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), for culturally competent and compassionate HSC professionals in Europe to improve the quality of their care.

The impact of needs-based education on the change of knowledge and attitudes towards medical genetics in medical students.

In this research we aimed to (1) develop and validate a new questionnaire examining attitudes and knowledge towards medical genetics, (2) examine the knowledge and attitudes towards medical genetics in students of the Medical Faculty in Rijeka, Croatia and (3) evaluate the impact of education from the mandatory course Medical Genetics on the change of knowledge and attitudes. The study was conducted on 191 fifth- and sixth-year students of the Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study of Medicine in the academic year 2019/2020. Students completed the validated online questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. Fifth-year students completed the questionnaire twice (beginning/end of the course), while sixth-year students completed the questionnaire once, 3 months after completing the course. The education was carefully designed for medical students according to the CoreCompetences in Genetics for Health Professionals in Europe issued by the European Society of Human Genetics. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, a statistically significant difference was found between fifth year before and after education and between the fifth year before education and sixth year for (a) total knowledge (P < 0.001), (b) total attitudes (P < 0.001) and (c) personal assessment of knowledge in medical genetics (P < 0.001). Moreover, positive attitudes were associated with higher levels of knowledge. In conclusion, our results emphasise the importance of needs-based education in medical genetics for medical students, which is indispensable for the increase in the level of knowledge and development of positive attitudes in order to provide better health care for patients with genetic disorders.

ПЕРІОДИЗАЦІЯ РОЗВИТКУ ВОКАЛЬНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ ФАХІВЦІВ МУЗИЧНОГО МИСТЕЦТВА В ЄВРОПІ

The article shows the periods of vocal development culture of music specialists in Europe. The article considered preconditions for the development of vocal culture of music art specialists in Europe. The table «Evolution of the development of vocal culture of music professionals in Europe during different stages» is presented in the article. It shows a brief description of the epoch and period. The article gave in more detail the features of formation of vocal culture of musical art specialists are determined, and also their characteristic in the European countries, such as: Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Poland. The emphasis of vocal culture, one of the most important components of the professional culture of music artists, is due to the specifics of his vocal and pedagogical activities, which is aimed at forming a personality capable of reproducing and enriching the culture of society in the future. The culture of future specialists in the art of music has undergone certain periods in the process of socio-cultural development. It, as a phenomenon of pedagogical practice, has always existed, but had different social and professional purposes depending on the influence of various factors: the political situation; moral relations that developed in society; dominant religion; type of education. Of course, knowledge of the origins, knowledge of the periods of origin and development of musical art, which took place over the centuries, is important for understanding both the current challenges of vocal culture and to determine its further development. It should be noted that the curricula of European countries provide broad training of music professionals, expanding the sector of music specialties, including training: choir directors, specialists in individual vocal technique, vocal ensembles, choral singing, dominated by the practical orientation of professional education. Thus, the analysis of literary scientific sources on the formation of vocal culture of music artists shows that each stage was a unique and significant contribution to the formation of such culture in Europe. It should be noted that the curricula of European countries provide broad training of music professionals, expanding the sector of music specialties, including training: choir directors, specialists in individual vocal technique, vocal ensembles, choral singing, dominated by the practical orientation of professional education. Thus, the analysis of literary scientific sources on the formation of vocal culture of music artists shows that each stage was a unique and significant contribution to the formation of such culture in Europe.

Clinical Neuropsychology as a Specialist Profession in European Health Care: Developing a Benchmark for Training Standards and Competencies Using the Europsy Model?

The prevalence and negative impact of brain disorders are increasing. Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty dedicated to understanding brain-behavior relationships, applying such knowledge to the assessment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning associated with brain disorders, and designing and implementing effective treatments. The need for services goes beyond neurological diseases and has increased in areas of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, among others. In Europe, a great deal of variability exists in the education and training of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Training models include master’s programs, continuing education courses, doctoral programs, and/or post-doctoral specialization depending on the country, with no common framework of requirements, although patients’ needs demand equal competencies across Europe. In the past 5 years, the Standing Committee on Clinical Neuropsychology of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Association has conducted a series of surveys and interviews with experts in the field representing 30 European countries. The information, along with information from the existing literature, is used in presenting an overview of current and relevant topics related to policy and guidelines in the training and competencies in Clinical Neuropsychology. An option for the way forward is the EuroPsy Specialist Certificate, which is currently offered in Work and Organizational Psychology, and in psychotherapy. It builds upon the basic certificate and complements national standards without overriding them. General principles can be found that can set the basis for a common, solid, and comprehensive specialty education/training, sharpening the Neuropsychologists’ competencies across Europe. The requirements in Clinical Neuropsychology should be comparable to those for the existing specialty areas in the EuroPsy model. Despite the perceived challenges, developing a specialist certificate appears a step forward for the development of Clinical Neuropsychology. Recommendations are proposed toward a shared framework of competencies by the means of a common level of education/training for the professionals in Europe. Benchmarking training standards and competencies across Europe has the potential of providing protection against unqualified and ethically questionable practice, creating transparency, raising the general European standard, and promoting mobility of both Clinical Neuropsychologists and patients in Europe, for the benefit of the professional field and the population.

Mapping of education of health professionals in health promotion; a European survey

Abstract Health behaviours comprise over half of risk of Non-communicable Diseases. Lifestyle interventions need collaborative approaches in healthcare; this makes health professionalś knowledge and skills in advocating lifestyle interventions crucial. However less is known about educational programs of professionals in Europe about health promotion. So, a project commissioned by Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (Chafea) in years 2018-2020 was carried out in all EU countries. Over 15 professions were included in this study. Information was obtained from national education providers, European associations of health professionals and national authorities. Study questions included: 1) how are health professionals being trained in health promotion in the EU? 2) what competencies professions require? 3) what methods are used? 4) what are the good practices? A three-stage data collection and analyses were carried out in order to answer these questions: a) desk research b) on-line survey for education content, methods and practices c) good practices assessment. Final report is to be concluded and published in April 2020, but first indications show that a) there are guidelines of competencies in health promotion in different levels of education (graduate, post-graduate and continuous professional development) b) good practices were found in all health professions b) all health professions provide description of health promotion competencies, c) traditional teaching methods (lectures and assignments) are most often used and d) there is a need for of digital health coaching and health economics practices. There is a need for capacity building and joint development in the European countries. Willingness to create European network of faculties, education regulators and professional associations is obvious and all parties acknowledge the need for support developing good practices and improving professional competencies in health promotion. Key messages There was a need for mapping of educational programs of professionals in Europe about health promotion. There is a need for capacity building and joint development in the European countries.

Digital and innovation skills in health care professionals in Europe

Abstract Background Rising life expectancy and ageing population are current phenomena that European society is facing and these are challenges for the European healthcare systems. To face them, several e-health solutions are already designed to optimize resources of the healthcare provider system. However, most of them are not being implemented or deployed. Some of the reasons are the lack of digital skills and innovation readiness in staff, and existing barriers to changing organizational practices. Objectives The DISH project (601008-EPP-1-2018-1-DK-EPPKA2-SSA) will develop 3 concepts to improve the digitalization of healthcare staff to help them in the use of e-health solutions already developed: 1)Learning Innovation Units, where healthcare staff, SMEs and educational institutions work together for improving the e-health solutions development and implementation; 2)On the job training, where healthcare staff will be trained in e-health and digital competences; 3)Assessment, where competences accomplished by healthcare staff will be recognized. All these concepts will be tested in 6 EU countries. Results The development of the 3 concepts is based on a needs analysis on present and future competences required to support the implementation of e-health solutions in Denmark, Norway, UK, Germany, Spain and Poland. Also, each country will test the 3 concepts and train 100 healthcare staff in the use of an e-solution/innovation already developed but not being fully implemented. An evaluation of the achieved skills/competences by the staff will be also conducted. Conclusions Healthcare workers and SMEs show willingness and motivation in contributing to the digitalization but there is a clear lack of digital skills (although this is different from country to country) to make easier the adoption in daily practice of such solutions. The project looks for promoting close collaboration between the interested parties to work together in overcoming the stated deficiency. Key messages The DISH concepts will facilitate a training framework for healthcare professionals in the use of digital solutions. The DISH project will promote the use of several innovations already available in the market.

10.C. Round table: European public health week: how to unite a continent to celebrate healthy populations

The first two editions of the European Public Health Week (EUPHW) took place in May 2019 and May 2020. Both exceeded all expectations, registering more than 140 events in more than 30 countries each year - despite the pandemic context and a fully online format in 2020. In this session we will share insights from both editions, with the round table format allowing for a wider discussion of experiences with other countries from around the world.Under the motto “celebrating healthy populations” in 2019 and “joining forces for healthier populations” in 2020, EUPHW aims to raise awareness about public health, maximise existing messages around the five themes that are set each year, and encourage collaboration among all professionals contributing to public health at local, national, regional and European level. Amid the COVID-19 public health emergency, the importance of ensuring that populations remain healthy and that the public health community joins forces gained momentum.The five days of the 2020 edition were dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals, primary care in the digital age, staying together for mental health, equal health for all, and healthy ageing - under the exceptional overarching theme of 'COVID-19 Collaboration, Coordination, Communication'. Last year's edition covered physical activity, healthy environments, the healthcare workforce, healthy and sustainable diets, and youth mental health.The EUPHW Coordinator will explain what the initiative consists of and reveal key figures from both editions. The different types of involvement in the EUPHW will also be described: Event host, Disseminator and Participant. Three panelists will represent the EUPHW Steering Committee, providing important insights into the backstage preparation of this large-scale initiative. One is the communications coordinator of the EUPHAnxt network, representing contributions from the young generation of public health professionals in Europe. A second panelist will not only share the experience of hosting EUPHW events but also represent EUPHA Sections, which play an important role in fact-checking resources and messages about each of the annual themes. The fourth panelist will share their experiences at country level through the Austrian Public Health Association and its own National Public Health Week. The final panelist will share examples of activities hosted by the community of public health schools across Europe.Although the focus of the EUPHW is the European region, its online reach enables the participation from anywhere in the world. In fact, both editions saw registered activities in Brazil, USA, South Africa, Kenya, Australia and Colombia.The EUPHW is an initiative by the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), receives co-funding under an operating grant from the European Union's Health Programme (2014-2020) and is supported by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.Key messages The European Public Health Week brings together a continent to raise awareness about important public health issues.The workshop unveils how public health themes are explored on different contexts, across different cultures and in different formats. Panelists: Debora Miranda EUPHA, PortugalContact: debbiemiranda@gmail.com Thomas Dorner Austrian Public Health Association, AustriaContact: thomas.dorner@meduniwien.ac.atNicole RosenkötterNRW Centre for Health - Health Information, GermanyContact: Nicole.Rosenkoetter@lzg.nrw.de Pasquale Cacciatore EUPHAnxt, ItalyContact: pasqualecacciatore@gmail.com Robert Otok AASPHER, BelgiumContact: robert.otok@aspher.org

Lessons learnt transitioning to a digital conference during the COVID-19 pandemic

The King’s John Price Paediatric Respiratory Conference1 is one of the largest annual gatherings of paediatric respiratory professionals in Europe, attracting over 550 participants. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the conference...

Brexit and the Professional Services Sector – What Future for UK Professionals in Europe?

Professional services form an important part of the UK economy. Their role is even bigger if their contribution to other key sectors, such as financial services, is taken into consideration. This working paper focuses on the provision of professional services between the EU and the UK under the pending Withdrawal Agreement as well as under the new economic relationship that the two parties are starting to formulate. The EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement provides a transition period until 31 December 2020 during which the UK continues to apply the entire body of EU law. The non-binding Political Declaration on the future EU-UK relationship recognises the need to agree on market access and non-discriminatory treatment for service providers and appropriate arrangements on professional qualifications. However, the level of the commitments depends on the UK’s willingness to adhere to the so-called level playing field, referring to the standards required by the EU in the areas of social and economic policy. As the UK is still doing its soul-searching in this regard, it is too early to say what the future framework for the services sector will look like. This uncertainty highlights the need for UK’s professional service firms to consider the need to restructure their EU operations during the transition period.

Current practices and perceived barriers to tobaccotreatment delivery among healthcare professionals from 15 European countries. The EPACTT Plus project

INTRODUCTIONThe latest evidence-based Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Dependence highlight the significant role of healthcare professionals in supporting smokers interested to quit. This study aimed to identify the current practices of healthcare professionals in Europe and perceived barriers in delivering tobacco treatment to their patients who smoke.METHODSIn the context of EPACTT-Plus, collaborating institutions from 15 countries (Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Italy, France, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Romania, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine) worked for the development of an accredited eLearning course on Tobacco Treatment Delivery available at http://elearning-ensp.eu/. In total, 444 healthcare professionals from the wider European region successfully completed the course from December 2018 to July 2019. Cross-sectional data were collected online on healthcare professionals’ current practices and perceived barriers in introducing tobacco-dependence treatment into their daily clinical life.RESULTSAt registration, 41.2% of the participants reported having asked their patients if they smoked. Advise to quit smoking was offered by 47.1% of the participants, while 29.5% reported offering assistance to their patients who smoked in order to quit. From the total number of participants, 39.9% regarded the lack of patient compliance as a significant barrier. Other key barriers were lack of: interest from the patients (37.4%), healthcare professionals training (33.1%), community resources to refer patients (31.5%), and adequate time during their everyday clinical life (29.7%).CONCLUSIONSThe identification of current practices and significant barriers is important to build evidence-based guidelines and training programs (online and/or live) that will improve the performance of healthcare professionals in offering tobacco-dependence treatment for their patients who smoke.

Strategic Communication across Borders: Country and Age Effects in the Practice of Communication Professionals in Europe

ABSTRACTIn this research, we investigated whether the perception of the importance of certain types of media, strategic issues, and excellence in the professional field of strategic communication in Europe differs across countries and across generations. Data were used from the 2007 (N = 1,087) and 2016 (N = 2,710) editions of the European Communication Monitor, an annual survey among strategic communication professionals in Europe. For the first time a basic two-level multilevel regression model was used to assess country effects and individual predictors (age, gender, education, position, and experience in the field) of media use (of mass media, owned media, social media, and interpersonal communication) and perceptions of the level of excellence of communication of the organization. Country and generational effects on the perception of strategic issues for the field were analysed using chi-square tests. Results show that in 2016, country effects are significant for the perception of the importance of mass media and social media use, interpersonal communication, and strategic issues for the field. In 2007, no such country effects were found. These results suggest that the influence and the context of the country of residence of the strategic communication professional have increased between 2007 and 2016.