Laurea Participates in the International EPUAP 2025 Conference on Wound Care

Laurea University of Applied Sciences took an active and visible role in the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) Conference, held at Finlandia Hall in Helsinki from 24 to 26 September 2025. Laurea was the sole Finnish university of applied sciences to serve as a partner organization for the event.

News26.9.2025

The panel discussion led by Salla Seppänen (left) featured participants including Laurea student Essi Sipponen, Laurea lecturer Hannele Moisander, certified wound care nurse Aune Isosomppi from Espoo Hospital, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, and nurse Miska Vaara from HUS.

- Securing such a prominent European conference in Helsinki represents a remarkable opportunity for Laurea and for Finland to engage in international dialogue on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, stated Salla Seppänen, Director of Laurea’s Social and Health Care Unit.

The conference provided participants with the latest evidence-based insights into pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, as well as the economic implications associated with pressure ulcers. A newly updated international guideline for pressure ulcer care was introduced, offering healthcare professionals a valuable framework for clinical decision-making and care planning in everyday practice.

- It is essential that students in universities of applied sciences have access to current knowledge and opportunities to deepen their expertise in real patient care situations under professional supervision, Seppänen emphasized.

In collaboration with HUS and the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, Laurea has developed a learning project based on the Learning by Developing (LbD) pedagogical model. The project focuses on pressure ulcer prevention and treatment across various care environments. Under the leadership of Salla Seppänen, Laurea had the honour of presenting this pedagogical model in a workshop held on 24 September 2025. The workshop attracted 30 participants and sparked lively panel discussions.

The organizing body behind the event, the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, was established in 1996. Its mission is to support and guide European countries in their efforts to prevent and manage pressure ulcers. This year’s conference theme was “Care pathways in prevention and management of pressure ulcers.” The event brought together 600 participants from across Europe. Director Salla Seppänen was a member of the Finnish organizing committee.

At Laurea’s exhibition booth, visitors were introduced to Laurea’s educational offerings, including the specialization programme for wound care professionals. Lecturers Hannele Moisander and Tiina Pitkänen represented Laurea at the booth, and Laurea students contributed to the conference by assisting with event arrangements.