From 5 to 9 May 2025, six physiotherapy students from the University of Lomza participated in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled "Overcoming Cultural Issues in Patient Care: Transcultural Nursing Approach," hosted by Kauno kolegija Alytus Faculty in Lithuania. The programme commenced with a series of online sessions, during which participants explored the fundamentals of transcultural nursing and communication strategies in multicultural healthcare environments. The on-site component in Alytus featured daily lectures, practical workshops, simulations, and case studies, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic scenarios.
In addition to our representatives, the event welcomed students and lecturers from institutions such as Maribor University (Slovenia), Daugavpils University (Latvia), State Academy of Applied Sciences in Włocławek, and State Higher Vocational School in Suwałki (Poland), alongside the host faculty from Kauno kolegija Alytus. Our university was represented by Michał Rachuna, Mateusz Niecikowski, Przemysław Żochowski, Radosław Krajewski, Paweł Biedrzycki, and Małgorzata Drobnikowska, who returned to Łomża enriched with new knowledge and skills.
The programme's core objective was to prepare students to provide ethically and culturally sensitive care in diverse healthcare settings. Key components included the analysis of transcultural nursing models and the resolution of ethical dilemmas. Through practical workshops, students honed their verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients from various cultural backgrounds, crucial for building trust and ensuring patient comfort. Beyond academic activities, participants engaged in study visits to local farms, sanatoriums, and hospitals, observing the practical application of sustainable development principles and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. Evenings and weekends were dedicated to exploring Lithuanian culture—strolling along the Nemunas River, touring the historic centre of Alytus, and sampling traditional cuisine—providing deeper insight into the regional healthcare context.
The mobility experience culminated in the acquisition of 3 ECTS credits and, more importantly, the enhancement of skills necessary for working in multicultural teams and implementing transcultural nursing approaches in daily physiotherapy practice. Our students returned to Łomża motivated and inspired, ready to share their experiences with peers at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
