Health and Welfare Services in Rural Areas – Across Borders

Representatives from the University of Akureyri and Veltek recently welcomed international partners involved in the SelfCare project, which is funded by the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme (NPA).

The visit included representatives from Region Västerbotten in Sweden and the University of Limerick in Ireland. The group stayed in Akureyri, where they were introduced to the activities, facilities, and research at the University of Akureyri, and where the first day of the project workshop took place.

Addressing real-world challenges

The main objective of the SelfCare project is to improve access for people living in sparsely populated and remote areas to health and welfare services that support individuals’ active participation in managing their own health. The project emphasizes the use of digital technology, cross-border collaboration within the NPA area, and increased knowledge exchange between different systems and cultures.

“It is extremely valuable for the University of Akureyri to participate in this project and to host international partners here,” says Guðrún Rósa Þórsteinsdóttir, Director of the Doctoral Studies Centre at the University of Akureyri, who—together with Björg Þórðardóttir, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Akureyri, and Hanna Sigríður Ásgeirsdóttir from Veltek—organized the group’s visit. “SelfCare addresses real challenges that many communities face both in Iceland and elsewhere in the Arctic. It was both educational and very enjoyable to welcome the group to Akureyri and to share experiences, knowledge, and our vision for the future.”

The project focuses, among other things, on mapping existing services and support available to residents; how telehealth solutions are used in self-care; challenges related to user involvement and digital solutions; and how families and caregivers are integrated into the support system. It also explores how new service models can be developed that are specifically suited to small and remote communities.

From Akureyri to Fjallabyggð

Following the working day in Akureyri, the group traveled to Fjallabyggð, where the workshop continued. There, participants had the opportunity to become more familiar with the local community and its services, including joining the weekly 60+ walking group. This experience was greatly appreciated by the visitors and provided valuable insight into the importance of social participation for health and well-being.

The visitors also enjoyed favorable weather throughout the visit, which contributed to a positive experience and a warm, welcoming atmosphere within the group.

Developing a service model and roadmap

The next SelfCare project workshop will take place in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland, in October. There, the collaboration will continue with the aim of developing proposals, guidelines, and a roadmap for a new service model for self-care in rural areas across the NPA region.