HUKMS Participates in ACNAP Congress 2025 in France

From 12 to 14 June 2025, members of the Croatian Association of Cardiology Nurses (HUKMS) participated in the annual ACNAP (Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions) Congress, held at the Sophia Antipolis research centre in France under the auspices of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
 

The congress featured a comprehensive scientific programme covering current topics in cardiovascular care, with a strong focus on patient-centred approaches, multidisciplinary cooperation, and the challenges of system sustainability. Key issues discussed included the ageing population, the growing shortage of nursing staff, and the need to strengthen leadership within cardiovascular nursing. During the National Board Representatives' Meeting, a special leadership-themed conference was announced for 2026.

Croatia was represented at this prominent European professional event by:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ivica Matić, Head of the Department of Nursing at the Catholic University of Croatia, who presented a scientific poster based on research among nurses working in cardiology wards. The study explored the relationship between attitudes toward death and quality of life, highlighting essential psychological and organisational factors that affect healthcare workers’ well-being.

Iva Petković, a first-year graduate nursing student, who successfully presented a clinical case report. Her participation as a student representative in the official programme was particularly well-received, affirming the high level of preparedness and motivation among nursing students in Croatia.

Through this congress, HUKMS members established valuable professional connections and exchanged experiences with colleagues from across Europe.