Outi Kähkönen

I work as an Senior Researcher at the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Eastern Finland.

I work as a university researcher at the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Eastern Finland. My research focuses on treatment adherence among people with chronic illnesses, the role of social support, and the development of patient education. In my doctoral dissertation, I examined treatment adherence among patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention. The study highlighted patients’ individual challenges as well as concrete strategies to support their long-term engagement in care.

Currently, I lead a research project aimed at developing patient education for individuals with atrial fibrillation, in collaboration with both national and international partners. The goal is to strengthen patients’ active role in their care process and to develop approaches that address their individual educational needs.

In addition, I explore occupational well-being in the field of education – particularly the stressors and well-being-promoting factors affecting healthcare educators and students.

The aim of my research is to produce impactful and practice-oriented knowledge that supports both patient well-being and occupational well-being in the higher education context, especially within continuously evolving environments.