This section provides regular updates on the SPA Nursing Care for the 3rd Millennium project, including Transnational Project Meetings, Learning, Teaching and Training activities, conferences, competitions and newly published educational resources. It also shares professional news from the fields of spa nursing care, rehabilitation and balneotherapy, supporting the exchange of knowledge and good practice across Europe.
The first Transnational Project Meeting officially launched the Erasmus+ project SPA Nursing Care for the 3rd Millennium. Hosted by the Secondary Medical School and College of Higher Medical Education in Pilsen, the meeting brought together representatives of all partner organisations to establish the foundations for successful international cooperation.
During the meeting, partners introduced their institutions, discussed the current state of spa nursing education in their countries and identified common challenges facing vocational healthcare education. The consortium agreed on the project management structure, implementation schedule and quality assurance procedures. Particular attention was given to defining the objectives of the Methodological Guide, Educational Programme, Illustrated Dictionary and other educational outputs that would be developed throughout the project.
The meeting also addressed the priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme, including innovation in vocational education, digital learning, international cooperation and the development of educational resources that support the needs of the European healthcare sector. By establishing common goals and strengthening communication among partners, the meeting created a solid foundation for the successful implementation of all future project activities.
The second Transnational Project Meeting was organised in Nitra, Slovakia, and focused on the educational content of the project. Partners reviewed the progress achieved during the first months of cooperation and presented the initial drafts of the Methodological Guide and other educational materials.
Extensive discussions were devoted to comparing national approaches to spa nursing care, rehabilitation and patient education. The consortium worked on creating a common educational framework that reflects both the diversity of national healthcare systems and the shared principles of evidence-based nursing practice. Another important topic was the preparation of the multilingual Illustrated Dictionary, designed to facilitate communication and professional terminology among students and healthcare professionals across Europe.
The meeting also highlighted innovative teaching methods, competency-based education and the growing importance of digital learning resources. By exchanging professional experience and examples of good practice, the partners strengthened the quality and international relevance of the project's educational outputs.
The third Transnational Project Meeting took place in Samsun, Türkiye, where project partners continued the intensive development of educational resources and coordinated the next stages of the project.
The meeting focused on strengthening the connection between vocational education and clinical practice. Partners discussed how educational materials could better reflect the daily responsibilities of nurses working in spa and rehabilitation facilities. Particular attention was given to practical competencies, patient-centred care and interdisciplinary cooperation, ensuring that future graduates are well prepared for professional practice.
The consortium also reviewed the Educational Programme, digital learning materials and dissemination strategy. Discussions emphasised the importance of innovation, sustainability and lifelong learning, which are among the key priorities of the European Union. The meeting further strengthened cooperation between educational institutions and healthcare providers, supporting the continuous improvement of vocational education and training.
The international SPA Nursing Care Professional Meeting focused on current developments in spa nursing, balneotherapy and rehabilitation. The event provided an opportunity for project partners and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss modern approaches to patient care in spa and rehabilitation settings.
The programme highlighted the growing importance of evidence-based nursing practice, multidisciplinary teamwork and patient education in supporting successful rehabilitation and long-term health outcomes. Participants discussed the role of natural healing resources, rehabilitation procedures and preventive healthcare in modern nursing practice.
The meeting also explored how these professional experiences could be integrated into vocational education and the project's educational resources. By connecting healthcare professionals with educators, the event contributed to improving the quality of nursing education and strengthening cooperation between schools and healthcare institutions.
The final Transnational Project Meeting was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, bringing together representatives from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Türkiye, while the Greek partner participated online. The meeting focused on reviewing the final phase of the project and ensuring the successful completion of all planned activities.
Partners evaluated the completed educational outputs, including the Methodological Guide, Educational Programme, Illustrated Dictionary and digital learning materials. Discussions concentrated on quality assurance, consistency of educational content and the practical implementation of project results within vocational education. The consortium also reviewed dissemination activities and strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the developed resources after the end of the Erasmus+ project.
The meeting confirmed the importance of international cooperation, knowledge sharing and innovation in healthcare education. It also reinforced the project's contribution to the European Union priorities of improving vocational education, promoting digital transformation, supporting international partnerships and preparing future healthcare professionals for the evolving needs of European healthcare systems.
The International Dissemination Conference represented one of the final milestones of the SPA Nursing Care for the 3rd Millennium project. Hosted by the Secondary Medical School and College of Higher Medical Education in Pilsen, the conference welcomed project partners, healthcare professionals, educators, representatives of vocational schools and other stakeholders interested in innovation in healthcare education.
During the conference, the consortium presented the main achievements of the project, including the Methodological Guide, Educational Programme, Illustrated Dictionary, digital learning materials and other educational resources developed throughout the international cooperation. Participants were introduced to innovative teaching methods, comparative analyses of spa nursing care systems in the partner countries and examples of good practice that can support modern vocational education.
The conference also provided a platform for discussing the future of spa nursing education in Europe, the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and the role of vocational education in preparing qualified healthcare professionals. Particular attention was given to the sustainability of project results, ensuring that the educational materials remain freely available and continue to benefit teachers, students and healthcare professionals across Europe. The event successfully concluded the dissemination activities of the project and demonstrated the value of international cooperation in improving the quality and innovation of vocational education and training.
Modern Technologies in Spa Medicine
Experts from across Europe met in Karlovy Vary to discuss the latest developments in balneology, rehabilitation, digital healthcare and preventive medicine during the Modern Technologies in Spa Industry 4.0 conference. The event highlighted the growing role of innovation, research and interdisciplinary cooperation in the future of spa healthcare.
More information:
https://europeanspas.eu/modern-techologies-in-spa-industry-4-0-april-13-14-2026-karlovy-vary/
New Research Supports Balneotherapy in Nursing Education
A recent scientific study evaluated the effects of balneotherapy on nursing students and demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing anxiety levels. The findings highlight the educational and therapeutic potential of spa-based interventions in healthcare education and student wellbeing.
Read the publication:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1555415525002879
European Spa Trends 2026
European experts predict that the future of spa care will focus on evidence-based therapies, personalised rehabilitation programmes, preventive medicine and digital health technologies. These trends support the continuous development of modern spa nursing care across Europe.
Read more:
European Spa reveals the 10 top SPA trends for 2026 -
Personalised Spa and Rehabilitation Care
Healthcare providers increasingly integrate personalised treatment programmes, digital health monitoring and evidence-based rehabilitation into spa care. These innovations improve patient outcomes and support the modernisation of healthcare services.
Read more:
Spa and wellness trends for 2026: the evidence-led future of self-care
Investment in European Spa Healthcare Continues
The European wellness sector continues to expand with new investments in modern spa and rehabilitation facilities. These developments strengthen healthcare infrastructure and create new opportunities for education, research and international cooperation in spa nursing care.
66 of the best new spas opening in Europe and beyond in 2026
