Austrian Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (OeGHO) & Working Group of Hematological and Oncological Nurses in Austria (AHOP) Spring Conference 2025

Austrian Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (OeGHO) & Working Group of Hematological and Oncological Nurses in Austria (AHOP) Spring Conference 2025 is organized by Austrian Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology / Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Hamatologie and Medizinische Onkologie (OeGHO), Working group of hematological and oncological nurses in Austria / Arbeitsgemeinschaft Hamatologischer und Onkologischer Pflegepersonen in Osterreich (AHOP), Onconovum Academy, Mondial Congress & Events and will be held from Apr 24 - 26, 2025 at Salzburg Exhibition Center GmbH, Salzburg, Austria.

Description:
The theme of the OeGHO 2025 spring conference is " The future of oncology and cancer research between crises and opportunities ". It is clear to clinically active oncologists and hematologists that the quality of care for cancer patients is deteriorating. Intra- and extramural shortages of doctors and nurses, reduced beds and diagnostic capacities as well as increasing waiting times for seriously ill patients to enter the care system have a major impact on an extremely interconnected discipline such as oncology & hematology. These structural deficits and the problems of extramural care can hardly be compensated for even with the best motivation and the greatest commitment. All of this will leave its mark on the survival times of tumor patients.

Never before has the early use of new drugs been as important for increasing patient survival as it is today, and never before have they had to compensate for the shortages in care to such an extent. But never before has this early access to innovative medicine been so structurally questioned and has uncertainty been triggered among patients and doctors regarding the care entitlement of cancer patients. This will also have an impact on the research landscape in Austria.

These crises must not lead to a sense of indifference and the socialization of our young colleagues in this image. Influencing social policy, non-particularized interprofessionalism, identifying and implementing solutions in the immediate sphere of influence for the benefit of patients, coupled with high research activity and optimism for the future, together make up all aspects of humanism. We and our young employees are challenged to be empathetic and intellectual. This is what we want to promote at this spring conference.

The Presidential Sessions address some of these topics. Forward-looking research topics such as synthetic study designs, connectomics and AI for drug development address the path to the future of science. Together with AHOP and OPG, assisted suicide will be discussed from the perspective of law, the right of autonomy of the individual, social development and the economization of people. A session entitled "Borderline cases" will be dedicated to the art of medicine in oncology beyond guidelines and treatment pathways. Together with the Pharmacological Society, drug interactions and therapy optimization will be discussed. Prevention and treatment of infections in cancer patients and immunodeficient people is another topic.

It was important to us to find a broad and, as far as possible, gender-balanced distribution in presentations and chairs. We also see this as a contribution to shaping the successful future of hematology and oncology.

With a view to the future of our field of activity, this year we are devoting ourselves to the exciting interplay of crises and opportunities in nursing and medicine. Excellent cooperation makes it easier for us to overcome crises, identify opportunities and avoid stagnation in our field.

Thanks to our shared development and confidence, we can exchange ideas on current topics this year at the spring conference of the OeGHO, AHOP and, for the first time, the OPG. The jointly organized sessions offer a valuable opportunity to broaden our personal and professional perspectives and deepen the knowledge needed to provide the best possible support and care for patients during their most challenging times.

The thematic range of the conference includes aspects that affect us all equally: from staff shortages to the growing need for treatment capacity and longer treatment times to the associated challenges, adverse effects and psychosocial needs. This year's sessions offer a diverse range of presentations and discussions.

As always, in 2025 we will again place great emphasis on strengthening multi-professional discussions and a program that appeals to different target groups. The increasing specialization in the nursing profession, particularly in the case of oncology nursing, will once again provide a solid learning environment this year in which current knowledge will be presented and discussed.