Event highlights
WHO/Europe has organized a series of study visits under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) – a project funded by the European Union (EU) that supports a group of EU Member States in designing and implementing reforms in key areas of health system reform.
These visits allow countries to learn directly from one another. By seeing how different approaches work in practice, participants gain valuable insights into what works, what challenges may arise and how they can be addressed. The exchanges promote collaboration, support knowledge-sharing and help countries develop solutions tailored to their own needs – contributing to stronger and more resilient health systems.
Spain’s study visit to Ireland, 9–10 March 2026
Spain’s visit to Ireland focused on safe nurse staffing (i.e. having the right number and mix of appropriately educated and supported nurses to deliver safe care) and workforce planning. The delegation explored how Ireland combines research, policy and practice to ensure safe staffing levels in hospitals.
Through discussions and site visits, participants gained insights into how staffing models are applied in real health-care settings, as well as lessons learned from their implementation.
The visit highlighted the importance of data, planning and continuous evaluation in strengthening the nursing workforce.
Sweden’s study visit to France, 23–24 March 2026
During this visit, representatives from Sweden explored France’s well-established “hospital-at-home” model, which allows patients to receive hospital-level care in their own homes.
Participants saw how this approach improves patient comfort while maintaining high standards of care. The visit also demonstrated how strong coordination and national support can help expand access to home-based services. These insights will support ongoing efforts in Sweden to develop similar patient-centred care models.
Germany’s study visit to the Netherlands (Kingdom of), 16–17 April 2026
Germany’s visit to the Netherlands (Kingdom of) focused on how hospitals can play a stronger role in prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The delegation explored how Dutch hospitals are integrating prevention into everyday care, education and community partnerships. The visit showed how a shift from treating illness to promoting health can benefit both patients and health-care systems, offering useful ideas for future reforms in Germany.
Malta’s study visit to Ireland, 15–17 April 2026
Malta’s visit to Ireland highlighted approaches to improving quality of care, research and community-based services, particularly for older people.
Participants explored how Ireland is developing more integrated care systems that bring services closer to people’s homes. The visit showcased innovative models that support ageing populations and improve coordination across different types of care.
About the TSI project
The TSI project, funded by the European Commission, supports selected EU Member States in designing and implementing health system reforms.
Building on the results of the 2022 TSI multicountry project with Austria, Belgium and Slovenia, the project runs for 24 months and focuses on critical technical areas. Its implementation is organized into 3 thematic clusters. Cluster 1 in Italy and Spain aims at strengthening the health and care workforce. Cluster 2 in Germany and Sweden is rethinking the role of hospitals in preventive health-care delivery. Cluster 3 in Malta ensures accessible, high-quality and person-centred long-term care for older people.