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October 16, 2025Secondment in Barcelona: Strengthening Collaboration and Advancing Research at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
University of South-Eastern Norway
University of South-Eastern Norway
Associate Professor | Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
Campus Vestfold
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Secondment in Barcelona – September 2025
Mirjam Lukasse and Enid Myhre (University of South-Eastern Norway)
During the first weeks of September 2025, our IPOV Horizon MSCA participants, Mirjam Lukasse and Enid Leren Myhre, carried out their secondment in Barcelona, hosted by Vanessa Bueno at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital.
Collaboration and Data Analysis
The main goal of this stay was to strengthen institutional collaboration, advance data analysis, and develop new lines of research within the IPOV project.
A key part of their work focused on a Norwegian dataset consisting of interviews with midwifery students about their experiences and reflections on respectful care. This material is particularly valuable for IPOV, as it offers insight into how future midwives understand and apply respectful care during their clinical training.
First Days at Vall d’Hebron
In the first days, Mirjam and Enid held their official meeting with Vanessa Bueno, where they were welcomed as visiting researchers.
Together they toured the Maternity Department, visiting several units and meeting members of the staff. They also completed registration and access credential procedures, essential steps to carry out their research work within the hospital’s clinical and academic environment.
Orientation and Access to Resources
In the following days, they participated in an orientation session guided by Itziar García Ruiz, who introduced them to the postnatal ward and the outpatient clinic, providing insight into the organization of care.
They also met Mark, who will assist with scheduling interviews with Spanish students, and gained access to the hospital library, a quiet and dedicated space for advancing their data analysis and project documentation.
Presenting the Project and Building Collaboration
On 17 September, the researchers took part in a departmental meeting on respectful care, where they presented preliminary results from their study with Norwegian midwifery students.
The meeting opened a space for constructive exchange with the hospital’s clinical and research staff, allowing participants to compare contexts and explore opportunities for future collaboration between institutions.
The Role of Secondments in IPOV
At IPOV, we view secondments as a cornerstone of the Horizon MSCA Staff Exchange programme. These research stays enable participants to expand their international experience, strengthen inter-institutional networks, and share methodologies that enrich collective learning.
Each secondment represents not only a scientific milestone but also an opportunity to co-create knowledge and foster obstetric care that is respectful and grounded in human rights.
About IPOV
IPOV (International Platform on Obstetric Violence – Respectful Care) is an international platform for research and action that brings together universities, hospitals, observatories, professional associations, and civil society organizations.
Its mission is to promote respectful maternity care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, through evidence-based and rights-based approaches.
Through its secondments, IPOV turns international collaboration into daily practice — building bridges between research and clinical reality to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal care.