Monica Bianchi

Monica Bianchi is a Full Professor in Interprofessionalism in Social and Healthcare Education and Practice at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS). She serves as the Head of the Master of Science in Nursing program since 2019 and has held various academic positions at SUPSI including Senior Research Professor (2018) and Research Professor (2015-2017). With a PhD in Research Methodology in Nursing Sciences from the University of Genoa and an Executive MBA from the University of Lugano, Professor Bianchi brings extensive clinical and managerial experience from her previous roles as Head of Nursing Service at the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (2008-2015) and European Institute of Oncology in Milan (2000-2008).

Professor Bianchi's educational background includes:

• PhD in Research Methodology in Nursing Sciences, University of Genoa
• Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA), University of Lugano

Her research primarily focuses on interprofessionalism in healthcare education and practice, with particular emphasis on collaborative models that enhance patient care continuity. Professor Bianchi's work explores how clinical tutors and students build interprofessional care models within specific clinical contexts, examining the complex dynamics of interprofessional education and its long-term impact on healthcare practice. Her research addresses critical challenges in modern healthcare systems, including workforce shortages, transition processes from hospital to home care, and the needs of specialized patient populations such as those requiring dialysis.

Professor Bianchi's scholarly contributions demonstrate consistent engagement with interprofessional education and collaboration, nursing leadership development, and the implementation of evidence-based practices in clinical settings. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, particularly through grounded theory approaches that capture the nuanced realities of healthcare teamwork. She has developed innovative educational models that prepare advanced practice nurses for complex healthcare environments while emphasizing interprofessional collaboration as a cornerstone of quality care.

Among her notable achievements:

• EONS Excellence in Management Award 2008 from the European Oncology Nursing Society
• 1st Prize 2011 and 2012 from the Swiss Oncology Nursing Association
• 3rd Prize from the Swiss Oncology Nursing Association
• Prix ASSM "Interprofessionnalité" 2016 and 2017
• Best Poster Award EIPEN 2017

As an educator and mentor, Professor Bianchi oversees the Master of Science in Nursing program and teaches courses on leadership, healthcare organization, qualitative research methodology, and interprofessionalism. Her supervisory role extends to numerous research projects examining interprofessional collaboration, transition processes in healthcare, and patient needs assessment. Professor Bianchi has established strong connections between academic training and clinical practice, creating pathways for nurses to develop advanced practice roles within the Swiss healthcare system. Her current projects include analyzing the potential of interprofessional training in Switzerland, studying transition processes from hospital to home care, and investigating the needs of dialysis patients in Ticino.

Professor Bianchi leads the Competence Centre for Healthcare Practices and Policies (CPPS) at SUPSI, where she directs research teams working on innovative healthcare delivery models. Her laboratory focuses on interprofessional collaboration dynamics, developing assessment tools for care complexity, and creating educational frameworks that prepare healthcare professionals for increasingly complex practice environments. Current initiatives include exploring digital tools for interprofessional communication and developing strategies to address bullying in healthcare workplaces.