MELODIC: Advancing Mental Health Support for Young Adults with Cancer

The MELODIC project, a European programme focused on the mental health of young adults with lived experience of cancer, launched in September 2024 with the aim of strengthening the mental wellbeing of people aged 18–35, as well as their families. Through collaboration among six European countries, MELODIC combines research, educational activities, and the development of future interventions, promoting a more supportive and personalised approach to care.

MELODIC has already delivered significant outcomes, including outputs related to project management, needs assessment, interview-based research, and the training of healthcare professionals, while preparing upcoming intervention actions and communication and policy strategies.

KEY DELIVERABLES – WHAT HAS BEEN COMPLETED SO FAR

WP1 – Project Management & Quality Assurance

Deliverable 1.1 – Project Implementation Manual:
A management and quality monitoring guide defining implementation requirements, organisational structures, and partner roles.

Deliverable 1.2 – Quality Report:
A quality assurance report outlining procedures to ensure clarity, consistency, and timely delivery of project outputs.

WP2 – Needs Assessment

Deliverable 2.1 – Data Management Plan:
Assessment of the mental health and educational needs of young adults and healthcare professionals, in full compliance with data protection requirements.

Deliverable 2.3 – Interview Study Report:
A comprehensive interview-based study involving young adults, family members, and healthcare professionals across six countries, conducted with ethical approval and presenting key findings.

WP3 – Co-design Guide & Training

Deliverable 3.1 – MELODIC Curriculum:
A training programme for healthcare professionals at EQF level 7, focusing on the identification and support of the psychosocial and mental health needs of young adults with cancer. The curriculum includes learning objectives, training materials, assessment methods, and certification.

WHAT’S NEXT – UPCOMING DELIVERABLES AND ACTIONS

WP4 – Intervention Study

Deliverable D4.1 – Ethical Review:
Ethical approval for the intervention study aiming to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young adults with cancer and their families. The intervention will combine physical activity in natural environments with psychoeducation and informational support.

WP5 – Communication & Policy

Deliverable 5.1 – Communication Strategy:
A communication strategy outlining channels, target audiences, and publication plans for the internal and external dissemination of project results.

Deliverable 5.2 – Policy Outreach Strategy:
A policy engagement strategy at European and national level, including policy and stakeholder mapping and three intervention pillars (European, National, and Project-specific). The aim is to integrate MELODIC training into curricula and to enhance the project’s visibility at European level.

OUR PARTICIPATION IN MELODIC

As part of our active involvement, we have contributed to the production of key deliverables, particularly in data collection through interviews and in the development of the training curriculum for healthcare professionals. Our engagement ensures that the voices of young adults with lived experience of cancer and their families are taken into account at every stage of the project.

For more information and full access to MELODIC deliverables, please visit the project’s official website here.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

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