Open University Čakovec is participating in the international project CLEAR-PC (Cancer Literacy Education and Awareness Resources for Prostate Care), co-financed under the European Union’s EU4Health programme. The total value of the project exceeds 1.2 million euros, with an EU co-financing rate of 80%. The CLEAR-PC project is focused on raising the level of health literacy regarding prostate cancer, which represents one of the key challenges of modern healthcare. Participation in such a project for an institution like the Open University Čakovec, which has significant experience in implementing projects focused on various forms of literacy, including health literacy, is a confirmation of its expertise in this area and an opportunity for high-level international cooperation.
About the CLEAR-PC Project
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and represents a significant public health challenge. A low level of health literacy often leads to difficulties in understanding complex medical information, hinders shared decision-making between the patient and the doctor, and deepens inequalities in healthcare. Since the treatment of prostate cancer offers various options, each of which significantly affects the patient’s quality of life, shared decision-making becomes crucial. The main goal of the CLEAR-PC project is to design and develop a comprehensive strategy for improving digital and general health literacy related to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. Through the methodology of action research and the co-creation of educational materials, the CLEAR-PC project will actively involve all relevant stakeholders – from the general population and patients to healthcare professionals and policymakers – to ensure that the developed solutions are focused on the real needs of users. The CLEAR-PC project will result in concrete digital and printed materials that will make it easier for patients and their families to navigate the treatment process.
International Partnership for a Healthier Future
The CLEAR-PC project brings together a consortium of 10 partners from six European countries (Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Cyprus), which ensures a multidisciplinary approach and the exchange of best practices. Such a partnership structure, which combines educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and civil society organizations, guarantees an approach to the problem from different perspectives – scientific, educational, clinical, and patient-oriented. The consortium consists of the following organizations:
- Miguel Hernández University of Elche (Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche) – Spain, coordinator
- University of Murcia (Universidad de Murcia) – Spain
- Canary Islands Health Service (Servicio Canario de la Salud) – Spain
- Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research and Technology in Asturias (Fundación para el Fomento en Asturias de la Investigación Científica y la Tecnología) – Spain
- Portuguese Psychologists’ Association (Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses) – Portugal
- Open University Čakovec – Croatia
- Thomas More University of Applied Sciences Mechelen-Antwerp (Thomas More Mechelen-Antwerpen) – Belgium
- Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam (Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam) – Netherlands
- CSI Center for Social Innovation LTD – Cyprus
- Jordi Estapé Private Foundation (FEFOC Fundació Privada Jordi Estapé) – Spain
The Role of the Open University Čakovec
Open University Čakovec, as the only partner from Croatia, has a key role in the educational component of the project. As an institution specializing in lifelong learning, POU Čakovec will lead the work package for the evaluation of existing educational strategies and resources related to health literacy. The experience of the Open University Čakovec in working with adult learners and vulnerable groups has been recognized as crucial for the development of materials that will be clear, accessible, and culturally adapted to users. The main tasks include the analysis of existing curricula, the adaptation of materials to the needs of vulnerable groups, and the development of new educational modules for the general public. Understanding health information is the foundation for the active participation of individuals in caring for their own health and general well-being. This directly influences the reduction of health inequalities, which is one of the fundamental goals of the European Union’s health policies. Through its engagement, POU Čakovec will contribute to strengthening the competencies of the local community, transferring European knowledge and practices into the Croatian context.
Project Start and Future Steps
The official start of the CLEAR-PC project is scheduled for October 1, 2025, with a planned duration of 36 months. During this three-year period, the partners will work intensively on researching, developing, and testing new solutions. The ultimate goal is to provide citizens with educational programs and easily accessible resources that will help them make informed decisions about their own health.
