Markus Saarijärvi

I am an affiliated researcher at the Division of Nursing and currently hold a dual role as Nurse Researcher and Unit Manager at the Department of Cardiology, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm. My research centers on the development, evaluation, and implementation of complex care interventions for individuals living with chronic conditions and their families. I serve as the principal investigator of the national research project Stepstones-Implement, which aims to implement and evaluate an evidence-based, person-centered transition program for young people with chronic illnesses as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare services.

Research Profile
My research focuses on complex interventions in healthcare, spanning from development to implementation. I am particularly interested in person-centered approaches, implementation science, and improving outcomes for vulnerable patient groups such as adolescents with chronic conditions and older adults undergoing cardiav surgery.

Ongoing Research Projects

Stepstones-Implement
Principal Investigator – in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and six university hospitals in Sweden
The aim of Stepstones-Implement is to implement an effective and sustainable person-centered transition program for adolescents with heart disease and other chronic conditions. The project has three core objectives:

1. Identify facilitators and barriers to implementing a person-centered transition program at six Swedish university hospitals offering specialized care for youth with heart defects.

2. Implement the program using predefined strategies and evaluate its effects on patient-reported outcomes (e.g., empowerment, transition preparedness, quality of life, and care experience) and healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward transitional care.

3. Assess the role of specially trained local facilitators in promoting implementation and long-term sustainability.

Stepstones-Neuropsychiatric conditions

Principal Investigator – in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and Västra Götaland Region

The aim of the project is to adapt and co-design a person-centered transition program for adolescents with neuropsychiatric conditions in transition to adulthood and adult care. The project has two objectives:

1. To explore how the STEPSTONES transition program can be adapted by interviewing adolescents, parents and healthcare professionals
2. To co-design and adapt the program using experience-based co-design 

Digi-Stepstones
Co-researcher – in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and Västra Götaland Region
Digi-STEPSTONES aims to develop and evaluate a digital, person-centered transition program to support adolescents with chronic conditions in becoming active participants in their health and care as they transition to adulthood. The intervention builds on the original Stepstones program, and three studies are currently planned under this initiative.

PeriBrainCare – Postoperative Cognitive Recovery
Co-researcher – in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, Västra Götaland Region, and Stockholm Region
This project investigates postoperative neurocognitive recovery in older adults undergoing surgery. It employs a broad methodological approach, including analog and digital neurocognitive assessments, biomarkers, patient and caregiver experiences, symptom tracking, and longitudinal follow-up to understand recovery trajectories and contributing factors.

Trach-Inspire
Co-researcher – in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, Umeå University, and two university hospitals (Skåne and Umeå)
TrachIspire aims to implement and evaluate the clinical outcomes and implementation process of early interprofessional use of speaking valves for tracheotomized, mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units in Sweden.

Research Group Affiliations

• Perioperative Care, Karolinska Institutet
• Transitions of Care in Health and Healthcare, University of Gothenburg

Research Funding

• Forte Starting Grant (2024–2026)
• Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation Postdoctoral Grant (2024–2025)
• Co-applicant on several successful grants from the Swedish Research Council, Forte, and the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation

Other Achievements and Appointments

• Associate Editor for the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, with a focus on knowledge implementation
• Recipient of the journal’s Most Cited Article award in 2022

My teaching primarily focuses on scientific methodology within the bachelor's and master's programs in Nursing. I am also actively involved in supervising degree projects at the advanced level. I am currently supervising 4 PhD students.