Quality and innovation in the health care services

The number of people under 65 years with dementia is also increasing. Due to this, national guidelines highlight the massive need for innovation in the health care services. Research and increased competence in the field are therefore absolutely necessary.

High quality services will be in demand. The research group sees a clear need to identify and adress the needs of the elderly and family members in order to look at the priorities of these in health services. The health care services will be particularly challenging in areas which implies collaboration between services, particularly regarding care of older people with large and complex needs, such as frailty. The research group emphasizes promotion of health, the role of the family, volunteers and welfare services for older people.

The research group was established in 2012 and consists of 20 researchers from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, hospitals and municipal health services in the region.

The research group gives priority to perform research connected to care practice, and therefore is an important arena for collaboration with the field of practice as well as student involvement.

Objectives of research

The main goal of the research group is to build new knowledge and gain greater understanding of the content of the health care services as well as the role of the family. One important sub-goal is to raise the status of the health care services by creating professional interest in low-priority patient groups in the society. Another sub-goal is to involve students in research. This is how the research group wants to contribute to the development of health care services in a long-time perspective.

Research group leader