Division of Health Services
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The division provides a knowledge base for decision makers at all levels in the health care services, from central government to the municipal health service.
Who are we here for
Our users include policy makers, administrators, health personnel, and patients across government, municipal health services, specialist health services and welfare sectors. We also make knowledge available to the general public directly.
What we deliver
We offer evidence-based products and services within five areas: (1) health services research, (2) reviews and health technology assessments, (3) knowledge dissemination, (4) global health and (5) epidemic interventions research. Our reports are available at www.fhi.no.
1. Health services research
How well is the health system performing? We provide registry-based quality measurements of health services. We conduct surveys and analyses of user-reported experiences, incidents and outcomes. We also provide analyses of health services in Norway compared to those in other countries.
2. Reviews and health technology assessments
Which interventions should be scaled up or down? We provide systematic reviews of research on the impact of interventions in the health and welfare sectors, as well as systematic reviews on disease diagnosis, prognosis and patient experience. We conduct health technology assessments (HTAs), including assessments of the safety, effect and cost-effectiveness, of new interventions being considered for introduction into the health services.
3. Knowledge dissemination
How can we best disseminate and utilise existing knowledge? We provide advice on how to put knowledge into action, and we conduct our own research on knowledge translation.
The Health Library provides free access to essential knowledge resources for healthcare professionals and students in medicine and health sciences in Norway. You get access to reference works such as UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, and Legevakthåndboken, guidelines, databases, and health science topics covering both specialist and primary healthcare services.
4. Global health
How can we best strengthen health systems in low and middle-income countries? How can stakeholders best collaborate across countries to meet the challenges calling for global collective action? We gather evidence on the best way to organise health systems in low and middle-income countries, support the implementation of electronic information systems and conduct research on the optimal design of such systems, including mHealth applications. We support the strengthening of epidemic preparedness in multiple countries. We study global cooperation on epidemics, antibiotic resistance and access to medicine. We help build capacity in countries, and we assist The World Health Organization (WHO) and Norwegian authorities in their international efforts.
Across these areas, the division conducts research and dissemination of knowledge on the health of migrants and their use of health services.
5. Epidemic interventions research
Throughout the world, long-lasting non-pharmaceutical interventions, also referred to as Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM), have been implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus. However, while massive efforts have been made in researching the effectiveness of medication and vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been very few studies of the impact of PHSM. To get more and better evidence on the effects of PHSM, we carry out effect studies of infection control measures in periods and places with high incidence of infectious diseases. We prepare for the conduct of effectiveness studies by addressing barriers/determinants including legal, ethical, data security. We support the use of research in decision-making by developing tools for preparing evidence-based advice for policymakers and to improve people’s ability to make informed choices.
