Research for better health and quality of life

1. Research for better health and quality of life SINTEF Health Research, with about 140 employees, is one of the major health research institutions in Norway. Our strength is found both in our experience and extensive knowledge within the fields of health, health services and research methodology. Our ability to analyse and solve problems holistically is also among our fortes. We apply our strengths to the goals of better health and improved quality of life for all. SINTEF Health Research is concentrated in four strategic areas: - Medical technology- Health services research- Consultancy services and the management of data-registers • Preventive health care Medical technology SINTEF, in close co-operation with surgeons at St Olav University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Trondheim, is a leading international research institute within ultrasonic-assisted surgery. Researchers are concentrating on the development of "the operating room of the future" that will include remote communication between operating surgeons and external experts. In the area of innovation, our staff is both actively initiating and providing consultancy services for industrial development in the health sector. These key players act as co-ordinators between research, manufacturers and public industrial support programs. SINTEF also administers the clinical evaluation of certain pharmaceutical products and medical technological innovations at several Norwegian hospitals Health services research SINTEF has, for many years, been an important advisor to the Norwegian health authorities within the health services field. We supply evidence-based knowledge including economic analyses, distribution and use of health services, development and analyses of indicators for medical practice and quality, as well as models for the planning and operation of health institutions. SINTEF actively participates in research and development both nationally and internationally in order to prepare society to cope with the growing demands for health and healthcare services from an increasing elderly population. Plans for escalating and improving mental healthservices have lead to a growing demand for evidence-based knowledge as a basis for political and administrative decisions. In this field, SINTEF represents the largest research arena in Norway. SINTEF’s research scientists collaborate with the surgeons at St Olav’s Hospital in developing better methods for laparoscopic surgery. Using complex software and stereoscopic images, surgeons are able to achieve a unique view inside the body. This aids in providing a better basis for diagnoses and improved treatment. Equipped with 3D-glasses, the doctors can walk into a world of arteries, organs and tumours. The images can also be transferred through the internet to collaborating doctors any place in the world. Through a long-term co-operation with disabled people’s organisations, SINTEF carries out studies on living conditions in several countries in southern Africa. To date, the studies have supplied Namibian, Zimbabwean and Malawian authorities with important data for the development of government disability policy and plans of action on disability issues. At the same time SINTEF, in collaboration with university departments in these countries, contributes to further building local expertise in research methodology and information management.

2. Patient data and registers Every year SINTEF publishes the SAMDATA reports, which present steering data, comparable statistics, and analyses for specialist health services both within somatic and psychiatric Norwegian health services. The SAMDATA reports present information that covers how these institutions function with respect to goals set by Norwegian health policy, and information that provides a basis for better steering, planning, evaluation and research. Preventive health care SINTEF will contribute to the realisation of the social benefits that can be gained through preventive health care. Through both commissioned research and competence building within microbiology and HPV-infections, our researchers are in the front within infectious disease research in Norway. We are committed to increasing the utilisation of patient register data for research purposes through our networks with other national research environments, hospitals, and out in general practice. Customers SINTEF Health Research carries out research and development for both the public sector and industry. The figure shows a breakdown of our customers and their relative contribution to our gross income in 2003. SINTEF co-operates with the fishermen’s organisations and Norwegian industry in reducing the risk of work-related accidents and injury within the Norwegian fishing fleet. The project includes the development of better working gear, personal protection and rescue equipment for fishing boats. Interviews and research questionnaires among fishermen will provide the basis for the establishment of new requirements for clothing and personal protective equipment, and proposals for the material use and design of such equipment. SINTEF Health Research Trondheim N 7465 TrondheimPhone: +47 73 59 25 90 Fax: +47 73 59 63 61 SINTEF Health Research Oslo PO Box 124 Blindern, N 0314 OsloPhone: 22 06 73 00 Fax: 22 06 79 09