A new national report shows how research in hospitals leads to better treatment, more accurate patient outcomes and better use of resources. Diakonhjemmet Hospital is highlighted for its research on hand osteoarthritis.
Research is an important part of the hospital's mission. It is about developing new knowledge, testing new solutions, and implementing treatments that provide better care for patients.
The national report Research and innovation for the benefit of patients highlights several research and innovation projects from specialist health services.
The report shows how research can improve patient care, develop health services, and contribute to more sustainable use of health personnel and resources.
The study from Diakonhjemmet Hospital shows that patients with hand osteoarthritis who see an occupational therapist first receive just as good treatment as those who see a rheumatologist. At the same time, the process results in lower costs for the health service.
“Research is not something that comes in addition to patient care. It is part of it. When we conduct research, we do it to give patients better treatment, safer treatment and more accurate healthcare services,” says Espen A. Haavardsholm, Head of Research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
He believes the report shows why research must be closely connected to everyday clinical practice.
– Many of the most important research questions arise in the encounter with patients. That is where we see what works, what does not work well enough, and where the health service needs to be improved. Therefore, it is crucial that hospitals both treat patients and develop new knowledge, says Haavardsholm.
Hand osteoarthritis: New course, better for patient and healthcare service
Hand osteoarthritis is a common disease that can cause pain, stiffness and reduced function in the hands. Treatment involves knowledge, exercises, coping and adaptation to everyday life. However, the services provided to patients have often been inconsistent.
Professor Ingvild Kjeken at Diakonhjemmet Hospital has led the interdisciplinary research group that developed a new patient course for people with hand osteoarthritis.
The study involved 374 patients. They were randomly assigned to two different courses. One group met with a rheumatologist first. The other group met with an occupational therapist first.
The results showed that patients in the two courses were equally satisfied, and that the effect was equally good. There were few and not serious adverse events. The course where the occupational therapist received the patients first also resulted in lower costs.
– It's not about taking tasks from doctors, but about using the right expertise at the right time, says Kjeken.
The researchers have also developed the digital mastery program Happy Hands.
– The app allows patients to quickly start treatment, regardless of their place of residence, and without waiting time, says Kjeken.
If necessary, patients can still be referred to specialist health services.
"This shows that we can think new thoughts while maintaining quality and patient safety. These are the kinds of solutions we need going forward," says Kjeken.
Research that can change practice
Diakonhjemmet Hospital has a particularly strong research environment within rheumatology and musculoskeletal diseases. The hospital is the host institution for REMEDY, a research center that will develop better treatments and treatment strategies within these diseases.
The goal is for the research to have a practical impact on patients.
“Our ambition is for the research to be able to change clinical practice. Then the research must be relevant to patients, feasible in the health service and solid enough that the results can be put into use,” says Haavardsholm.
He points to the hand osteoarthritis project as a good example.
– This study shows how research can provide a better patient outcome and at the same time contribute to better use of resources in the health service. Patients get faster access to relevant help, and specialist expertise is used where it is needed most. It is research for the patient's benefit, says Haavardsholm.
An investment in the future of healthcare
The national report points out that research and innovation are necessary to develop a health and care service with good quality, shorter waiting times and solutions that allow health personnel to spend more time with patients.
The report also shows that research requires prioritization. This can be demanding in a health service with pressure on personnel and resources. At the same time, research is an investment in better treatment and more sustainable services.
Facts
- The report is called Research and innovation for the best interests of the patient – National report from the specialist health service 2025.
- It is published by the four regional health authorities: Health Central Norway, Health North, Health South-East and Health West.
- The report shows examples of how research and innovation contribute to better patient care and the development of health services.
- The first part presents selected research and innovation projects from the specialist health service. The second part contains national key figures for research, innovation, collaboration with industry and business, and user participation.
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital is featured in the study on hand osteoarthritis, where occupational therapist-led treatment gave just as good results as rheumatologist-led treatment, but at lower costs.
- The study is led by professor and senior researcher Ingvild Kjeken at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
- The report was published in 2026 and discusses research and innovation in specialist health services in 2025.
If you would like to read the full report, it can be downloaded in PDF format from the government's website.
You can read the contributions in the report online here.
See also National Action Plan for Clinical Studies and Clinical Research 2026–2036
