Diakonhjemmet hospital is among the six hospitals that do the most research in Norway. Many of the studies are clinical research.
An example of clinical research is the ExeHeart research project, where the researchers have looked at the connection between rheumatic disease and heart health. Photo: Diakonhjemmet hospital/Kjell Håkon Larsen
Clinical trials and research are conducted to generate data on the safety, effectiveness, benefits and side effects of drugs, treatment methods and medical devices.
- In connection with Clinical Trials Day, which is celebrated annually on 20 May, we at the research center REMEDY and Diakonhjemmet hospital want to highlight the clinical studies that are carried out at us, says the head of research at the hospital, Professor Espen A. Haavardsholm.
The marking is recognition of the significant effort that is put into clinical research at us, he explains.
More and more patients in clinical research
In line with the goals in the national action plan for clinical trials and the assignment letter from Helse Sør-East, the hospital has a stable increase in the number of patients participating in clinical trials. Figures from the annual report for the period 2020-2023 show a marked increase .
Haavardsholm emphasizes that this is the result of joint commitment to improve patient care through evidence-based practice.
- Participation in clinical studies not only contributes to the development of new treatment methods and medicines, but also to a better understanding of diseases and their treatment in clinical practice, he emphasizes.
Solid research support
- To strengthen research, the hospital has entered into several partnerships, including with Inven2 and NorTrials, says Haavardsholm.
The partnership between regional health organizations and various players in the business world, NorTrials, was established on behalf of the Department of Health and Care in 2021 to increase the number of clinical commissioned studies in Norway.
NorTrials is coordinated from OUS, under Regional research support. Inven2 assists with handling contractual and financial matters in clinical studies commissioned for industry.
- We have also established a separate Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) in 2023, to support the implementation of clinical studies, under the leadership of Line Melå Jacobsen, says Haavardsholm.
Marking at Diakonhjemmet hospital
On 24 May, this important day is marked locally.
- We invite everyone to cake in the villa on Friday 24 May from
12.00 to 13.00, says Ida Løchting, research adviser at Diakonhjemmet hospital. NorTrials also celebrates its second anniversary on this day, and Ida has ensured that this event is streamed to the villa from 1 p.m. It can also be followed digitally from wherever you are.
