Diakonhjemmet Hospital is among the six hospitals that conduct the most research in Norway. Many of the studies are clinical research.
An example of clinical research is the ExeHeart research project, where researchers have looked at the connection between rheumatic disease and heart health. Photo: Diakonhjemmet Hospital/Kjell Håkon Larsen
Clinical trials and investigations 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 May 20, we at the research center REMEDY and Diakonhjemmet Hospital want to highlight the clinical trials that are conducted at our hospital, says the head of research at the hospital, Professor Espen A. Haavardsholm.
The award is a recognition of the significant effort put into clinical research at our hospital, he explains.
Increasing number of patients in clinical research
In line with the goals of the national action plan for clinical trials and the mission letter from the South-Eastern Health Authority, 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 a joint commitment to improving patient care through evidence-based practice.
– Participation in clinical trials contributes not only 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 authorities and various actors in the business sector, 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 by OUS, under Regional Research Support.
Inven2 assists in taking care of contractual and financial matters in clinical studies commissioned by industry.
– We have also established our own Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) in 2023, to support the implementation of clinical studies, under the leadership of Line Melå Jacobsen, says Haavardsholm.
Celebration at Diakonhjemmet Hospital
On May 24, this important day will be marked locally.
– We invite everyone to cake in the villa on Friday, May 24, from 12:00 to 13:00, says Ida Løchting, research advisor at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
NorTrials is also celebrating its two-year anniversary on this day, and Ida has ensured that this event will be streamed to the villa from 13:00. It can also be followed digitally from wherever you are.
