Ingvild Kjeken appointed honorary member of the Norwegian Occupational Therapist Association
Professor emerita and senior researcher Ingvild Kjeken at Diakonhjemmet Hospital has been awarded the Norwegian Occupational Therapist Association's highest award. The honorary membership is in recognition of her many years of efforts for research, professional development and better treatment of patients.
On International Occupational Therapy Day today, October 27th, we are particularly pleased to hear that one of our occupational therapists has received this award.
It was presented during the Norwegian Association of Occupational Therapists' national meeting at Soria Moria in Oslo on October 21. Kjeken received the honorary membership together with Professor Unni Sveen. The award was unanimously approved by the national meeting, following a proposal from the association's board.
Kjeken is a senior researcher at the Unit for Health Services Research and Innovation (EHI) and the research center REMEDY at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, as well as professor emerita in occupational therapy at OsloMet.
Groundbreaking research on hand osteoarthritis
In the justification for the award, the Norwegian Occupational Therapists Association particularly highlights her research on hand osteoarthritis. Through a number of studies, she has documented how occupational therapy can reduce pain, strengthen hand function and make it easier for patients to cope with everyday life.
This work has led to occupational therapy now being recommended as a treatment for hand osteoarthritis. It has also contributed to the development of new ways of organizing health services.
Kjeken led a large study of 374 participants with hand osteoarthritis. It showed that patients who received a treatment course led by an occupational therapist achieved just as good results as patients who first saw a rheumatologist. At the same time, healthcare costs were lower.
The study has received national attention and has been highlighted as an example of how research can contribute to better use of expertise and resources in the health service.
From research to new treatment options
Kjeken has also been central to the development of the self-management app Happy Hands, which is intended to help people with hand osteoarthritis manage the disease and everyday life better.
In her work, she has placed great emphasis on user participation and on ensuring that treatment is based on the individual's needs and goals.
She has also contributed to the education and supervision of new researchers and occupational therapists. In 2014, she became, together with Unni Sveen, Norway's first professor of occupational therapy. Both have had a major impact on the development of master's education in the subject.
Kjeken has been associated with Diakonhjemmet Hospital for a number of years, both as an occupational therapist, manager and researcher. She received her doctorate in 2006 and has since been a key contributor to research in rheumatology and rehabilitation.
Honorary membership is the Norwegian Association of Occupational Therapists' highest honor and is awarded to individuals who have made particularly meritorious contributions to the profession.
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Read more about Occupational Therapists' Day on the Norwegian Association's website
