Ongoing projects
ReMonit Gout feasibility study in primary care
Institution: Diakonhjemmet Hospital
Project lead: Fiona Aanesen
Funding: Stiftelsen DAM, Norwegian Rheumatism Association, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, REMEDY
Year: 2026–
Description:
This feasibility study will assess whether the self‑management app MyGout is useful, functional, and applicable for patients with gout. The researchers will also investigate the possibility of conducting a future large clinical study in primary care.
FHI‑NCD
Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI)
Project lead: Karianne Svendsen
Funding: EU – JANCD
Year: 2026–
Description:
This pilot study tests a new method for monitoring the development of risk factors for non‑communicable diseases, such as obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol, and long‑term blood glucose. The study is conducted as a population‑based pilot with recruitment via GPs and aims to generate knowledge on how such risk factors can be monitored and prevented in the population.
DiaMester
Institution: University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital
Project lead: Anne‑Marie Aas
Funding: University of Oslo
Year: 2025–
Description:
DiaMester is an eHealth programme for people with type 2 diabetes designed to support lifestyle change, self‑management, and possible remission. The project is conducted as a randomised controlled pilot study, comparing effects on, among other things, weight loss, metabolic risk factors, lifestyle, and quality of life with usual follow‑up care.
E‑lung
Institution: Levanger Hospital
Project lead: Oluf D. Røe
Funding: Norwegian Cancer Society
Year: 2025–
Description:
The project develops and tests a digital risk model (HUNT Risk App) that will help GPs identify barriers to smoking cessation and visualise individual risk of lung cancer. The study is conducted as a prospective randomised controlled trial in which use of the app is compared with the GP’s usual method for smoking cessation counselling.
Completed projects
REIMAGINE
Institution: Oslo University Hospital, Stavanger University Hospital, Haukeland University Hospital, Innlandet Hospital Trust
Project lead: Kari Madslien
Funding: Novo Nordisk
Year: 2025–2026
Description:
This was a randomised, placebo‑controlled clinical study that investigated the effect of the drug CagriSema in people with type 2 diabetes and painful peripheral neuropathy. Participants received treatment over a period of approximately 10 months, and effects on pain and symptoms were evaluated.
Nutritional knowledge among young women (JOD)
Institution: Institute of Marine Research
Project lead: Lisbeth Dahl
Funding: EU
Year: 2024–2025
Description:
The study investigated whether education in diet and nutrition could increase knowledge and influence nutritional status among young women. It was conducted as a randomised controlled study, in which participants provided questionnaires and biological samples over time.
WATCH‑IT
Institution: Oslo University Hospital
Project lead: Dan Atar
Funding: EU / Research Council of Norway
Year: 2023–2024
Description:
The study compared continuous blood pressure monitoring using a wristband (WATCH‑IT) with traditional 24‑hour blood pressure monitoring. It was conducted as a method validation study to assess whether new sensor technology can provide accurate and clinically useful measurements.
ECRAID‑Base – The role of diagnostics in antibiotic prescribing
Institution: University of Oslo and University of Bergen
Project lead: Guro Haugen Fossum
Funding: EU
Year: 2023–2025
Description:
ECRAID‑Base was an EU‑funded collaborative project that brought together European research communities to strengthen clinical research on infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. The project facilitated several clinical studies, including observational and platform studies, with the aim of improving diagnostics, treatment, and preparedness for infectious diseases.
How is CRP used by GPs in Norway and the UK?
Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Project lead: Peder A. Halvorsen
Funding: Pilot
Year: 2023–2024
Description:
The study compared the use of CRP in identical clinical situations among general practitioners in Norway and the UK, and examined how test results influenced clinical decisions. It was conducted as an observational study based on clinical vignettes, where doctors assessed patient scenarios and made decisions regarding, among other things, antibiotic prescribing and the need for hospital admission. The aim was to analyse variation in CRP use and decision‑making patterns both within and between the countries.
DEPTREAT
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Jan Ivar Røssberg
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2023–2026
Description:
The study investigated whether attentional training away from negative stimuli could reduce depressive symptoms. It was conducted as a randomised controlled study in general practice, where cognitive training (ABM) was combined with antidepressant treatment and compared with control conditions.
Music therapy for autism
Institution: NORCE
Project lead: Christian Gold
Funding: Kavli Trust
Year: 2023–2024
Description:
The study evaluated the effect of music therapy compared with a play‑based intervention in children with autism. It was conducted as a controlled intervention study and examined, among other things, social communication, participation, mental health, and brain function.
ASTORIA
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Dan Atar
Funding: EUROSTARS and Bayer
Year: 2023–2024
Description:
The ASTORIA study investigated adherence to rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation using an electronic medication dispenser (Pilloxa). The study was conducted as a prospective single‑arm cohort study and analysed adherence, risk factors for reduced use, and patient experiences with the solution.
Genetics and neuropathic pain
Institution: Oslo University Hospital
Project lead: Kristian Bernhard Nilsen
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2022–2023
Description:
The study investigated biological mechanisms underlying painful diabetic neuropathy using molecular and genetic analyses. It was conducted as a cross‑sectional study in which patients with and without pain were compared to identify underlying mechanisms.
Ung Face IT
Institution: Oslo University Hospital
Project lead: Kristin Billaud Feragen
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2022
Description:
Ung Face IT is an online self‑help programme for adolescents with appearance‑related challenges. The study was conducted as an intervention study examining effects on body image, social skills, and social anxiety in a Norwegian context.
SupportPRIM
Institution: NTNU
Project lead: Ottar Vasseljen
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2022–2023
Description:
SupportPRIM investigated how stratified treatment based on patient profiles can improve follow‑up of musculoskeletal conditions in primary care. The study included, among other things, a randomised controlled trial in which a decision support tool for GPs was tested against usual care. The aim was to develop personalised interventions based on biological, psychological, and social factors.
The effect of a self-help book on sleep problems and use of sleep medication
Institution: University of Bergen
Project lead: Bjørn Bjorvatn
Funding: University of Bergen
Year: 2022–2023
Description:
The study investigated whether a self‑help book based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia could reduce the use of sleep medication and improve sleep. It was conducted as a randomised controlled study comparing the self‑help book with sleep hygiene advice. The results showed reduced use of hypnotics and improvements in sleep and anxiety levels.
MUPS – The patient as a person
Institution: NORCE
Project lead: Stefan Hjörleifsson
Funding: NORCE
Year: 2022
Description:
The project explored consultations between doctors and patients with medically unexplained symptoms. The study was conducted as a qualitative interview study focusing on patients’ needs and experiences in encounters with the healthcare system. The aim was to strengthen understanding of the patient perspective in clinical communication.
Sleep problems and infections
Institution: University of Bergen
Project lead: Bjørn Bjorvatn
Funding: University of Bergen
Year: 2022–2023
Description:
This longitudinal observational study mapped the occurrence of sleep problems and infections among patients in general practice and examined the association between sleep problems, infections, and antibiotic use.
Postnatal check‑ups at the GP (The Postnatal Study)
Institution: NTNU
Project lead: Bente Prytz Mjølstad
Funding: Småforsk
Year: 2021–2023
Description:
The study examined women’s experiences with antenatal and postnatal follow‑up by GPs. It was conducted as a national questionnaire study via HelseNorge and GP practices. The aim was to identify what women consider important and how services can be improved.
BASIC 3
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Guro Haugen Fossum
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2021–2025
Description:
The study investigated the effect of chloramphenicol eye drops in the treatment of sinusitis in primary care. It was conducted as a randomised controlled study and included both sampling and follow‑up through health registries. The aim was to evaluate a treatment option with lower potential for driving antibiotic resistance.
Young marginalised patients with depression in general practice
Institution: NORCE
Project lead: Stefan Hjörleifsson
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2021
Description:
The study examined how young patients with depression are followed up across GPs, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), and specialist healthcare services. It was conducted as a qualitative interview study involving both patients and professionals. The focus was on the need for better coordinated and integrated services.
NSAIDs in Sciatica (NIS)
Institution: Østfold Hospital
Project lead: Anne Julsrud Haugen
Funding: Østfold Hospital Trust
Year: 2021–2023
Description:
The study investigated the effect of naproxen in sciatica. It was conducted as a multicentre, randomised, placebo‑controlled study across several hospitals, with recruitment also from primary care. The aim was to clarify the clinical value of NSAIDs for radiating back pain.
Care pathways for people with hand osteoarthritis
Institution: Diakonhjemmet Hospital
Project lead: Ingvild Kjeken
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2021–2022
Description:
The study investigated how care pathways for hand osteoarthritis can be improved and organised more efficiently. It included both comparative studies of care pathways and qualitative studies of practice, aiming to develop a new and feasible care pathway. The work was based on several methodological approaches, including intervention and qualitative research.
IDA Study
Institution: Oslo University Hospital
Project lead: Morten Rostrup
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2021–2022
Description:
The IDA study investigated causes of inadequate blood pressure control and how treatment can be better tailored to individual patients. It was conducted as a national clinical study with extensive data collection from multiple cities. The aim was to develop more personalised treatment of hypertension.
BASIC 1
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Sigurd Høye
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2020
Description:
The study examined patients’ experiences with sinus symptoms and their views on antibiotic treatment. It was conducted as a qualitative interview study involving patients with different experiences of the condition. The aim was to provide insight into the patient perspective and factors influencing healthcare use.
Confident Shoulder
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Niels Gunnar Juel
Funding: Trygve Gythfeldt and Frue Research Fund
Year: 2021–2023
Description:
The project developed and evaluated an evidence‑based guideline and a digital decision support tool for the management of shoulder pain in primary care. It was conducted as a cluster‑randomised intervention study to assess the effects of the measures. The aim was to improve diagnostics and treatment in general practice.
Balance and mobility in older adults with hearing impairment
Institution: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Project lead: Bård Bogen
Funding: Extra Foundation
Year: 2020–2021
Description:
The study investigated the relationship between hearing loss, balance, and mobility in older adults. It included both epidemiological analyses and an intervention study with exercise measures. The aim was to better understand risk factors for falls and reduced function.
COVIDNOR I and II
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Sigurd Høye
Funding: Research Council of Norway
Year: 2020–2022
Description:
COVIDNOR consisted of several sub‑studies examining the management of respiratory infections in primary care during the pandemic. Part 1 mapped GP consultations with respiratory symptoms, while Part 2 examined how practices and management evolved during the early pandemic years. The study included both registry data and qualitative analyses.
ValueDx / CA‑ARTI
Institution: University of Oslo
Project lead: Morten Lindbæk
Funding: University of Oslo
Year: 2020
Description:
The study collected data on the management of respiratory infections in primary care across several European countries. It was conducted as an observational study (point prevalence audit) without intervention, in which doctors recorded diagnostics and treatment of patients with cough and sore throat. The aim was to map variation and improve antibiotic use.