In the last twenty years, PhD theses in nursing science at the University of Oslo (UiO) have changed in terms of methodology, authorship and theoretical approach. Has the research become less patient-centred and patient-oriented?  

Following the introduction of the Coordination Reform, nurses employed by the municipal health service have had to deal with a growing number of complex, patient-focused tasks. The need for professional development is considerable, but there is no overall strategy in place.

The out-of-hours doctor did not receive formal patient information in at least half of the doctor’s visits to nursing homes in Oslo. This may subject the patients to inappropriate treatment and unnecessary hospitalisation.

Measures such as the ‘getting-to-know-you’ day, the ‘float nurse’ function at an early stage, group meetings and internal training greatly benefitted supervisors and students at Oslo University Hospital.

Although there are procedures for medication reconciliation, the process is challenging to implement and the allocation of responsibility is unclear.