SINTEF Health Research March 2006 Cross-disciplinary research to optimize the delivery of health care. Bridging the gap between quality, solidarity and sustainability of health systems and advanced medical technology. SINTEF Health Research, with about 130 employees, is one of the major health research institutions in Norway. Our strength is found in our experience and extensive knowledge within the fields of health, health services and research methodology. Our forte is a comprehensive view in analyses and problem-solving, through close co- operation with all stakeholders; NGOs, professionals, industries, universities and authorities. Though we are a contract-based research institute, we keep end-users in mind and strive to follow our principles of improved health and quality of life for all citizens. SINTEF Health Research is concentrated in four strategic areas: - Medical technology - Health services research - Consultancy services and the management of data-registers - Preventive health care Medical technology SINTEF, in close co-operation with surgeons at St Olav University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Trondheim, is a leading international research institute within ultrasound assisted surgery. Researchers are concentrating on the development of "the operating room of the future“, where our scientists collaborate with the surgeons in developing better methods for laparoscopic surgery. This also includes remote communication between operating surgeons and external experts. In the area of innovation, our staff is both actively initiating and providing consultancy services for industrial development in the health sector. These key players act as co-ordinators between research, manufacturers and public industrial support programs. SINTEF also administers the clinical evaluation of certain pharmaceutical products and medical technological innovations at several Norwegian hospitals. Health services research Our main research area is the evaluation of health services both within specialized health care and municipal services. We approach this theme by focusing on the cost and financing of services, organization of services, quality of services and the populations use of health services. SINTEF has been an important advisor to the Norwegian health authorities within the health services field for many years. We supply evidence-based knowledge including economic analyses, distribution and use of health services, development and analyses of indicators for medical practice and quality, as well as models for the planning and operation of health institutions. SINTEF actively participates in research and development both nationally and internationally in order to prepare society to cope with the growing demands for health and healthcare services from an increasing elderly population. Our scientists have developed a unique methodology for analyses of future demands to support the planning of new hospitals and future health services. Plans for escalating and improving mental health services have led to a growing demand for evidence-based knowledge as a basis for political and administrative decisions. In this field, SINTEF represents the largest research arena in Norway. Our Hospital planning department is an active member of EU Health property network, promoting better standards and more effective investment in, and management of, hospitals and health property throughout the EU. In collaboration with universities in a number of countries in Southern Africa, we contribute to building local expertise in research methodology in the field of living conditions and disability research. SINTEF’s research scientists collaborate with the surgeons at St Olav’s Hospital in developing better methods for laparoscopic surgery. Using complex software and stereoscopic images, surgeons are able to achieve a unique view inside the body. This aids in providing a better basis for diagnoses and improved treatment. Equipped with 3D-glasses, the doctors can walk into a world of arteries, organs and tumours. The images can also be transferred through the internet to collaborating doctors any place in the world. Through a long-term co-operation with disabled people’s organisations, SINTEF carries out studies on living conditions in several countries in southern Africa. To date, the studies have supplied Namibian, Zimbabwean, Malawian and Zambian authorities with important data for the development of government disability policy and plans of action on disability issues. At the same time SINTEF, in collaboration with university departments in these countries, contributes to further building local expertise in research methodology and information management.

SINTEF Health Research March 2006 SINTEF Health Research Trondheim N 7465 Trondheim Phone: Fax: SINTEF Health Research Oslo PO Box 124 Blindern, N 0314 Oslo Phone: Fax: Surgeons often experience stress and high body temperature during surgery. Surgeons at St Olav University Hospital collaborate with SINTEF scientists in developing “smart clothes” that detect and control body temperature and transpiration, using nano- technology integrated in textiles. Patient data and registers Every year SINTEF publishes SAMDATA reports, which present steering data, comparable statistics, and analyses on utilization of both somatic and psychiatric hospital services in Norway. The focus is on the development of hospital services in relation to the political goals for health care in Norway. The reports present data on costs, personnel use and bed capacity as well as production and consumption of hospital inpatient and outpatient services, and waiting list and waiting time. The reports also present indicators of productivity and costs levels and indicators of clinical practices and priorities. SINTEF runs the Norwegian Patient Register (NPR), which collects and verifies patient data from all public somatic hospitals and psychiatric institutions in Norway, as well as from some private hospitals. This is also includes the collection and publishing of figures regarding the waiting list situation in Norwegian hospitals. NPR offers its services to public authorities such as the Ministry of Health as well as to hospitals, researchers, media and to the public. SINTEF is also responsible for development and maintenance of the DRG-system in Norway, according to the activity based financing system for hospitals. This also includes cost calculations of patient groups used for pricing and analyses, and calculation of total amount of hospital payment. Preventive health care Through both commissioned research and competence building within microbiology and HPV-infections, our researchers are in the front within infectious disease research in Norway. We are committed to increasing the utilisation of patient register data for research purposes through our networks with other national research environments, industry, hospitals, and out in general practice. SINTEF is part of an international research network using nano-technology in developing ”SmartWear”, intelligent textiles and wearable technology. We are developing clotheing for physiological and medical surveillance of patients, protective clothes for surgeons and personal protective equipment for fire fighters and others. Customers SINTEF Health Research carries out research and development for both the public sector and industry. The figure shows a breakdown of our customers and their relative contribution to our gross income in Norwegian Research Council 8 % International custmers 8 % NGOs 1% Industry 7 % Other public authorities 8 % Directorate for Health and Social Affairs 20% Ministry of Health and Social services 31% Regional Health Authorities 15% Customers outside Norway 8 %