Ongoing demographic changes, with an increasing proportion of elderly people, combined with a shortage of personnel with the right competence and high employee turnover, are placing greater demands on society, healthcare organizations, and individuals themselves.

 

At the same time, significant deficiencies have emerged, particularly regarding the lack of individual focus as well as the coordination of resources and support within healthcare and social services. To address these challenges and improve quality, while also empowering individuals to take more responsibility, a national transition toward Person-centered and integrated care is underway. The pupose is to create healthcare and social services that are increasingly shaped in collaboration with individuals based on their needs, desires, and experiences.

Within the research environment SIHW (Studies on Integrated Health and Welfare), we focus on applied research aimed at preserving and restoring individuals' health and well-being, as well as shaping the welfare systems of the future. SIHW is a multidisciplinary and interprofessional research environment with a focus on integrated health and welfare, and includes research in the following areas:

  • Collaboration and continuity in healthcare and welfare services
  • Person-centered approaches
  • Determinants of health and well-being
  • Digitalization
  • Organization
  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Promotive and preventive measures
  • Self-care
  • Stakeholder participation.

The research within SIHW is of high quality and competitive both nationally and internationally. To maintain and further improve this high quality, SIHW researchers are active members of various national and international research networks, and research is conducted in collaboration with practice.