Unni Mette Stamnes Köpp

• Håkstad, Katrine; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko; Wigen, Tove Irene; Fegran, Liv & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2026). How physical and sexual abuse impacts oral health: a cross-sectional study from a Norwegian Children’s House. BMC Oral Health. 26. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-09143-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Although the association between neglect and an increased risk of oral disease is well established, the independent association between physical or sexual abuse and oral health has been less extensively studied. This study explored oral health condition in children suspected of being exposed to physical or sexual abuse by examining the association between abuse type and caries experience and gingival condition. It also assessed whether these associations were modified by age, sex, and ethnicity. This cross-sectional study involved 328 children, aged 1–18 years, who underwent clinical forensic dental examinations at a Norwegian Children’s House (NCH) from 2017 to 2021 (n = 328) due to suspected physical or sexual abuse. Data were collected from forensic dental and medical records at the NCH and included data from extra- and intra-oral examinations accompanied by conversations with the children. Negative binomial and logistic regression were performed for unadjusted, adjusted, and stratified analyses. Data are presented as ratios of means (RMs) and odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sexually abused children had a higher mean number of decayed teeth (DT) (RM 1.99, 95%CI 0.99–4.02) compared with physically abused children. They also more frequently received toothbrushing assistance. When stratifying by sex and ethnicity, the results revealed that sexually abused males had a higher mean number of DT compared with physically abused males (RM 4.23, 95%CI 1.37–13.12). A similar association was observed in sexually abused Ethnic Norwegian children (RM 3.53, 95%CI 1.60–7.82). Gingival condition varied by age. Sexually abused children exhibited better gingival condition before the age of four compared with their physically abused peers, but these conditions deteriorated after the age of thirteen, where the results showed an opposite association. The findings indicated that oral health condition varied according to abuse type, with poorer oral health conditions among sexually abused children than those physically abused. These results, underscore the crucial role of forensic and dental professionals in identifying oral health conditions that may signal possible abuse.

• Håkstad, Katrine; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko; Wigen, Tove Irene; Fegran, Liv & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2026). Mapping orofacial signs of child abuse in children referred to a Norwegian Children's House. Child Abuse & Neglect. ISSN 0145-2134. 178. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108167. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Child physical and sexual abuse frequently involves the orofacial region, yet comprehensive forensic mapping of both traumatic and nontraumatic orofacial signs in children referred due to suspected abuse remains limited. Objective To comprehensively map extraoral and intraoral signs in children referred for forensic dental examination due to suspected physical or sexual abuse, describing injury types, anatomical distribution, and nontraumatic oral health findings across abuse types. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included 362 children aged 1–18 years referred to a Norwegian Children's House, an interdisciplinary forensic assessment center for children, between 2017 and 2021. Extraoral signs were identified through combined forensic dental and medical records, while intraoral signs were identified through dental examinations. Orofacial signs were classified as traumatic injuries or non-traumatic findings. Analyses were conducted at both case level (presence/absence) and the injury count level (number and anatomical distribution of injuries), stratified by suspected abuse type. Results Intraoral signs were identified in 76.1% of the children, and 45.6% had extraoral signs. Most children were aged 6–11 years (56.1%). Extraoral injuries were more common among children with suspected sexual abuse (40.7%) than among those with suspected physical abuse (34.4%), whereas intraoral injuries were similar (≈19%). Dental trauma accounted for nearly three-quarters of all intraoral injuries and was more frequent among physically abused children. Nontraumatic intraoral findings were common in both groups (∼63%), with poor oral hygiene and untreated caries occurring more often in the physical abuse group. Stress-related findings, such as tooth wear and headache, were slightly more common among children with suspected sexual abuse. Conclusions Children referred for forensic evaluation due to suspected abuse frequently presented with traumatic and nontraumatic orofacial signs. The integration of forensic dental and medical examinations strengthens the identification of head and neck injuries and highlights the pivotal role of dental professionals in multidisciplinary child protection.

• Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes; Mikkelsen, Hilde E. Timenes & Vistad, Ingvild (2026). Omvendt undervisning – en kvalitativ studie blant medisinstudenter. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 146(5). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.25.0438. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bakgrunn og formål Omvendt undervisning, det vil si at studentene forbereder seg før undervisningen, innebærer at undervisningstiden kan brukes til diskusjon, refleksjon og studentaktiviserende arbeid. Formålet med denne kvalitative studien var å undersøke hvordan forberedelsesoppgaver påvirker medisinstudentenes motivasjon, engasjement og opplevde læring. Materiale og metode To fokusgruppeintervjuer med til sammen 14 medisinstudenter ved Universitetet i Oslo, Campus Sør, ble gjennomført i mai 2024. Studentene hadde erfaring med både tradisjonell og omvendt undervisning. Intervjuene ble analysert med refleksiv tematisk analyse med fokus på studentenes erfaringer med forberedelser og undervisning. Resultater Studentene ga uttrykk for at tydelige forventninger og forberedelser tilpasset undervisningens omfang styrket motivasjonen. De foretrakk kortfattede forberedelsesoppgaver tilgjengelig i god tid. Aktiv bruk av forberedelsesoppgavene i undervisningen gjennom quiz, diskusjoner og kasuistikker fremmet engasjement og opplevd faglig mestring. Studentene erfarte at undervisningsmodellen styrket forståelse av stoffet og trygghet i faglige diskusjoner, særlig ved komplekse temaer. Studentene opplevde også at undervisningsformen støttet utvikling av profesjonell identitet og forberedelse til klinisk arbeid. Fortolkning Kombinasjon av avgrensede forberedelsesoppgaver og aktiv integrering av disse i omvendt undervisning fremmer studentenes motivasjon, engasjement, faglige mestringsfølelse og refleksjon.

• Ko, Hayley Manalang; Baugerud, Gunn Astrid; Johnson, Miriam S.; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko (2026). Best practice vs. reality: An exploratory study of communication dynamics during forensic dental and medical examinations in child abuse investigations. Children and Youth Services Review. ISSN 0190-7409. 182. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.108786. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Forensic health examinations are a routine part of child abuse investigations, yet healthcare professionals may lack the skills required to communicate effectively with victims. Best practice interviewing techniques have been adopted in various professions, yet they have not been widely implemented among healthcare professionals. Little is known about the communication dynamics during forensic health examinations in relation to best practice interviewing principles. Participants included nine youths (aged 13–16) and eight healthcare professionals involved in forensic dental and medical examinations carried out as part of child abuse investigations. Using a hybrid content analysis approach supplemented by inductive coding, healthcare professionals’ utterances were coded to identify the use of open-ended or closed-ended statements. Children’s responses were categorised as descriptive, “don’t know,” or yes/no. The length of each utterance or response was measured by word count. Preliminary revealed that healthcare professionals primarily used option-posing utterances, while invitations were used in only 0.6% of cases. Conversations also lacked a clear structure, with key components such as introductory statements and ground rules inconsistently applied. This study highlights the need to establish best practice interviewing techniques tailored for healthcare settings. Given their crucial role in child abuse investigations, healthcare professionals should receive training in evidence-based communication strategies. Implementing structured interviewing protocols in medical and dental contexts could improve information gathering while ensuring child-centred, ethical, and supportive interactions.

• Ko, Hayley Manalang; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes; Johnson, Miriam Sinkerud & Baugerud, Gunn Astrid (2025). Using an AI-Driven Child Chatbot Avatar as a Training Tool for Information Gathering Skills of Dental and Medical Professionals: A Pilot Study. Applied Cognitive Psychology. ISSN 0888-4080. 39(1). doi: 10.1002/acp.70022. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Healthcare professionals often receive limited training in information gathering, especially for cases of suspected child maltreatment. This pilot study evaluated a brief interview training program using an artificial intelligence-driven child avatar chatbot to simulate realistic encounters with children. GPT-3 and one-shot prompting were used to simulate an 8-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to violence. A pretest-posttest design assessed the program's impact, with all participants (n = 18) receiving a video lecture and indirect feedback on their questions based on the avatar's responses. One group (n = 10) received direct feedback on their use of open and closed questions, along with examples after each interview. Results showed no significant improvement in interviewing behaviour, regardless of feedback condition. This study highlights the need for further development and tailoring of training programs to better support healthcare professionals in cases of suspected child abuse.

• Mortensen, Nicolay; Kristiansen, Martin Skaranger; Tellefsen, Odd Alexander & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2024). Recovery of pathogens with implementation of a weight-based algorithm for pediatric blood cultures: an observational intervention study. BMC Pediatrics. 24(1). doi: 10.1186/s12887-024-04930-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Ko, Hayley Manalang; Baugerud, Gunn Astrid; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes; Johnson, Miriam Sinkerud & Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko (2024). Exploring Information-Gathering Techniques in Medical and Dental Interviews for Child Abuse and Neglect: A Comprehensive Scoping Review of Existing Gaps. International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice. ISSN 2524-5236. doi: 10.1007/s42448-024-00197-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Healthcare providers may regularly encounter victims of suspected child abuse or neglect. Conversations during medical evaluations and examinations may yield essential information and reliable accounts of a child’s experiences of abuse. However, knowledge of appropriate communication skills when interacting with suspected child abuse victims and information gathering techniques have not been well explored in healthcare providers. This scoping review assesses the state of the literature concerning medical interviewing in cases of child abuse and explores the communication and information gathering techniques used by healthcare providers when interacting with suspected child abuse victims. Ten studies were included in the analysis, collectively revealing a limited body of knowledge on information gathering techniques in child abuse cases in healthcare settings. Collecting a comprehensive medical history has emerged as a crucial tool for guiding medical examinations and assessments. The findings also highlight the absence of standardised guidelines for healthcare professionals to gather information from victims of child abuse. This review did not identify any studies that investigated the information gathering skills of oral healthcare providers in the context of child abuse. Further research is needed, and the creation of standardised protocols aimed at improving information gathering techniques within healthcare settings for cases of child abuse could prove beneficial. Improved communication and information gathering techniques can significantly contribute to the management of suspected cases of child abuse, safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children.

• Håkstad, Katrine; Fegran, Liv; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2023). Orofacial signs of child or adolescent maltreatment identified by dentists and dental hygienists: A scoping review. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. ISSN 0960-7439. p. 1–17. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13139. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Child maltreatment, the abuse or neglect of children aged 0–18 years, is a severe and underreported global problem. Compared with other body parts, the orofacial region displays more signs of child maltreatment. Dentists and dental hygienists are therefore well situated to identify orofacial signs of child maltreatment. Aim To map the current literature on orofacial signs of child maltreatment identified by dentists or dental hygienists. Design A scoping review was conducted based on systematic searches of Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) for primary qualitative and quantitative studies through June 6, 2022. Results Twenty-nine studies were included in this scoping review. Though all child maltreatment types were identified in dental settings, physical abuse and dental neglect were most commonly identified. Reports of caries dominated the orofacial signs, followed by bruises (intra- and extraoral), poor oral hygiene, dental trauma, and lacerations (intra- and extraoral). Case reports were used most commonly to describe orofacial signs of child maltreatment. Conclusion Dental clinicians identify orofacial signs of all child maltreatment types intraorally. Dentists identify the same extraoral signs as do other healthcare professionals, with bruising being the most common.

• Mølland, Eirin; Haraldstad, Kristin; Abildsnes, Eirik; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in child and school health services among children aged 4 and 6 years in Southern Norway: clinical considerations. BMC Pediatrics. 23(30). doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-03837-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Parent reported mental health can be assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Currently, Norwegian norms for parent-reported SDQ do not exist, whereas Swedish, Danish, and United Kingdom (UK) norms have been published. We aimed to (1) describe parent-reported SDQ among children aged 4 and 6 years in Southern Norway, (2) evaluate empirical cutoff values within the context of the Starting RightTM project in relation to the Swedish, Danish, and UK cutoffs, and (3) evaluate the representativeness of the study sample with regard to parental socioeconomic status. Methods This study included parent-reported observations for 665 children (63% consent rate). Means and standard deviations were calculated for the domains of SDQ, and gender differences were assessed. Based on the Swedish, Danish, and UK cutoffs and the 80th and 90th percentile cutoff values within the study, we calculated the total number of children with borderline and abnormal scores. Results Boys had higher mean total difficulties (7.3 vs 5.6) and impact scores (0.3 vs 0.1) and lower prosocial scores (8.3 vs 8.8) than girls. The differences in means were largest in the case of externalizing symptoms (5.0 vs 3.6) and hyperactivity subscore (3.2 vs 2.3). Using the UK cutoff values, 28 and 25 children had borderline and abnormal total difficulties scores, respectively. The corresponding numbers using the within study or Scandinavian cutoff values were 84–99 and 54–79, respectively. Overall, our study sample was well representative of the target population. Conclusions Our findings consistently indicated that girls had better SDQ scores than boys among children aged 4 and 6 years. Fewer children would be identified as having mental health difficulties using the UK cutoff values than using the Scandinavian age- and gender-relevant cutoff values.

• Marvik, Åshild; Ravn, Lisbeth Marie; Randby, Hans; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Revhaug, Cecilie (2023). Skogflåttencefalitt hos barn. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 143(14). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.23.0222. Full text in Research Archive
• Robstad, Anja Nastasja; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Mølland, Eirin; Abildsnes, Eirik; Haraldstad, Kristin & Køpp, Unni Mette Stamnes [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Experiences of Norwegian child and school health nurses with the “Starting Right™” child health assessment innovation: a qualitative interview study. BMC Health Services Research. 22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08088-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Although child health services are well established in Norway, the use of information technology for the systematic collection of evidence-based child- and proxy-reported health measures may be benefcial in the early identifcation of child development problems. The Norwegian “Starting Right™” health service innovation consists of parent- and child-reported online structured health assessments tools, including practical routines for child and school health assessments. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of child and school health nurses with the Starting Right innovation. Methods: We used a qualitative design and conducted three focus group interviews with 18 child and school health nurses from three child health centres one year after the implementation of the innovation. Results: The experiences of professionals with the Starting Right innovation were captured by three themes: (1) the digital innovation could be used to obtain a good overview of a child’s health and development; (2) interpreting the questionnaires was a challenge; and (3) implementing the new digital innovation was time-consuming. Conclusions: Overall, the child and school health nurses experienced that the Starting Right innovation was useful for providing a comprehensive overview of child development and health. The challenges related to interpreting the parents’ scores and follow-up of children, as well as providing the questionnaires in relevant foreign languages, should be addressed to allow all children and families to be reached

• Rolin, Johannes; Ødegård, Rønnaug; Amundsen, Viktoria Vedeler; Køpp, Unni Mette; Kokkvoll, Ane Sofie & Juliusson, Pétur Benedikt [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). Medikamentell tilleggsbehandling for vektreduksjon hos ungdom med alvorlig fedme. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 142(14), p. 1–3. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.22.0540. Full text in Research Archive
• Hennig, Camilla Bæck; Løkling, Hanne Lund; Harket, Marthe Smiseth & Køpp, Unni Mette (2022). Behandling av voksne med sykelig overvekt i spesialisthelsetjenesten: Effekt av 10 ukers gruppebasert livsstilsendringsbehandling. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. 1(6), p. 6–14. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.19.1.2. Full text in Research Archive
• Westergren, Thomas; Mølland, Eirin; Haraldstad, Kristin; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen; Køpp, Unni Mette & Fegran, Liv [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Implementation of the norwegian ‘Starting right’ child health service innovation: implementation adjustments, adoption, and acceptability. BMC Health Services Research. 21. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-06096-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: An increased and/or stable proportion of the child and adolescent population reports symptoms ofimpaired health, and the symptoms can be identified early. Therefore, structured child- and parent-reportedoutcome measures need to be implemented in child and school health services for decision support andidentification of children at risk. We aimed to (a) qualitatively examine adjustments of active implementation fromthe pilot implementation of the Norwegian‘Starting Right’health service innovation including an online childhealth assessment tool and practical routines, and (b) measure practitioners ́ adoption and parental acceptability. Methods: We used a mixed-methods design to qualitatively examine adjustments from working notes andmeeting memoranda, and quantitatively assess adoption and acceptability from user rates provided by the systemslog. Twenty-one child and school health nurses (CSHNs) from two child health centers participated in theimplementation pilot of online health assessments in children aged 2-, 4- and 6-year. We used a deductive andnarrative analysis approach using Fixsen et al. ́s core implementation components to code and sort adjustments. Results: Core implementation components were adjusted throughout the pilot implementation. Researchers ́increased their availability in reciprocity with staff evaluation to integrate active implementation adjustments. Welaunched a project for improved data systems integration. The overall CSHNs adoption rate was satisfactory andhigher in center A, where a medical secretary supported the nurses through the entire pilot phase, than in center B(96 vs. 55 %). Parental acceptability rate was overall high (77 %) with increased rates among parents of 6-year-oldchildren (98 %) compared with younger ones (78–85 %), and in cases where both parents received thequestionnaires. Conclusions: The ‘Starting Right’ health service innovation implementation was actively adjusted by integration of core implementation components mainly based on staff evaluation. The CSHNs adopted the innovation which was also acceptable to parents.

• Westergren, Thomas; Fegran, Liv; Antonsen, Anne Jørstad; Mikkelsen, Hilde E. Timenes; Hennig, Camilla Bæck & Køpp, Unni Mette (2021). Prevention of overweight and obesity in a Norwegian public health care context: a mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health. 21. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-11096-x. Full text in Research Archive
• Rønneberg, Anne; Szyszko, Ewa Alicja; Bie, Thea Martine Granvoll; Willumsen, Tiril & Køpp, Unni Mette (2019). Klinisk rettsodontologiske undersøkelser ved Statens Barnehus - veier til tverrprofesjonell samhandling til barnets beste. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 129, p. 884–892. Full text in Research Archive
• Ulseth, Elisabeth Tallaksen; Freuchen, Anne & Køpp, Unni Mette (2019). Akutt forgiftning blant barn og ungdom i Agder. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 139(13). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.17.1116. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjørnsen, Thomas; Salvesen, Svein; Berntsen, Sveinung; Hetlelid, Ken Joar; Stea, Tonje Holte & Seiler, Hilde Lohne [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2015). Vitamin C and E supplementation blunts increases in total lean body mass in elderly men after strength training. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 26(7), p. 755–755. doi: 10.1111/sms.12506. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on changes in muscle mass (lean mass and muscle thickness) and strength during 12 weeks of strength training in elderly men. Thirty-four elderly males (60–81 years) were randomized to either an antioxidant group (500 mg of vitamin C and 117.5 mg vitamin E before and after training) or a placebo group following the same strength training program (three sessions per week). Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle thickness by ultrasound imaging. Muscle strength was measured as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Total lean mass increased by 3.9% (95% confidence intervals: 3.0, 5.2) and 1.4% (0, 5.4) in the placebo and antioxidant groups, respectively, revealing larger gains in the placebo group (P = 0.04). Similarly, the thickness of m. rectus femoris increased more in the placebo group [16.2% (12.8, 24.1)] than in the antioxidant group [10.9% (9.8, 13.5); P = 0.01]. Increases of lean mass in trunk and arms, and muscle thickness of elbow flexors, did not differ significantly between groups. With no group differences, 1RM improved in the range of 15–21% (P < 0.001). In conclusion, high-dosage vitamin C and E supplementation blunted certain muscular adaptations to strength training in elderly men.

• Køpp, Unni Mette Stamnes; Dahl-Jørgensen, Knut; Stigum, Hein; Andersen, Lene Frost; Næss, Øyvind & Nystad, Wenche (2012). The associations between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index or gestational weight change during pregnancy and body mass index of the child at 3 years of age. International Journal of Obesity. ISSN 0307-0565. 36(10), p. 1325–1331. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2012.140. Full text in Research Archive
• Køpp, Unni Mette Stamnes; Andersen, Lene Frost; Dahl-Jørgensen, Knut; Stigum, Hein; Næss, Øyvind & Nystad, Wenche (2012). Maternal pre-pregnant body mass index, maternal weight change and offspring birthweight. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6349. 91(2), p. 243–249. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2011.01321.x. Full text in Research Archive

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• Ko, Hayley; Baugerud, Gunn Astrid; Johnson, Miriam S.; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko (2026). An exploratory study of communication dynamics during forensic dental and medical examinations in child abuse investigations. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Best practice interviewing techniques have not been widely implemented among healthcare professionals (HPs) conducting forensic health examinations during child abuse investigations. BPI focuses on using of open-ended questions (OEQs) while discouraging closed-ended questions (CEQs). This is the first known study that explores the quality of information gathering skills among HPs during forensic dental and medical examinations. Examinations were conducted with youths (n = 9). Youth responses were categorized as descriptive, “don’t know”, or yes/no. HPs’ (2 dentists, 4 paediatricians, 2 nurses) utterances were coded into OEQs or CEQs. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of interview characteristics. Hybrid content analysis approach explored what HPs asked during examination. HPs spoke for 80% of the conversations, using option-posing utterances (30%), while invitations were used in only 0.6% of cases. Yes/No youth responses were associated with longer utterances from HPs. Descriptive responses were preceded by shorter HP utterances. Conversations lacked a clear structure, with introductory statements and ground rules inconsistently applied.Best practice interviewing should be taught and integrated into clinical practice, particularly during child forensic health examinations. However, further work is needed to inform the development of appropriate techniques for the dental and medical context. Interview training often focuses on law enforcement and social workers. It is therefore crucial to include HPs in these initiatives, as they are important members of the multidisciplinary team involved in responding to child maltreatment.

• Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2026). What’s a dentist got to do with it? From oral health to multidisciplinary collaboration in criminal child abuse investigations. Full text in Research Archive
• Ko, Hayley; Baugerud, Gunn Astrid; Johnson, Miriam S.; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko (2025). Communication during forensic dental and medical examinations in child abuse investigations. Full text in Research Archive
• Haraldstad, Kristin; Westergren, Per Christer Thomas; Abildsnes, Eirik; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Mølland, Eirin (2025). Godt Begynt- tidlig innsats for barn og unge Kristin Haraldstad, Thomas Westergren, Eirik Abildsnes, Åshild T. Haaland, Unni M. Köpp og Eirin Mølland. Full text in Research Archive
• Håkstad, Katrine; Fegran, Liv; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2025). Orofaciale tegn på mishandling hos barn og ungdom. Tannstikka : tidsskrift for Norsk tannpleierforening. ISSN 1501-8636. 2, p. 33–34. doi: 10.56373/2024-11-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Håkstad, Katrine; Fegran, Liv; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2024). Tannhelseundersøkelse kan avdekke vold, overgrep og omsorgssvikt mot barn og ungdom. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. 134(11), p. 964–965. doi: 10.56373/2024-11-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Håkstad, Katrine; Fegran, Liv; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2024). Tannhelseundersøkelse kan avdekke vold, overgrep og omsorgssvikt mot barn og ungdom. Den norske tannlegeforenings Tidende. ISSN 0029-2303. doi: 10.56373/2024-11-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2024). Klinisk rettsondontologisk erklæring. Besvarelse av mandatet. Full text in Research Archive
• Håkstad, Katrine; Fegran, Liv; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko & Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2024). Orofacial signs of child or adolescent maltreatment identified by dentists and dental hygienists. Full text in Research Archive
• Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes (2023). Når og hvordan samhandler den sakkyndige tannlegen med barnelegen ved Statens Barnehus? Full text in Research Archive
• Ødegård, Rønnaug Astri; Juliusson, Pétur Benedikt; Kokkvoll, Ane Sofie; Kristiansen, Hege; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Rolin, Johannes [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). Ungdom med alvorlig fedme bør få legemiddel på blå resept. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 143(3), p. 1–4. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.23.0069. Full text in Research Archive
• Ko, Hayley; Baugerud, Gunn Astrid; Hovden, Ewa Alicja Szyszko; Köpp, Unni Mette Stamnes & Johnson, Miriam S. (2025). Finding the Right Words - Bridging Best Practice Interviewing and Healthcare Communication in Cases of Child Abuse. OsloMet - storbyuniversitetet. ISSN 9788283646993. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The ability to express one’s thoughts and be understood is fundamental to meaningful human interaction. In cases of child abuse or neglect, providing children with the opportunity to share their experiences and ensuring they are understood is not only a right but also crucial for identifying and addressing maltreatment. Healthcare professionals may encounter children who are victims of suspected abuse or neglect in both primary healthcare and forensic healthcare settings. Although effective communication between healthcare professionals and children is vital, poor communication can result in missed signs of maltreatment or even compromise the reliability of a child’s testimony regarding alleged abuse. While paediatricians have traditionally played a key role in responding to cases of child abuse, there is increasing recognition of the role that dental professionals can play in identifying and addressing such cases. This thesis was part of a multidisciplinary research initiative aimed at exploring best practice interviewing techniques within the context of child healthcare, with a particular emphasis on forensic dental and medical examinations. Adopting a post-positivist approach, the research examined the current body of knowledge in this field while seeking to contribute new insights. The first objective was to review existing literature on healthcare professionals’ ability to conduct conversations in accordance with best practice interview guidelines. The second objective was to assess the feasibility of an interview training program using a digital child avatar for healthcare professionals. Finally, the third objective was to investigate current communication practices during forensic examinations conducted as part of child abuse investigations. Study I was a scoping review that identified a significant gap in research on this topic, particularly highlighting the lack of literature involving dental professionals. Study II piloted an interview training program for healthcare professionals with experience working with children, featuring a child avatar chatbot driven by artificial intelligence. While no overall improvement in questioning strategies was observed, the study laid the groundwork for a promising training program adapted towards healthcare professionals. Study III examined current communication practices with children during forensic dental and medical examinations. The findings revealed that healthcare professionals primarily relied on close-ended questioning strategies, with only a minimal use of open-ended invitations. This thesis highlights the existing gap in both research and practice concerning best practice interviewing strategies in healthcare settings. It represents the first known study to assess the quality of conversations during forensic health examinations. The findings underscore the need for healthcare professionals working with children to be actively involved in discussions and training initiatives focused on best practice interviewing techniques. Evnen til å uttrykke sine tanker og bli forstått er grunnleggende for all meningsfull menneskelig interaksjon. I tilfeller av mishandling og omsorgssvikt mot barn er det ikke bare en rettighet at dette avdekkes og håndteres, men også avgjørende for at barn får mulighet til å dele sine opplevelser og blir forstått. Helsepersonell kan møte barn som er utsatt for mistanke om overgrep eller omsorgssvikt både i primærhelsetjenesten og i forbindelse med rettsmedisinske undersøkelser. Selv om effektiv kommunikasjon mellom helsepersonell og barn er avgjørende, kan dårlig kommunikasjon føre til at tegn på overgrep overses, eller til at barnets forklaring mister troverdighet. Selv om barneleger tradisjonelt har hatt en sentral rolle i håndteringen av slike saker, er det også en økende anerkjennelse av tannhelsepersonells rolle i å identifisere og håndtere slike tilfeller. Denne avhandlingen var en del av et tverrfaglig forskningsinitiativ som hadde som mål å utforske beste praksis for intervjuteknikker innen barnehelse, med særlig vekt på rettsmedisinske og odontologiske undersøkelser. Med et post-positivistisk perspektiv undersøkte forskningen dagens kunnskapsstatus på området, samtidig som den søkte å bidra med ny kunnskap. Det første målet var å gjennomgå eksisterende litteratur om helsepersonells evne til å gjennomføre samtaler i tråd med anbefalte intervjuretningslinjer. Det andre målet var å vurdere gjennomførbarheten av et intervjutreningsprogram med en digital barneavatar for helsepersonell. Til slutt var det tredje målet å undersøke nåværende kommunikasjonspraksis under rettsmedisinske undersøkelser i forbindelse med etterforskning av vold og overgrep mot barn. Studie I var en kartleggingsstudie som identifiserte et betydelig kunnskapshull på dette området, spesielt når det gjaldt tannhelsepersonell. Studie II testet et intervjutreningsprogram for helsepersonell med erfaring i arbeid med barn, med bruk av en barneavatar-chatbot drevet av kunstig intelligens. Selv om det ikke ble observert noen generell forbedring i spørsmålsstrategiene, la studien grunnlaget for et lovende treningsprogram tilpasset helsepersonell. Studie III undersøkte nåværende kommunikasjonspraksis med barn under rettsmedisinske tann- og legeundersøkelser. Funnene viste at helsepersonell hovedsakelig brukte lukkede spørsmål, med minimal bruk av åpne inviterende spørsmål. Denne avhandlingen fremhever det eksisterende gapet i både forskning og praksis når det gjelder intervjuteknikker som brukes i helserelaterte samtaler. Den representerer den første kjente studien som vurderer kvaliteten på samtaler under rettsmedisinske helseundersøkelser. Funnene understreker behovet for at helsepersonell som arbeider med barn, deltar aktivt i diskusjoner og opplæring som fokuserer på beste praksis for intervju.

• Stensland, Synne & Køpp, Unni Mette (2018). Kapittel 12. Psykiske lidelser og psykososiale tilstander. Generell veileder. Pediatriveiledere. Norsk barnelegeforening. Full text in Research Archive

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