About the project
Between 2006 and 2008, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate whether a 20-hour communication skills training program could modify the communication behaviour of hospital physicians. This work resulted in a doctoral dissertation that was completed in 2011.
As part of the study, video recordings of 497 physician-patient consultations were collected. Of these, 380 consultations remained available for further research under broad informed consent until 2020.
Anonymized transcripts of the consultations are available through the Text Laboratory at the University of Oslo. The dataset has subsequently served as the foundation for two additional PhD projects and three postdoctoral research studies.
Outcomes and impact
The communication research conducted at Ahus has attracted considerable international attention. It has hosted a Fulbright Visiting Scholar during 2015-2016 and another during 2023-2024. In addition, the principal investigator was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 2025.
To date, the research programme has generated more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, numerous book chapters, and a textbook.
The Communication Studies have also served as a cornerstone in the development of a regional educational programme for specialist physicians, focusing on supervision, mentoring, and assessment of physicians in postgraduate specialty training.
Funding and innovation
Through funding from South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Sør-Øst), a project-based international research network has been established, bringing together researchers from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and all Norwegian universities.
The network organizes an annual international workshop in Lørenskog, attracting approximately 50-60 participants each year.
Innovation grants from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and Helse Sør-Øst supported the establishment of Somsagt AS, a company providing communication skills training throughout Norway.
Ahus and the University of Oslo are co-owners of the company. Led by Bård Fossli Jensen, Somsagt AS currently receives innovation funding from the Research Council of Norway to develop avatar-based training solutions for Emergency Medical Communication Centre (EMCC) personnel.
Cooperation
Approximately 30 researchers and collaborators, both nationally and internationally, are involved in various subprojects related to the Communication Studies programme.