Anne Opsal

Associate Professor Department of Health and Nursing Science

Email: anne.opsal@uia.no
Phone: +47 38 14 20 33
Mobile phone: +47 90 93 28 59
Office: I2043 (Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway)

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Anne Opsal is Associate Professor and Study Coordinator for bachelor`s degree nursing education off campus at the Institute of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder.

She is educated Doctor from the Center for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo in 2013 and holds a Major in Nursing Science from the University of Bergen.

Anne Opsal has 19 years of clinical experience from Haukeland University Hospital and Sørlandet Hospital HF. She has worked as a nurse, unit manager and a researcher.

Anne Opsal also has a position as a Research Supervisor at the research unit at Sørlandet Hospital HF.

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Research groups

ProfHealth: Interdisciplinary Professional Health Research

Helleren, Rita; Jacobsen, Marianne Giske; Theisen, Theis; Moe, Carl Erik; Opsal, Anne & Trønnes, Rune [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Cost savings of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy using a digital infusion pump. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance (JAC-AMR). 8(3). doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlag052. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background and objectives: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) enables IV antibiotic adminis-tration outside hospital settings and has been found to reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction. In Norway, OPAT has been less established due to the preference for narrow-spectrum antibiotics often requiring multiple daily doses. We undertook a cost evaluation of an OPAT programme using a continuous ambulatory de-livery device (CADD), and comparison with costs of inpatient treatment for equivalent IV antibiotic courses. Materials and methods: A retrospective cost analysis was conducted on 170 consecutive patients treated with OPAT at Sørlandet Hospital, Norway (2016–2021). Eligible patients received multidose IV antibiotics at home using CADD pumps. OPAT costs included equipment and antibiotics, staff time, transportation and patient time, and were compared with estimated inpatient costs for the same treatment and duration. Sensitivity ana-lyses tested robustness of the findings across various cost scenarios. Results: A total of 170 patients received OPAT, mostly with narrow-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics, with a mean duration of 16.4 days per patient (range 1–67 days), and an estimated saving of approximately 51 hospital bed days per month. The mean cost per OPAT treatment was €1603 versus €12 982 for inpatient care, i.e. represent-ing 12% of inpatient costs. Sensitivity analysis confirmed OPAT savings between 72% and 89% across scenarios. Conclusions: These findings confirm that a CADD-based OPAT programme considerably reduces costs on a so-cietal perspective in a publicly funded health system and contributes to reduced hospital bed occupancy. The ability to administer narrow-spectrum antibiotics supports antimicrobial stewardship.
Opsal, Anne; Fossum, Mariann; Elf, Marie; Undheim, Marie & Johannessen, Terese (2025). Student nurses’ satisfaction and confidence: Blended learning skills training on satellite campuses. Teaching and Learning in Nursing. ISSN 1557-3087. 20(3), p. e705–e712. doi: 10.1016/j.teln.2025.02.010. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Abstract Background In response to rural nursing shortages, some traditional on-campus bachelor of science in nursing degree programs have transitioned to a blended learning approach at satellite campuses. This significant shift requires an understanding of how students view the learning activities involved in skills training. Aim The aim of this study was to assess students in an education program in Southern Norway regarding their satisfaction in and self-confidence with skills training using blended learning. The program was hosted at satellite campuses of two universities. Methods For this cross-sectional study, 54 students completed a Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning scale and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitative data assessed using content analysis. Results Students who completed skills training reported high levels of satisfaction with the learning activities and support from their teachers. In addition, they demonstrated high self-confidence in practicing skills. Conclusion The current findings indicate that students appreciate blended learning strategies and the availability of skills training on satellite campuses along with supportive teaching practices.
Kristoffersen, Eirunn W; Fossum, Mariann; Tveit, Tor Oddbjørn; Berge, Geir Thore; Hagen, Milada & Opsal, Anne (2025). Comparison of elective hemicolectomy patients before and after establishment of a preoperative anaesthesia assessment clinic: A retrospective, observational study in a hospital in Norway. BMJ Open. 15(6). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-100922. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives To compare outcome data of hemicolectomy patients before and after the establishment of a preoperative anaesthesia assessment clinic (PAC). Design This observational study was conducted retrospectively through an electronic health record review covering periods before (2014–2017) and after (2017–2022) the PAC was established. Setting An acute care hospital in Norway. Participants A total of 612 patients undergoing elective open or laparoscopic hemicolectomy were included, of whom 338 (55.2%) had attended the PAC. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was the rate of cancellation of planned surgeries, and the secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay (LOS), unanticipated intraoperative anaesthesia-related events and the presence of documentation relevant to the planning of anaesthesia in the patient’s medical records preoperatively. Results Compared with the after-PAC cohort, the before-PAC cohort was numerically more likely to have their planned surgery cancelled (OR=1.97, 95% CI (0.84 to 4.61); p=0.12). The before-PAC cohort also had a numerically lower rate of unanticipated intraoperative anaesthesia-related events (18.6%) than the after-PAC cohort (22.5%; p=0.240). However, neither of these differences was statistically significant. Median LOS was significantly shorter in the after-PAC cohort (4.79 days, IQR (3.80–6.12)) than in the before-PAC cohort (5.16 days (4.09–7.18); p=0.001). Moreover, the presence of documentation relevant to the planned anaesthesia in the medical records was significantly more common for after-PAC patients. Conclusions The establishment of the PAC reduced the rate of planned surgery cancellations but increased the rate of recorded intraoperative anaesthesia events. Patients who attended the PAC had a significantly shorter LOS and more anaesthesia-related information in their medical records. Trial registration number NCT05520229.
Johannessen, Terese; Fossum, Mariann; Elf, Marie & Opsal, Anne (2024). Exploring the undergraduate nursing students' experiences and learning strategies in distance nurse education: A qualitative study. Nurse Education Today. ISSN 0260-6917. 146, p. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106500. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Distance nurse education is an essential contribution to sustainable access for nurses in rural and remotes areas. However, distance nurse education requires pedagogical changes, and we need more knowledge to design education programmes that can accommodate students who study off-campus. Objective To explore how undergraduate nursing students experience a distance education programme. Methods A qualitative explorative design. Students in a distance nurse education programme participated in six focus group interviews from March to September 2022. Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results Students had a generally positive experience of the distance nurse education programme and were especially pleased with its flexibility. The two main themes were students' sense of belonging and social interactions and their participation in learning activities. Students cited face-to-face meetings as an important factor in having a sense of community, involvement, and continuous motivation for their studies. Students found study groups to be useful for learning and progress in the study subjects. Physical teaching sessions at a non-university site facilitated and motivated them to follow live streaming of lectures at home and to collaborate online with the study group between those meetings. Social interaction with the educator and other students in physical teaching sessions was important for discussions of the subject matter and for assistance with technical challenges. A predictable timetable was essential for the students to balance time for their studies with family and work responsibilities. Conclusion Students in the distance nurse programme preferred a combination of face-to-face meetings and live streaming. Study groups contributed to motivation, understanding of the course content, and a sense of community. It also helped to improve students' collaboration skills. These students have many professional and family obligations, so a predictable course plan was important to them.
Skogen, Vegard; Helleren, Rita; Jacobsen, Marianne Giske; Opsal, Anne & Gallefoss, Frode (2024). Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) using a continuous ambulatory delivery device (CADD) allowing treatment with multiple daily doses: a brief report of a Norwegian experience. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance (JAC-AMR). 6(5). doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae155. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is safe, effective and increasingly available. While OPAT in Norwegian healthcare has been rare, a new continuous ambulatory delivery device (CADD) allowing multiple daily dosing treatments has been innovated making OPAT more accessible. Objectives To describe the clinical outcome and safety using CADD in an OPAT setting. Methods Adult patients in need of parenteral antibiotic treatment were offered OPAT and discharged with a programmable digital infusion pump allowing multiple daily dosings. Results Altogether, 170 patients were included in the study, among which 21% of all patients (36 of 170) were readmitted to hospital while receiving OPAT or within 30 days after end of intravenous antibiotics. None of the 170 patients died due to OPAT and allergies were not noticeable as a problem. Conclusions We have developed a safe and clinically effective programme offering OPAT in accordance with Norwegian antibiotic treatment guidelines.
Jacobsen, Marianne Giske; Helleren, Rita; Gallefoss, Frode & Opsal, Anne (2023). Hjemmebehandling med intravenøs antibiotika Gjennomførbarhet og pasienters erfaringer. Nordisk tidsskrift for helseforskning. ISSN 1504-3614. 19(1). doi: 10.7557/14.6742. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Hjemmebehandling av infeksjoner medintravenøs antibiotika er vanlig internasjonalt, men er lite brukt i Norge. I denne studien er hensikten å kartlegge en pasientpopulasjon og beskrive pasienters erfaringer med intravenøs hjemmebehandling med antibiotika og gjennomførbarheten av behandlingsforløpet. Alle pasienter som ble behandlet hjemme med intravenøs antibiotika fra november 2016 til juni 2021 ble spurt om å delta i studien. Journalgranskning og spørreskjema ble brukt for å innhente data. Kvantitative data ble bearbeidet med deskriptiv statistikk og kvalitative data ble analysert med manifest innholdsanalyse. Studien inkluderer 175pasienter, gjennomsnittsalder 65 år. Hyppigste infeksjoner var endokarditt, proteseinfeksjon og septisk artritt. Studien viste at pasientene var svært tilfredse med hjemmebehandling og at eldre pasienter kunne behandles hjemme (45 % var ≥70 år). 90 % av pasientene svarte at de ville valgt hjemmebehandling igjen dersom de trengte det og at hjemmebehandling ga økt trivsel og subjektiv livskvalitet, men at opplæring og oppfølging var viktig.
Kristoffersen, Eirunn W.; Opsal, Anne; Tveit, Tor Oddbjørn; Berg, Rigmor & Fossum, Mariann (2022). Effectiveness of pre-anaesthetic assessment clinic: a systematic review of randomised and non-randomised prospective controlled studies. BMJ Open. 12(5). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054206. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of pre-anaesthesia assessment clinics (PACs) in improving the quality and safety of perioperative patient care. Design Systematic review. Data sources The electronic databases CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), Medline and Embase (OvidSP) were systematically searched on 11 September 2018 and updated on 3 February 2020 and 4 February 2021. Eligibility criteria The inclusion criteria for this study were studies published in English or Scandinavian language and scientific original research that included randomised or non-randomised prospective controlled studies. Additionally, studies that reported the outcomes from a PAC consultation with the patient present were included. Data extraction and synthesis Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened by a team of three authors. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Data extraction was performed by one author and checked by four other authors. Results were synthesised narratively owing to the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results Seven prospective controlled studies on the effectiveness of PACs were included. Three studies reported a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay and two studies reported a significant reduction in cancellation of surgery for medical reasons when patients were seen in the PAC. In addition, the included studies presented mixed results regarding anxiety in patients. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Conclusion This systematic review demonstrated a reduction in the length of hospital stay and cancellation of surgery when the patients had been assessed in the PAC. There is a need for high-quality prospective studies to gain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of PACs.
Kristoffersen, Eirunn W.; Opsal, Anne; Tveit, Tor Oddbjørn & Fossum, Mariann (2022). Knowledge, safety, and teamwork: a qualitative study on the experiences of anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists working in the preanaesthesia assessment clinic. BMC Anesthesiology. 22. doi: 10.1186/s12871-022-01852-w. Full text in Research Archive
Fossum, Mariann; Opsal, Anne & Ehrenberg, Anna (2022). Nurses' sources of information to inform clinical practice: An integrative review to guide evidence-based practice. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing. ISSN 1545-102X. 19(5), p. 372–379. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12569. Full text in Research Archive
Andreasen, Eva Mari; Slettebø, Åshild & Opsal, Anne (2022). Learning activities in bachelor nursing education to learn pre- and postoperative nursing care—A scoping review. International Journal of Educational Research. ISSN 0883-0355. 115. doi: 10.1016/j.ijer.2022.102033. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The aim of this scoping review was to systematically map and summarise the existing literature on learning activities in pre- and postoperative nursing care for undergraduate nursing students. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the Johanna Briggs Institute guidelines were applied. Eleven articles were included in the scoping review. The learning activities involved simulation-based learning (including human patient simulation and virtual simulation), web-based learning and case studies. A range of pre- and postoperative content was applied in the learning activities. Students’ knowledge, skills, clinical decision making, clinical reasoning, experiences and stress and anxiety were measured. The review highlights findings for nursing educators planning teaching methods for pre- and postoperative nursing care.
Fossum, Mariann; Cohen, Marlene Z.; Tønnessen, Vivi Haavik; Hamre, Mette Dobler; Ødegaard, Agno Lisbeth Vabo & Lind, Ingjerd [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Clinical Nurses Research Priorities in Hospital Settings: A Delphi Survey. Western Journal of Nursing Research. ISSN 0193-9459. p. 1–8. doi: 10.1177/01939459211017919. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein & Clausen, Thomas (2019). Readiness to change among involuntarily and voluntarily admitted patients with substance use disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. 14(1). doi: 10.1186/s13011-019-0237-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Health care workers in the addiction field have long emphasised the importance of a patient’s motivation on the outcome of treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs). Many patients entering treatment are not yet ready to make the changes required for recovery and are often unprepared or sometimes unwilling to modify their behaviour. The present study compared stages of readiness to change and readiness to seek help among patients with SUDs involuntarily and voluntarily admitted to treatment to investigate whether changes in the stages of readiness at admission predict drug control outcomes at follow-up. Methods This prospective study included 65 involuntarily and 137 voluntarily admitted patients treated in three addiction centres in Southern Norway. Patients were evaluated using the Europ-ASI, Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RTCQ), and Treatment Readiness Tool (TReaT). Results The involuntarily admitted patients had significantly lower levels of motivation to change than the voluntarily admitted patients at the time of admission (39% vs. 59%). The majority of both involuntarily and voluntarily admitted patients were in the highest stage (preparation) for readiness to seek help at admission and continued to be in this stage at discharge. The stage of readiness to change at admission did not predict abstinence at follow-up. The only significant predictor of ongoing drug use at 6 months was SUD severity at baseline. Conclusions The majority of involuntarily admitted patients scored high on motivation to seek help. Their motivation was stable at a fairly high level during their stay, and even improved in some patients. Thus, they were approaching the motivation stage similar to the voluntarily admitted patients at the end of hospitalization. Therapists should focus on both motivating patients in treatment and adapting the treatment according to SUD severity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00970372. Registered 1 September 2008, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00970372. The trial was registered before the first participant was enrolled. The fist participant was enrolled September 02, 2009.
Pasareanu, Adrian Razvan; Vederhus, John-Kåre; Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein & Clausen, Thomas (2017). Mental distress following inpatient substance use treatment, modified by substance use; comparing voluntary and compulsory admissions. BMC Health Services Research. 17:5, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1936-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Treatment services to patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), including those mandated to treatment, needs to be evaluated and evidence based. The Norwegian Municipal Health Care Act (NMHCA) calls for compulsory treatment for persons with “severe and life-threatening substance use disorder” if these individuals are not otherwise willing to be voluntarily treated and consequently risk their lives over drug use. Mental distress is known to be high among SUD patients admitted to inpatient treatment. The purpose of this study is to describe changes in mental distress from admission to a 6-month follow-up in patients with SUDs, which underwent either voluntary or compulsory treatment. Method This prospective study followed 202 hospitalized patients with SUDs who were admitted voluntarily (VA; n = 137) or compulsorily (CA; n = 65). Levels of mental distress were assessed with SCL-90-R. Of 123 patients followed-up at 6 months, 97 (62 VA and 35 CA) had rated their mental distress at admission, discharge and follow-up. Sociodemographics and substance use severity were recorded with the use of The European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). We performed a regression analysis to examine factors associated with changes in psychiatric distress at the 6-month follow-up. Results The VA group exhibited higher mental distress than the CA group at admission, but both groups improved significantly during treatment. At the 6-month follow-up, the VA group continued to show reduced distress, but the CA group showed increases in mental distress to the levels observed before treatment. The deterioration appeared to be associated with higher scores that reflected paranoid ideas, somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression. Active substance use during follow-up was significantly associated with increased mental distress. Conclusion In-patient treatment reduces mental distress for both CA and VA patients. The time after discharge seems critical especially for CA patients regarding active substance use and severe mental distress. A greater focus on continuing care initiatives to assist the CA patients after discharge is needed to maintain the reduction in mental distress during treatment. Continuing-care initiatives after discharge should be intensified to assist patients in maintaining the reduced mental distress achieved with treatment.
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein; Vederhus, John-Kåre & Clausen, Thomas (2016). Perceived coercion to enter treatment among involuntarily and voluntarily admitted patients with substance use disorders. BMC Health Services Research. 16(1), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1906-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Perceived coercion is a sense of pressure related to the experience of being referred to treatment. The sense of pressure arises from the patient’s internal perception of coercion. The sources of coercion may be the legal system, the family, the health system, or self-criticism (internal sources). Here, we studied patients diagnosed with substance use disorders that were involuntarily admitted to hospital, pursuant to a social services act. We sought to determine whether these patients perceived coercion differently than patients that were admitted voluntarily. Methods This study included patients admitted to combined substance use disorder and psychiatry wards in three publicly funded treatment centres in Norway in the period 2009–2011. Participants included 63 patients that were admitted involuntarily, pursuant to the Norwegian Public Health Act, and 129 patients that were admitted voluntarily. All participants completed the Perceived Coercion Questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables were determined with the European Addiction Severity Index. The range of psychopathological symptoms was evaluated with the Symptom Checklist-90-R. Independent sample t-tests, the chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test were used to detect statistically significant differences between groups. Results Scores on the Perceived Coercion Questionnaire showed that patients admitted voluntarily and those admitted involuntarily experienced similar levels of perceived coercion. Those admitted voluntarily reported higher levels of perceived coercion from internal sources, and those admitted involuntarily perceived significantly higher coercion from legal sources. No differences between groups were found with the other tests. Conclusions Our results suggested that assumptions about involuntary admissions should be evaluated carefully to determine how best to alleviate counterproductive feelings of coercion when a coerced admission is planned. Informing and collaborating with the patient will most likely facilitate a better experience during admission and treatment. Moreover, the patient is more likely to experience a better recovery process.
Pasareanu, Adrian Razvan; Vederhus, John-Kåre; Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein & Clausen, Thomas (2016). Improved drug-use patterns at 6 months post-discharge from inpatient substance use disorder treatment: Results from compulsorily and voluntarily admitted patients. BMC Health Services Research. 16:291. doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1548-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Treatment services to patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), including those mandated to treatment, needs to be evaluated and evidence based. The Norwegian Municipal Health Care Act calls for mandated treatment for persons with “severe and life-threatening substance use disorder” if these individuals are not otherwise willing to be voluntarily treated and consequently risk their lives over drug use. This study aims to examine substance use–related outcomes at 6 months following inpatient treatment and to analyse factors associated with improved outcomes and abstinence. Method This prospective study followed 202 hospitalized patients with SUD who were admitted voluntarily (VA; n = 137) or compulsorily (CA; n = 65). The European Addiction Severity Index was used at baseline and at follow-up to assess socio-demographic and substance use variables. Regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with abstinence at 6 months of follow-up. Results The frequency of use of a preferred substance showed marked improvement for both VA and CA patients (61 and 37 %, respectively) at follow-up. Seventy-five percent of VA patients using amphetamine reported improvement compared to 53 % of CA patients. At follow-up, the CA group continued to have a higher rate of injection use. The CA group had experienced higher rates of overdose in the past 6 months and lower abstinence rates (24 % versus 50 %) at follow-up. A lower severity of drug use at intake (non–injection drug use), voluntary treatment modality, and higher treatment involvement during follow-up all were significant factors associated with abstinence at 6 months after treatment. Conclusion Voluntary treatment for SUD generally yielded better outcomes; nevertheless, we also found improved outcomes for CA patients. It is important to keep in mind that in reality, the alternative to CA treatment is no treatment at all and instead a continuation of life-threatening drug use behaviours. Our observed outcomes for CA patients support the continuation of CA treatment.
Pasareanu, Adrian Razvan; Opsal, Anne; Vederhus, John-Kåre; Kristensen, Øistein & Clausen, Thomas (2015). Quality of life improved following in-patient substance use disorder treatment. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 13. doi: 10.1186/s12955-015-0231-7. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein; Larsen, Tor Ketil; Syversen, Gro; Rudshaug, Elise Bakke Aasen & Gerdner, Arne [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2013). Factors associated with involuntary admissions among patients with substance use disorders and comorbidity: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Services Research. 13. doi: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-57. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background To investigate factors associated with involuntary admissions to hospital pursuant to a social services act of patients with substance use disorder by comparing the socio-demographic characteristics, substance use, and psychiatric comorbidities with voluntarily admitted patients. Methods This cross-sectional study compared two groups admitted to combined substance use disorder and psychiatry wards. Sixty-five patients were involuntarily admitted pursuant to the Social Services Act and 137 were voluntarily admitted. The International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems was used for diagnostic purposes regarding substance use disorders, type and severity of psychiatric problems, and level of functioning. Socio-demographic variables were measured using the European Addiction Severity Index, and the Symptom Checklist-90-R instruments were used to evaluate the range of psychological problems and psychopathological symptoms. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationship between involuntary admissions and patients characteristics. Results Patients who had been involuntarily admitted were more likely to be females, had utilized public welfare services more often, presented more severe substance use patterns, and had a history of more frequent visits to physicians for somatic complaints in the last 6 months, they also had fewer comorbid mental disorders. Still, considerable burdens of comorbid substance use disorders and mental disorders were observed both among involuntary and voluntary admitted patients. Conclusions More attention is required for involuntarily admitted patients in order to meet the needs associated with complex and mixed disorders. In addition, treatment centers should offer diagnostic options and therapy regarding substance use, psychiatric and somatic disorders.
Opsal, Anne; Clausen, Thomas; Kristensen, Øistein; Elvik, Ivar; Joa, Inge & Larsen, Tor Ketil (2011). Involuntary hospitalization of first-episode psychosis with substance abuse during a 2-year follow-up. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-690X. 124(3), p. 198–204. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01700.x. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein; Ruud, Torleif; Larsen, Tor Ketil; Gråwe, Rolf W. & Clausen, Thomas (2011). Substance abuse inpatients admitted voluntarily and involuntarily to acute psychiatric wards: a national cross-sectional study. Norsk Epidemiologi. ISSN 0803-2491. 21(1), p. 85–91. doi: 10.5324/nje.v21i1.1430. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Substance abuse and mental disorder comorbidity is high among patients admitted to acute psychiatric wards. The aim of the study was to identify this co-occurrence as a reason for involuntary admission and if specific substance use-related diagnoses were associated with such admissions. Methods: The study was a part of a multicentre, cross-sectional national study carried out during 2005-2006 within a research network of acute mental health services. Seventy-five percent of Norwegian hospitals providing acute in-patient treatment participated. Substance use was measured using the Clinician Rating Scale and the ICD-10 diagnoses F10-19. Diagnostic assessments were performed by the clinicians during hospital stay. Results: Overall, 33.2% (n=1,187) of the total patient population (3,506) were abusing alcohol or drugs prior to admission according to the Clinician Rating Scale. No difference in the overall prevalence of substance abuserelated diagnoses between the two groups was found. Overall, 310 (26%) of the admissions, 216 voluntarily and 94 involuntarily admitted patients received a double diagnosis. Frequent comorbid combinations among voluntarily admitted patients were; a combination of alcohol and either mood disorder (40%) or multiple mental disorders (29%). Among involuntarily admitted patients, a combination of poly drug use and schizophrenia was most frequent (47%). Substance abusing patients diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of psychoactive stimulant substances had a significantly higher risk of involuntary hospitalization (OR 2.3). Conclusion: Nearly one third of substance abusing patients are involuntarily admitted to mental hospitals, in particular stimulant drug use was associated with involuntarily admissions.
Kristensen, Øistein; Sundøy, Anders; Skeie, Karin; Øye, Ingebjørg; Opsal, Anne & Rysstad, Ole [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2009). Korttids hepatitt C-behandling av heroinavhengige pasienter. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. 129(16), p. 1639–1642. Full text in Research Archive

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Fossum, Mariann; Opsal, Anne & Ehrenberg, Anna (2024). Sources of information used by nurses to inform clinical practice. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Studies have identified that nurses are relying on coworkers as a source of information to inform clinical practice. Knowledge about what sources of information nurses used in clinical practice is important to increase use of evidence-based practice (EBP) and improve healthcare services. An integrative review from 2008 was updated in the present study to identify any changes of sources of information used in clinical practice. Purpose and Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe the information sources used by registered nurses to inform their clinical practice. Methods: An integrative review was conducted. Empirical studies in English or Scandinavian language with registered nurses as the main participants (>50%) from January 2007 and June 2021 were included. Studies collecting qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method data were included. Three different checklists were used depending on the study design for appraisal. The sources of information used by registered nurses were reviewed and ranked. Results: A total of 54 articles with 52 studies were included. The included studies were conducted in all five continents with variation in the sample size from 17 to 6317. The quality of the studies was overall assessed as fair. Low response rate, weak designs and poor statistical analysis were the major concerns of the quantitative studies. In general, the qualitative studies were assessed with a higher score indicating a better quality. Colleagues were still the most frequently used source of information in the quantitative data but the second most used were computers. In the qualitative data, reference materials were the most used. Conclusions: An increase in use of digital sources and reference materials to inform clinical practice is promising. However, the results are important for further planning how sources of information can be integrated in implementation of clinical decision support, electronic healthcare records and other electronic sources for clinical practice.
Kristoffersen, Eirunn W; Opsal, Anne; Tveit, Tor Oddbjørn & Fossum, Mariann (2024). Exploring the Professional Experiences of Anaesthetist and Nurse Anaesthetist working in Preanaesthesia Assessment Clinics: A qualitative study. Full text in Research Archive
Berg-Sollien, Anniken & Opsal, Anne (2023). Hvordan oppleves det å være student i desentralisert utdanning? Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne & Fossum, Mariann (2023). Flexibel utbilding på distans, ett exempel från Agder. Full text in Research Archive
Undheim, Marie & Opsal, Anne (2022). Erfaringer med bruk av SimCapture skills. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne & Undheim, Marie (2022). Erfaringer med bruk av SimCapture for skills v/Universitetslektor Marie Undheim, UIS og Førsteamanuensis Anne Opsal, UiA. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein & Clausen, Thomas (2019). Perceived coercion to enter treatment among involuntarily and voluntarily admitted patients with substance use disorders. Full text in Research Archive
Kristensen, Øistein; Opsal, Anne & Clausen, Thomas (2018). Tvangsinnleggelse for rusbehandling? 138(8). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.17.1114. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein & Christiansen, Atle (2018). Forskere mener flere rusavhengige bør tvangsinnlegges. [Internet]. Forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Kristensen, Øistein & Christiansen, Atle (2018). Mener flere rusavhengige bør tvangsinnlegges. [Internet]. UiA.no/nyheter. Full text in Research Archive
Hovland, Olav Johannes; Opsal, Anne & Johannessen, Berit (2018). How do authorities, health professionals and others perceive and experience the Norwegian nursing students' participation in a local health service in Tanzania? An ethnographic fieldwork. Full text in Research Archive
Opsal, Anne; Clausen, Thomas & Larsen, Tor Ketil (2013). Involuntarily admitted patients with substance use disorders. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Tvangsinnleggelse av pasienter med ruslidelser Forsker og sykepleier Anne Opsal har i sin studie vist at en stor del av tvangsinnlagte pasienter både etter Psykisk helsevernloven og Helse- og omsorgstjenesteloven har samtidig rus- og psykiatrisk lidelse. Mens menn dominerte blant tvangsinnlagte pasienter med ruslidelser etter Psykisk helsevernloven, var det relativt flere unge kvinner innlagt etter Helse- og omsorgstjenesteloven. Tvangsinnlagte til tverrfaglig spesialisert behandling etter Helse- og omsorgstjenesteloven hadde mer bruk av trygdeytelser, tyngre rusbelastning og oftere legekontakt på grunn av somatiske helseproblemer enn frivillig innlagte pasienter. I en nasjonal studie av pasienter med ruslidelse innlagt i akuttpsykiatriske avdelinger samvarierte det å bli tvangsinnlagt med bruk av amfetamin. En annen delstudie viste at blant førstegangs psykosepasienter er det større forekomst av tvangsinnleggelser dersom man har samtidig ruslidelse. Samtidig rus- og psykisk lidelse virker med andre ord til å komplisere behandlingsforløpet og er assosiert med tvangsinnleggelser. Dette tyder på at kliniske rutiner for å identifisere både rus- og psykiatriske lidelser, bør gis høy prioritet i behandlingssystemene. Mange av pasientene vil kunne ha nytte av integrerte spesialisthelsetjenester innen mental helse, somatisk helse og tverrfaglig, spesialisert rusbehandling.

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Published Apr. 16, 2024 11:41 AM