Jannicke Rabben

Associate Professor Department of Health and Nursing Science

Email: jannicke.rabben@uia.no
Phone: +47 37 23 32 48
Mobile phone: +47 95 94 15 65
Office: IU029 (Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway)

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Background and experience

I am a trained oncology nurse with a master’s degree in Clinical Nursing Science and a PhD in Health and Sports Sciences. My clinical experience is from the specialist health services, and I have worked for several years as an advisor/senior advisor at the Norwegian Cancer Society. I have been employed at the University of Agder since 2018, and I teach in the nursing program at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels

Areas of responsibility

Currently, my main area of responsibility is courses and teaching within the master’s programme in oncology nursing.

Research

Academic interests

Cancer care/oncology nursing, shared decision-making, user involvement, person‑centred nursing, palliative care, family caregivers, and the use of technology in teaching.

Selected publications

Rabben, J., Fossum, M., Vivat, B., & Rohde, G. E. (2026). Nurses' Perceptions of Their Involvement in Shared Decision-Making for Advanced Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care; a Qualitative Interview Study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 82(1), 719-731. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16994

Rabben, J., Rohde, G. E., Fossum, M., & Vivat, B. (2025). Experiences and Perceptions of People With Advanced Cancer and Their Family Caregivers of Shared Decision-Making in Palliative Cancer Care. Journal of Advanced Nursing( 81), 4976-4988. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16705

Rabben, Jannicke; Vivat, Bella; Fossum, Mariann & Rohde, Gudrun E. (2024).Shared decision-making in palliative cancer care: A systematic review and metasynthesis.Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 38(4), s. 406–422. doi: 10.1177/02692163241238384.

Research groups

Medlock, Caitlin; Vivat, Bella; White, Nicola; Rabben, Jannicke & Stone, Patrick (2026). A Core Outcome Set to evaluate the impact of prognostication in people living with advanced cancer: An international consensus study. PLOS ONE. 21(4). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0346683. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Implementing a prognostic model in clinical practice requires assessing not just its accuracy but also how it may impact patient and healthcare outcomes. Evaluating these impacts requires clinical trials that are carefully designed to select, collect, and report key outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus on which outcomes are key to evaluating the impact of prognostication. Core Outcome Sets can standardise outcome selection, collection, and reporting, and thereby improve the comparability of studies. Our study aimed to develop a preliminary Core Outcome Set for evaluating the impact of prognostication on people living with advanced cancer. Methods Following the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative’s recommended methodology, we first conducted a systematic review of prognostic studies and in-depth interviews with patients, informal caregivers, and clinicians. Drawing on these findings, we produced a comprehensive list of potential outcomes, which we refined and prioritised through a two-round modified Delphi survey with an international expert panel. An online consensus meeting finalised the preliminary Core Outcome Set. Results The systematic review identified 70 outcomes, and the interviews contributed another 16. Consolidation produced 67 outcomes for review in the Delphi survey. A total of 49 experts from 14 countries; participated in the Delphi survey, with 31 (63%) completing both rounds. After two rounds, 34 outcomes were rated as critically important. These were discussed further in the consensus meeting, attended by 12 participants, who reached agreement on 9 core outcomes spanning five domains: physiological/clinical outcomes, global quality of life, care delivery, perceived health status, and personal circumstances. Conclusions This preliminary Core Outcome Set offers a standardised approach for selecting, collecting, and reporting outcomes in prognostic impact studies in advanced cancer, which could enhance the comparability of future prognostic impact studies, and thereby potentially improve clinical practice and patient care outcomes.
Elwyn, Glyn; Gulbrandsen, Pål; Leavitt, Hannah; Abukmail, Eman; Clayman, Marla L. & Edwards, Adrian [Show all 27 contributors for this article] (2025). Shared Decision-Making. A Primer for Clinicians. Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM). ISSN 0884-8734. 40, p. 3889–3899. doi: 10.1007/s11606-025-09707-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Importance Shared decision-making is a widely promoted approach, yet clinicians, typically supportive in principle, find it difficult to implement because of concerns and barriers they commonly encounter in practice. Objective To generate a primer that describes shared decision-making from the perspective of clinicians. Methods We collaborated with clinicians, patient representatives, and health service researchers. We invited members of the International Society of Shared Decision Making to co-produce a primer for clinicians using a series of jointly edited online documents. We shared drafts with other clinicians and patients. Finally, we integrated the contributions until we had arrived at a consensus. Findings Twenty-five people from 13 countries contributed; 9 had medical qualifications, 4 had nursing qualifications, and 12 others had a range of backgrounds. A total of 30 patients and clinicians provided further comments. The description differs from previous versions because it addresses the barriers that clinicians frequently mention. It describes how to overcome common challenges by emphasizing the importance of a clear invitation at initiation; it suggests how to manage patients’ resistance to shouldering decisional responsibility; reinforces the need to allow time for deliberation, especially with other stakeholders; and reassures clinicians that consensus, albeit welcome, need not be the goal of shared decision-making. Conclusions and Relevance This primer portrays a reflective clinician who is aware of power asymmetry, patient vulnerability, risk communication, health literacy, agenda setting, and goal clarification. It envisages a clinician who is curious about personal perspectives and who can offer collaborative, iterative, and deliberative steps.
Rabben, Jannicke; Rohde, Gudrun Elin; Fossum, Mariann & Vivat, Bella (2025). Experiences and Perceptions of People With Advanced Cancer and Their Family Caregivers of Shared Decision-Making in Palliative Cancer Care. Journal of Advanced Nursing. ISSN 0309-2402. 81(8), p. 4976–4988. doi: 10.1111/jan.16705. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Aim: To explore the experiences and perceptions of people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers of shared decisionmaking, including how they and nurses are involved. Design: Exploratory interview study. Methods: Semistructured, individual interviews conducted in 2023 were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-four participants (15 people with cancer and 9 caregivers) participated in this study. The analysis generated five themes; (1) Decisions are ultimately about living or dying, (2) Desires and expectations for involvement in decision-making, (3) Uncertainty about potential and capacity for shared decision-making, (4) Good quality information and communication are key for involvement and (5) Nurses' contributions are unclear. Conclusion: Overall, our participants were unsure about how decision-making about the complex and existential decisions in palliative cancer care was shared, or how it included them, or nurses. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: People receiving care could benefit from more clarity on what shared decision-making is, how they can be involved and how nurses can facilitate and support shared decision-making. Impact: Part of the nursing role is to support and involve people with cancer and family caregivers in decisions about treatment and care. Our findings suggest that people receiving care may be unclear about the concept of shared decision-making, and so also about how nurses potentially or actually support decision-making. Our study further clarifies the challenges and possibilities for involving all stakeholders in shared decision-making. This additional insight may help in future development and implementation of shared decision-making. Reporting Method: COREQ. What Does This Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?Adds to knowledge and understanding of the complexity of shared decision-making in palliative cancer care and how nurses can contribute to this and advancing a person-centred approach.
Rabben, Jannicke; Fossum, Mariann; Vivat, Bella & Rohde, Gudrun Elin (2025). Nurses' Perceptions of Their Involvement in Shared Decision-Making for Advanced Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care; a Qualitative Interview Study. Journal of Advanced Nursing. ISSN 0309-2402. 82(1), p. 719–731. doi: 10.1111/jan.16994. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Aim To explore nurses' perceptions of their involvement in shared decision-making for advanced cancer treatment and palliative care, and their contributions to patient involvement. Design Exploratory qualitative research. Methods In-depth interviews conducted in March–October 2023 with 15 nurses from two Norwegian hospitals were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Two broad themes were constructed: Theme (1) ‘Person-centredness; acquiring and sharing knowledge’; with subthemes; ‘Knowing and speaking for the person with cancer’, and ‘Providing informational, emotional and practical facilitation and support’, and Theme (2) Enacting the professional nurse role in complex situations'; with subthemes: ‘Palliative cancer care decision-making is particularly complex’, ‘Systems and cultures shape nurses’ roles and contributions', and ‘Balancing beneficence and patient autonomy’. Conclusion Participants perceived themselves as contributing to shared decision-making, while facing challenges and dilemmas in their professional roles. More supportive interprofessional working might improve how health professionals involve patients in shared decision-making. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care Increased development of nurses' contributions to shared decision-making about advanced cancer and palliative care could support their facilitation of patient involvement. Impact Although nurses can support people receiving palliative cancer treatment and care in shared decision-making, nursing's particular role and contribution has been unclear. Study findings suggest that nurses' important person-centred approach is challenging to maintain in treatment decision-making. These insights into nurses' involvement in shared decision-making could inform and contribute to the further development of interprofessional education, training, and leadership.
Rabben, Jannicke; Vivat, Bella; Fossum, Mariann & Rohde, Gudrun E. (2024). Shared decision-making in palliative cancer care: A systematic review and metasynthesis. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 38(4), p. 406–422. doi: 10.1177/02692163241238384. Full text in Research Archive
Robstad, Anja Nastasja; Paulsen, Anita; Vistad, Ingvild; Hott, Alexandra Christine; Berg, Kari Hansen & Øgård-Repål, Anita [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2024). Experiences of pain communication in endometriosis: A meta-synthesis. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-6349. p. 1–16. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14995. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction: Endometriosis is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain among women. The pain associated with endometriosis significantly impacts various aspects of patients' quality of life. A notable void in the literature is the absence of a systematic review exploring pain communication between patients with endometriosis and healthcare professionals. Hence, the aim of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize findings on how patients with endometriosis experience communicating with healthcare professionals about pain and how healthcare professionals experience these interactions. Material and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted related to patients with endometriosis and pain communication in CINAHL PLUS with full text and MEDLINE (via EBSCO host) on May 12, 2023, and updated January 26, 2024. Searches were supplemented by backward searching reference lists and forward searching citations of included reports in Scopus and Google Scholar. The review was guided by the four-step meta-synthesis methodology by Sandelowski and Barosso. Critical appraisal of included studies was conducted using Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP). Findings were analyzed thematically, using the approach described by Thomas and Harden. The meta-synthesis was based on a registered protocol in PROSPERO (CRD 42023425430), and the study is reported adhering to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Results: Overall, 37 reports published from 2003 until 2023 contributed to the review, including 4842 participants. Through thematic analysis, we developed the following themes: “Navigating the double burden,” “Lack of mutual understanding,” and “The complexities of conveying pain.” Conclusions: The communication of pain between patients with endometriosis and healthcare professionals is complex, encompassing patterns of disbelief, normalization, and psychological attribution. Engaging in discussions about pain presents diverse challenges stemming from insufficient communication skills and assessment tools. Further research is warranted to comprehensively explore the perspectives of both patients and healthcare professionals, aiming to devise strategies that enhance communication and patient care.
Johnsen, Hege Mari & Rabben, Jannicke (2022). Student–staff Co-creation of Serious Games - Lessons Learned. Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings. ISSN 1650-3686. p. 92–96. doi: 10.3384/ecp187016. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Few papers have described academic/faculty staff’s experiences withco-creation,or partnering with students in cross-disciplinary collaborations.The purpose of this paper is to share challenges and outcomes from twointerdisciplinary student–staff co-creationsofserious games for use in a Bachelor of Nursing program in Norway. Our experiences are discussed against an evidence-informed model of student–staff co-creation in higher education. Based on the lessons learned from these two projects, weproposetenkey points for planning and conducting cross-disciplinary student–staff co-creation ofserious games.
Meum, Torbjørg Træland; Koch, Therese Brastad; Briseid, Hanne Synøve; Vabo, Grete Lund & Rabben, Jannicke (2021). Perceptions of digital technology in nursing education: A qualitative study. Nurse Education in Practice. ISSN 1471-5953. 54, p. 1–6. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103136. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke & Johannessen, Berit (2015). Å være pårørende når alternativ behandling tas i bruk i "kampen mot kreft". Nordisk tidsskrift for helseforskning. ISSN 1504-3614. 11(1), p. 104–121. doi: 10.7557/14.3483. Full text in Research Archive

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Rabben, Jannicke & Alme, Tanja Yvonne (2026). Er likeverdig kreftomsorg i kommunene en utopi? doi: https:/www.arendalsuka.no/program/er-likeverdig-kreftomsorg-i-kommunene-en-utopi. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Debatt under Arendalsuka
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Stor variasjon i kreftomsorg i Agder. [Radio]. NRK Sørlandet. doi: https:/radio.nrk.no/serie/distriktsprogram-soerlandet/DKSL02014726?utm_source=nrkradio&utm_medium=delelenke-web&utm_content=prf%3ADKSL02014726#t=1h14m27s. Full text in Research Archive
Utne, Inger; Rabben, Jannicke & Alme, Tanja Yvonne (2026). Kartlegging av kreftsykepleiekompetanse i kommunene i Agder. doi: https:/www.nsf.no/sites/default/files/groups/subject_group/2026-08/rapport-a4-kartlegging-av-kreftsykepleiekompetanse-agder-ver3.pdf. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Fra forskning til praksis: involvering og samvalg ved alvorlig sykdom. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Å ta beslutninger sammen; samvalg ved kreftsykdom. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke & Strand, Hilde Kristin (2026). Disputerte som 49-åring. [Internet]. Khrono. doi: https:/www.khrono.no/disputerte-som-49-aring-folte-meg-tidvis-som-ungjente-pa-ukjent-grunn/1025550. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Kreftsjuke vil vere med på vanskelige val. [Internet]. Forskning.no. doi: https:/www.forskning.no/kreft-medisin-omsorg/kreftsjuke-vil-vere-med-pa-vanskelege-val/2628209. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Patient, family caregiver and nurse involvement in shared decision-making in palliative cancer care. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Bruk av CSNAT i undervisning ved master i kreftsykepleie på UiA. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Hvordan erfarer pasienter med uhelbredelig kreftsykdom, pårørende og sykepleiere involvering i samvalg i palliativ kreftomsorg? Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2026). Presentasjon av: Patient, family caregiver and nurse involvement in shared decision-making in palliative cancer care. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Presentasjon for barneonkologer ved Rikshospitalet
Medlock, Caitlin; Vivat, Bella; White, Nicola; Rabben, Jannicke & Stone, Patrick (2025). The 19th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care 29 – 31 May 2025 Helsinki, Finland: Developing a Core Outcome Set to evaluate the impact of prognostication in advanced cancer: a multiphase study. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 39(2_suppl), p. 1–490. doi: 10.1177/02692163251335482. Full text in Research Archive
Medlock, Caitlin; Vivat, Bella; White, Nicola; Rabben, Jannicke & Stone, Patrick (2025). PP-10 An international consensus study to develop a core outcome set to evaluate the impact of prognostication in people living with advanced cancer. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. ISSN 2045-435X. 15(A14). doi: 10.1136/spcare-2025-mcrc.29. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke; Fossum, Mariann & Rohde, Gudrun E. (2025). Nurses' experiences and perceptions of involvement in shared decision-making in palliative cancer care; a qualitative interview study. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2025). Hvordan erfarer pasienter og pårørende samvalg ved avansert kreftsykdom, og hvordan oppfatter de sykepleiers rolle og bidrag? Full text in Research Archive
Lauritzen, Mirjam & Rabben, Jannicke (2025). Samvalg knyttet til overbehandling; Landskonferansen i kreftsykepleie 2025. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke; Fossum, Mariann & Rohde, Gudrun E. (2025). The 19th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care 29 – 31 May 2025 Helsinki, Finland: Nurses’ experiences and perceptions of involvement in shared decision-making in palliative cancer care; a qualitative interview study. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. 39(2_suppl), p. 490–490. doi: 10.1177/02692163251335482. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2025). Work-in-progress. Full text in Research Archive
Reppen, Nils Kristian; Rabben, Jannicke; Rohde, Gudrun E. & Mikkelsen, Hilde Elisabeth Timenes (2024). Nå kan du ta kreftsykepleieutdanning på Sørlandet. [Internet]. Sykepleien.no. doi: https:/sykepleien.no/2024/12/na-kan-du-ta-kreftsykepleie-utdanning-pa-sorlandet. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke; Vivat, Bella; Fossum, Mariann & Rohde, Gudrun Elin (2024). The 13th World Research Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care: Patients and family caregivers are unsure about how they or nurses are involved in shared decision-making. Palliative Medicine. ISSN 0269-2163. doi: 10.1177/02692163241242338. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2024). Shared decision-making in palliative cancer care; presentation at Young Researchers Night. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2024). Patients and family caregivers are unsure about how they or nurses are involved in shared decision-making. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2024). Shared decision-making in palliative cancer care; presentation of PhD-project. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke; Sundkvist, Elisabeth & Lauritzen, Mirjam (2024). Samvalg i kreftomsorg krever kultur, kunnskap og tverrfaglig samarbeid. Tidsskriftet sykepleien. ISSN 0806-7511. doi: 10.4220/Sykepleiens.2024.97191. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2024). Work in progress. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Presentasjon av eget arbeid i Work-in-progress
Rabben, Jannicke (2023). Work-in progress Roskilde International Summer School. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2023). Patients’, relatives’, and healthcare professionals’ experiences and perspectives of shared decision-making in palliative cancer care: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke; Fossum, Mariann; Vivat, Bella & Rohde, Gudrun Elin (2023). Patients’, relatives’, and healthcare professionals’ experiences and perspectives of shared decision-making in palliative cancer care: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 34 (Supplement 2), p. S1234–S1234. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.09.1625. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2023). CN30 Patients’, relatives’, and healthcare professionals’ experiences and perspectives of shared decision-making in palliative cancer care: A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Annals of Oncology. ISSN 0923-7534. 34, Supplement 2, p. S1234–S1234. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.09.1625. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2023). Sykeplayer- utvikling av en spillbasert e-læringsmodul. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke; Koch, Therese Brastad; Briseid, Hanne Synøve; Vabo, Grete Lund & Meum, Torbjørg Træland (2019). Digit- sykepleie på nett. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke & Boe, Gina (2015). Eldre pårørende til kreftpasienter; Temakafé med fokus på pårørende. Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2015). Hvordan oppleves det å være pårørende til personer med uhelbredelig kreft som søker komplementær og alternativ behandling? Full text in Research Archive
Rabben, Jannicke (2025). Patient, family caregiver and nurse involvement in shared decision-making in palliative cancer care. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284272924. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Following diagnosis, people with advanced cancer may undergo several lines of life-prolonging treatment, over either a short or extended period, before transitioning to end-of-life care. These patients, along with their family caregivers and healthcare professionals, face complex and emotionally demanding decisions regarding advanced cancer treatment and palliative care. Shared decision-making is a cornerstone of person-centred care. The approach is explicitly endorsed by Norwegian health authorities, who advocate for patient involvement in decisions concerning their own health. However, integrating shared decision-making into palliative cancer care presents challenges. People’s preferences for involvement vary, and the burden of serious illness may impair both their ability and willingness to participate in decision-making processes. Nurses are well-positioned to support shared decision-making, yet their role often remains unclear. Developing shared decision-making in palliative cancer care requires a deeper understanding of how people perceive and experience it in clinical interactions, and how nurses can contribute to these processes. Aim: The overall aim of this thesis is to gain in-depth knowledge and increase understanding of shared decision-making in palliative cancer care by exploring the experiences and perceptions of people with advanced, incurable cancer, their family caregivers, nurses and other healthcare professionals. It also seeks to expand knowledge about the roles and contributions of nurses to shared decisionmaking processes within this context.

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Published Apr. 16, 2024 11:28 AM - Last modified Feb. 25, 2026 10:44 PM