Mette Fløystad Kvammen

• Sykorova, Kamila; Pavel, Nenad; Mathew, Anna; Johnsen, Marianne Bakke; Lystad, June Ullevoldsæter & Bull, Helen [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2026). Understanding the needs and frustrations in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a qualitative interview study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-10210-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Scoliosis is a common term used for a group of conditions that involve abnormal curvature and rotation of the spine, thorax, and trunk. If untreated, scoliosis may lead to severe trunk deformities, which consequently limit physical function, exercise capacity, general well-being, ability to work, and the mental health of affected individuals. Little is known about how adolescents with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and their caregivers cope with scoliosis and what kind of needs, frustrations, and difficulties they experience during treatment. Aim This study aimed to explore the difficulties, needs, and frustrations experienced by adolescents with AIS and their caregivers. Methods An exploratory qualitative design was adopted. A total of 17 participants were recruited through purposive sampling with the aid of user organizations and hospitals in Norway from April to August in 2023. A total of five audio-recorded, semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The discussions focused on the needs, frustrations, and challenges of adolescents with AIS and their caregivers. Results This study explored the needs for improvement in health care services related to AIS in Norway, from the perspectives of adolescents and caregivers. Participants reported a lack of communication and information surrounding AIS diagnosis, forcing them to actively seek help. Gaps were also reported, in post-operative follow-up care and conservative treatment of scoliosis, where adolescents with AIS feel overlooked and alone in their recovery and physiotherapy. Participants voiced frustrations, including the psychosocial impact of the condition which affects school attendance due to back pain and absence from activities, leading to feelings of isolation. Conclusion The study identified significant gaps in Norway's AIS health care services that could be addressed with digital solutions. Adolescents with AIS and caregivers reported inadequate communication, poor post-operative care, and struggles with conservative treatment.

• Mathew, Anna; Sykorova, Kamila; Pavel, Nenad; Johnsen, Marianne Bakke; Pikkarainen, Minna & Ali, Sadeeq [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Patient-Reported and Technology-Assisted Monitoring in Orthotic Management of Adolescent with Idiopathic Scoliosis: Scoping Review. JMIR mhealth and uhealth. 14. doi: 10.2196/88880. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Orthotic treatment for adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis is long-term and often associated with challenges related to treatment adherence. Traditional patient monitoring strategies include clinical visits combined with patient discussions, clinical examination reports, and the use of standard questionnaires. Sensor-assisted monitoring is explored to improve treatment outcomes, with technology influencing different aspects of the health care system. Objective: The scoping review aimed to map evidence based on 3 research questions (RQs), namely user experience and perception, monitoring tools, and technology-assisted approaches, including smart orthoses with sensors, during orthotic treatment for an adolescent patient (aged 10 to 17.11 y) diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus as 2 complementary search components. The primary search targeted studies on smart orthoses, also called braces, and scoliosis, while the secondary search focused on user experiences with orthotic treatment to capture all 3 RQs. PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and checklist supported searching, analyzing, and reporting the results systematically. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed for screening. All articles published up to May 2024 were included. Moreover, 2 independent reviewers screened 2088 articles in 2 stages of screening. Data coding was conducted using the 3 RQs by data extraction and its synthesis. Results: A total of 88 articles met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from user experience studies highlighted discomfort, psychosocial burden, and demand for real-time feedback. Monitoring relied primarily on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as questionnaires and logbooks. Culturally adapting to patients’ diverse global needs helps capture richer and more candid user perspectives. Sensor-based systems used temperature, force, or pressure, electromyography, and motion sensors to track orthosis wear time, pressure distribution, activity, and posture. Two overarching monitoring themes emerged: subjective (patient-reported or user experience) and objective (technology-assisted or sensor-based) monitoring. Integrated approaches synthesize both. Conclusions: Subjective clinical tools and objective technologies help monitor orthosis wear of adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Co-design of a user-centered scoliosis management system for adolescents that integrates PROMs with measured sensor data could provide a multidimensional view of orthosis adherence along with psychosocial and clinical effectiveness. Future research will focus on user-centered care, with real-time integrated monitoring, to provide clinically meaningful feedback that motivates adolescents to achieve their treatment goals.

• Sykorova, Kamila; Mathew, Anna; Pavel, Nenad; Gazerani, Parisa; Saidi, Trust & Johnsen, Marianne Bakke [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2025). Exploring Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Using Digital Health Technologies to Improve Conservative Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Qualitative Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR). ISSN 1439-4456. 27. doi: 10.2196/69089. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects 2%-3% of adolescents, with conservative treatments like bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) recommended for mild to moderate cases. However, patient compliance with these treatments is often low. Digital tools, including smartphone apps and web applications, offer capabilities such as spinal curvature monitoring, remote consultation, and reduction of health care professionals’ workload. These tools may also enhance adherence by increasing motivation and providing real-time feedback, which can be particularly beneficial for patients struggling with brace discomfort or self-esteem concerns. Despite these potential benefits, research remains limited on how digital health technologies can specifically enhance conservative AIS treatment and improve patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, and health care providers, on using digital health technologies to improve AIS treatment adherence and outcomes. Methods: This qualitative research study was conducted in Norway and included 17 participants (1 medical doctor, 2 physiotherapists, 8 patients, 4 family caregivers, and 2 IT specialists). The study adhered to Norwegian regulations. After approval from authorities and approval of the study protocol, patients were recruited through the Norwegian Spine and Back Pain Organization. A portion of the sample was recruited through direct communication from one of the researchers. After obtaining written informed consent from all participants, 5 focus group interviews were conducted between April and June 2023. Data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using a content analysis approach, with findings reviewed by 2 independent researchers for validation. Results: The content analysis revealed four key themes: (1) AIS-specific education and information, (2) psychosocial support for patients with AIS and community connection, (3) health care communication and access, and (4) treatment adherence to AIS and gamification. Participants highlighted the need for accessible, adolescent-friendly, and multilingual education on AIS; digital platforms for peer support; improved remote communication with health care providers; and gamification elements tailored to AIS challenges (eg, brace compliance tracking, avatar customization for self-expression, and real-time exercise feedback). Conclusions: Key findings highlighted the need for accessible information, peer support, and better communication with health care providers, with gamification enhancing treatment adherence. The findings of this study show the potential of digital health technologies in AIS management through fostering accessible information, peer support, and improved communication with health care providers. Customized gamification features may further enhance adherence, offering actionable insights for clinical practice and future research.

• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2019). Brukerkunnskap som kunnskapskilde i sosialt arbeids utdanning. In Støkken, Anne Marie (Eds.), Tjenesteutvikling ved ulike former for samarbeid. Fagbokforlaget. ISSN 9788245033434. p. 113–127. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2014). Mellom fag og erfaring - møte mellom erfaringsveiledere og sosionomstudenter i praksis. In Støkken, Anne Marie (Eds.), Innovasjon og utvikling i sosialt arbeid. Fagbokforlaget. ISSN 9788245015362. p. 93–115. Full text in Research Archive

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• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2016). Brukerdeltakelse som grunnlag for læring? Brukerdeltakelse i undervisningen på sosionomutdanningen ved Universitetet i Agder i Sosionomutdanning på Sørlandet Festskrift ved 25-års jubileet 2016. Portal forlag. ISBN 9788283141030. 206 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Bachke, Carl Christian; Ufford, Johanna Wilhelmina Quarles Van & Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2012). Årbok for Veiledernettverket i Agder 2012. Universitetet i Agder. ISBN 9788271177201. 110 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Sykorova, Kamila; Mathew, Anna; Pavel, Nenad; Gazerani, Parisa; Saidi, Trust & Kvammen, Mette Fløystad [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). A Comparative Co Design Study of Adolescents’ and Caregivers’ Perspectives on Mobile App Content for Conservative Scoliosis Management. Full text in Research Archive
• Canrinus, Esther Tamara; Dalehefte, Inger Marie; Kvammen, Mette Fløystad; Herlofsen, Camilla & Olsen, Anne Karin Vikstøl (2026). Fostering students’ interprofessional collaboration in higher education – A video study. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for providing coherent and effective welfare services. Without it, children and families may experience fragmented and inefficient support with poor flow of information, impeding quality and follow-up (Kjørstad et al., 2025). Therefore, educational programmes need to provide students with conceptual understanding and practical experience with interprofessional collaboration. Recognizing the need for coordinated efforts across health, social care, and education, this project addresses fragmented services by fostering proactive, interdisciplinary collaboration through interprofessional education. At [anonymized], students from several professional programmes meet annually for a joint on-campus seminar with plenary lectures and interprofessional group work. Although much is known about students’ perceptions of such work, gaining more knowledge about how students behave and engage when they practice interprofessional collaboration, can provide insight into possible hindering and facilitating factors during such a learning process. Using video recordings of five interprofessional groups consisting of five students, we observed students’ participation, turntaking, role negotiation, and discussions of professional boundaries while engaging in and applying their professional view on an authentic task from the practice field. These data contribute to further development of interprofessional education ensuring that future professionals are equipped to work effectively across disciplines in supporting vulnerable children and youth.

• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad; Herlofsen, Camilla; Olsen, Anne Karin Vikstøl & Canrinus, Esther Tamara (2026). Exploring Student Collaboration and Engagement through Video-Based Observation. Full text in Research Archive
• Sykorova, Kamila; Mathew, Anna; Pavel, Nenad; Gazerani, Parisa; Saidi, Trust & Kvammen, Mette Fløystad [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). User priorities and design concerns for personalized digital support in conservative treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Full text in Research Archive
• Bønnhoff, Heidi Esma Dahl & Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2025). Erfaringskonsulenter i velferdstjenestene. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Vi har intervjuet fem menn som er ansatt i velferdstjenestene på grunnlag av sin erfaringskompetanse knyttet til rusproblematikk og/eller psykiske lidelser. Intervjuene ble gjennomført i grupper. Funnene skal publiseres i bokkapittel eller artikkel, og i denne presentasjonen på Arendalsuka la vi fram foreløpige funn. Studiens problemstilling er: Hvordan beskriver erfaringskonsulentene sin bruk av egenerfaring i arbeidet i velferdstjenesten? I presentasjonen av funnene fra den foreløpige analysen av intervjuene med erfaringskonsulentene trakk vi fram følgende temaer: 1) betydningen av å være en rollemodell, 2) å finne en ny identitet (uten rusen), 3) ansvarliggjøring, tillit og forventninger, 4) hvordan kjønn kan påvirke relasjoner og forståelse, og 5) betydningen av organisatoriske rammer.

• Olsen, Anne Karin Vikstøl; Herlofsen, Camilla; Pettersen, Kristina; Kvammen, Mette Fløystad & Canrinus, Esther Tamara (2025). Tverrprofesjonelt samarbeid for utsatte barn og unge. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad & Gjedrem, Jorunn (2019). User Involvement in research and education in the social work education at the University of Agder. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad & Gjedrem, Jorunn (2019). PUNKS in the system. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad; Fagersand, Terje; Andersen, Bente Storkaas & Christensen, Torkel (2018). Developing a structure of user-involvement in the social work education at the University of Agder, Norway Cooperation between the university and user-organizations. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad & Nielsen, Tabitha Wright (2018). Service users as supervisors in social work education – mending the gap of powerelations. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2017). Experiences described by the students from supervision during work placement from service users. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2017). User led supervision – a way to develop professional skills? Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2016). Brukerinvolvering i utdanningen fra student- og brukerperspektivet. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2015). Dialog-based meetings between social work students and people with user-experience – a way to develop knowledge and skills in Social Work? Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2014). Brukere og studenter som aktive bidragsytere inn i utdannelsen. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2013). User involvement in social work education. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2012). Møte mellom erfaringsveiledere og sosionomstudenter i praksis. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2011). Field Practice education at University of Agder, Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Kvammen, Mette Fløystad (2011). Brukerkunnskap inn i utdanningen. Full text in Research Archive
• Viggen, Kristin; Johansen, Karl Johan; Berg, Anita; Nilsen, Geir Sigmund; Ask, Torunn Alise & Johansen, Oddbjørn [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Utvikling av nye fellesmoduler innen sosialarbeiderutdanningene i Midt-Norge og Universitetet i Agder. Universitetet i Agder. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  I Stortingsmelding nr. 13 (2011-2012) Utdanning for velferd. Samspill i praksis (Samspillsmeldingen) kap. 9.7.1 påpekes spesielt utfordringer innen utdanning til sosialfaglig arbeid og det å få tydeliggjort sosialfaglig felleskompetanse. Det er behov for endring innenfor hver av BSV-utdanningene og i samspillet mellom dem. Det ønskes bredere grunnutdanninger og mer tverrfaglig samarbeid. Det er nødvendig med flere faglige felleselementer og tverrprofesjonell samarbeidslæring, og den sosialfaglige kompetansen må styrkes. Kunnskapsdepartementet bestemte seg for gjennomføring av et nasjonalt SAK-prosjekt som skulle ledes av UHR. I regi av UHR er St.meld. 13 blitt fulgt opp med prosjektet Sosialfaglig kompetanse og BSV-utdanningene. Sosialfagprosjektet skal blant annet bidra til å styrke og videreutvikle de sosialfaglige felleselementene i dagens tre BSV-utdanninger. Dessuten skal prosjektet stimulere til tettere samarbeid mellom utdanningsinstitusjonene og stimulere til samordnet forskningsinnsats i nært samarbeid med yrkesfeltene på tvers av studieprogrammer og utdanningsinstitusjoner.

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