Torunn Kitty Vatnøy

• Rostad, Hanne Marie; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter; Burrell, Lisa Victoria; Yang, Fan; Tjerbo, Trond & Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2026). Explaining Variation in the Percentage of Admissions for Patients Aged 80 and Over in Municipal InPatient Acute Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Analysis From Norway. Health Services Insights (HSI Journal). 19. doi: 10.1177/11786329261490712. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Municipal Inpatient Acute Care (MIPAC) units in Norway provide short-term inpatient services, but structural and contextual disparities, spanning resources, competence, and accessibility, may affect utilization patterns. Objectives To examine to what extent variation in the percentage of admissions involving patients aged ≥80 years across MIPAC units is associated with structural and contextual conditions. Design Cross-sectional study using aggregated register and survey data. Methods The analytical sample included 147 MIPAC units, corresponding to 68% of the 215 units in the administrative dataset. Descriptive statistics describe sample characteristics and admissions by age group. Pearson correlations assessed interrelationships and multicollinearity before regression analysis. Results The model explained 38% of the variance. Unit location, registered nurse coverage, and driving distance to the nearest emergency department were associated with the percentage of admissions involving patients aged ≥80 years. Units located in GP out-of-hours clinics had a lower percentage compared to nursing home–based units (B = -17.12, 95% CI [-23.51 to -10.73], β =-0.41, p < 0.001). Greater registered nurse coverage (B = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.22 to -0.02], β = -0.18, p = 0.021) and longer driving distance to the nearest emergency department (B = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.11 to -0.04], β = -0.31, p < 0.001) were also associated with lower percentages. The estimate for the proportion of adults ≥80 years in the MIPAC catchment area was positive, but uncertain, as the confidence interval included zero (B = 1.76, 95% CI [-0.06 to 3.57], β = 0.20, p = 0.057). Conclusion MIPAC admission patterns for the oldest patients were associated with both service configuration and local context. These findings highlight variation in the use of MIPAC services across different units. Future research should examine how structural and contextual factors are related to patterns of MIPAC utilization and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter & Jeppestøl, Kristin (2025). Use of scoring tools in municipal in-patient acute care services – a cross-sectional study. Sykepleien Forskning. ISSN 1890-2936. 20. doi: 10.4220/sykepleienf.2025.99692en. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The clinical assessment and decision-making skills of registered nurses (RNs) face challenges in the encounter with patients with acute care needs referred to municipal in-patient acute care (MIPAC) services. The goal of these services is to provide care for older patients and those with chronic, complex health challenges. The use of decision-making tools is recommended to ensure high-quality treatment. However, knowledge of their practical application is limited. Objective: We wished to explore the degree to which nurses at MIPAC services in Norway use scoring tools in their clinical decision-making processes for early identification of deteriorating somatic condition, risk of falls and risk of undernutrition. Method: Cross-sectional study with a questionnaire distributed to 220 first-line managers in all of Norway’s MIPAC units. Results: A total of 207 first-line managers (91.6 per cent) were included in the study. Some 57 per cent of the units examined used the Early Warning Score (EWS) systematically to identify deteriorating somatic condition at an early stage while 29 per cent of the units did not use this. The sepsis scoring tool recommended when the data were collected was systematically used in 46 per cent of the units, while 32 per cent did not use a sepsis score. The use of these tools was lowest in units in Central and Northern Norway and in MIPAC services co-located with long-stay care units. The scoring tool for identifying fall risk was systematically used in 45 per cent of the units, and the nutritional risk screening tool in 55 per cent of the units, while 34 per cent and 33 per cent respectively did not use the tools. Having a professional development nurse (often referred to in the literature as ‘clinical nurse educator’) attached to the unit was the most important factor in the use of the Early Warning Score and tools to assess nutritional status. Conclusion: The study reveals that there is a considerable potential for increased use of scoring tools in MIPAC services in Norway. The results indicate that this can be achieved by strengthening clinical management through employing professional development nurses in the units.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter & Jeppestøl, Kristin (2025). Bruk av skåringsverktøy ved kommunale akutte døgnplasser – en tverrsnittsstudie. Sykepleien Forskning. ISSN 1890-2936. 20. doi: 10.4220/Sykepleienf.2025.99692. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bakgrunn: Sykepleieres kliniske vurderings- og beslutningskompetanse utfordres i møte med pasienter som henvises til kommunale akutte døgnplasser med akutt behov for helsehjelp. Denne tjenesten har som mål å ivareta eldre og pasienter med kroniske, komplekse helseutfordringer. For å sikre høy kvalitet i behandlingen anbefales det å benytte beslutningsstøtteverktøy. Kunnskapen om praktisk anvendelse av disse verktøyene er imidlertid begrenset. Hensikt: Vi ønsket å undersøke i hvilken grad sykepleiere ved kommunale akutte døgnplasser i Norge benytter skåringsverktøy for tidlig påvisning av forverret somatisk tilstand, fallrisiko og risiko for underernæring i sine kliniske beslutningsprosesser. Metode: Tverrsnittsstudie med et spørreskjema som ble distribuert til 220 førstelinjeledere i alle landets kommunale akutte døgnplasser. Resultat: Det var 207 førstelinjeledere (91,6 prosent) som ble inkludert i studien. Av de undersøkte enhetene brukte 57 prosent skåringsverktøy systematisk for tidlig identifisering av forverret somatisk tilstand, Early Warning Score, men 29 prosent av enhetene brukte ikke dette. Verktøy for sepsisskår som var anbefalt da dataene ble samlet inn, ble systematisk brukt i 46 prosent av enhetene, mens 32 prosent ikke brukte sepsisskår. Bruken av disse verktøyene var lavest i enheter som var lokalisert i Midt- og Nord-Norge, samt i kommunale akutte døgnplasser som var organisert sammen med langtidsenheter. Skåringsverktøy for å identifisere fallrisiko ble systematisk brukt i 45 prosent av enhetene og for ernæringsstatus i 55 prosent av enhetene, mens henholdsvis 34 prosent og 33 prosent ikke brukte verktøyene. Det å ha en fagutviklingssykepleier tilknyttet enheten var den viktigste faktoren for om Early Warning Score og verktøy for å vurdere ernæringstilstand ble brukt. Konklusjon: Studien avslører at det er et betydelig potensial for økt bruk av skåringsverktøy i kommunale akutte døgnplasser i Norge. Resultatene indikerer at dette potensialet kan realiseres ved å styrke den faglige ledelsen ved å ansette fagutviklingssykepleiere i enhetene.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Dale, Bjørg; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter & Karlsen, Tor-Ivar (2022). Associations between nurse managers’ leadership styles, team culture and competence planning in Norwegian municipal in-patient acute care services: A cross-sectional study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. ISSN 0283-9318. 36(2), p. 482–492. doi: 10.1111/scs.13064. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Increased complexity in the primary healthcare services has followed in the wake of health reforms and reveals the need for competence enhancement in the nursing services. Effective and visionary leadership, sufficiently qualified staff and cooperation among professionals are considered as key measures to safeguard quality in the services. Aims To identify which leadership styles characterise first-line nurse managers in Norwegian municipal in-patient acute care (MipAC) units and to investigate how first-line nurse managers’ leadership styles are associated with team culture and documented nursing competence planning. Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all the first-line nurse managers in Norwegian MipAC units (n = 229). Data were collected between March and June 2019. The response rate was 80.5% (n = 182). First-line managers’ background information and data about their focus on team culture and competence planning were recorded. Furthermore, we noted organisational structural characteristics, and managers’ transformational (relational) leadership and transactional (task-oriented) leadership styles. Results The managers exhibited a high degree of transformational leadership behaviour, which was significantly associated with team culture. No significant associations between leadership behaviours and documented competence planning were found. Notably, we found a significant correlation between transformational and transactional leadership styles, indicating that the managers adapt their leadership behaviours to actual requirements and situations. Organisational structural factors: the share of registered nurses (RNs) on the staff and having a position for a professional development nurse were positively associated with competence planning. Conclusion A relational leadership style promotes team culture and both factors may empower the professional nursing environment. However, first-line nurse managers need to acknowledge nursing competence planning as a central part of effective leadership. Having a professional development nurse position seems to complement leadership and ease the manager's responsibilities regarding team culture and competence planning.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar & Dale, Bjørg (2020). Nursing competence in municipal in-patient acute care in Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nursing. 19. doi: 10.1186/s12912-020-00463-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The primary health care services are becoming increasingly complex, which presents challenges for the municipal nursing services. In Norway, municipal in-patient acute care (MipAC) has been introduced in all municipalities, and the competence at the services has been questioned. Few studies have examined the nursing services in the units. This study aims to get an overview of the nursing competence in those units across geographical regions, and different groups of organisation and localisation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, and an ad hoc questionnaire was distributed to first-line leaders in all the MipAC units in Norway. Data were collected in the period between 6 March 2019 to 6 June 2019. Measures to get an overview of the nursing competence were ratio of registered nurses (RNs) in staff, count of shifts with only one RN on duty and count of RNs with master’s degrees/specialisation. Descriptive comparative statistics were used. Results Of all 226 first-line leaders invited to participate, 207 (91.6%) responded to the questionnaire. Overall a considerable variance across the sample was revealed. The median ratio of RNs in staff was 56 (IQR = 40–70), the count of shifts with only one RN on duty median 28 (IQR = 5–49), and the count of RNs with a master’s degree or specialisation median 3 (IQR = 0–5). The regions of Northern and Central Norway, MipACs located in nursing home and MipACs organised at long-term care units, showed significantly lower nursing competence in staff compared to the remaining institution and organisations. Conclusion This study generates knowledge that can inform planning, priorities and interventions that may be initiated at all organisational and political levels concerning the MipAC services. An overall conclusion is that advanced nursing competence is lacking. The study also highlights the most urgent direction for improvements regarding nursing competence in the services. It seemed to be MipACs in Northern and Central Norway, and those located at nursing homes organised together with long-term care units, that needed improvements the most.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar & Dale, Bjørg (2019). Exploring nursing competence to care for older patients in municipal in-patient acute care: a qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN). ISSN 0962-1067. 28. doi: 10.1111/jocn.14914. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aim: To identify critical aspects of nursing competence to care for older patients in the context of municipal in‐patient acute care. Background: An increasingly complex and advanced primary healthcare system re ‐quires attention to the extent of nursing competence in municipal services. However, competence in complex and advanced care settings must be explored using perspec‐tives which acknowledge the complexity of nurses' performance

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar & Dale, Bjørg (2019). Exploring nursing competence to care for older patients in municipal in‐patient acute care: A qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN). ISSN 0962-1067. 28(17-18), p. 3339–3352. doi: 10.1111/jocn.14914. Full text in Research Archive
• Martinez, Santiago; Smaradottir, Berglind; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Bjønnes, Marius (2017). Usability Evaluation of a Geolocation Technology: Safemate Perspectives on Norwegian municipal location-based alarm systems, The 22nd IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9781538616284. p. 116–211. doi: 10.1109/ISCC.2017.8024527. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Geolocation technologies are used in location-based alarm systems to provide the geographical location of a target on a represented space in real time. These technologies are becoming part of the welfare technology strategy of Norwegian municipalities to help citizens by knowing their physical location at a specific time. This paper presents a usability study with 11 participants of a new version of a geolocation alarm system installed in several Norwegian municipalities. The evaluation comprised usability tests and exploratory sessions with representatives of two user groups: operators and administrators of the alarm system. The evaluation found minor and major errors in the software and hardware components of the system, but none catastrophic. The findings informed a subsequent iteration of development of the system that addressed the errors found in the usability evaluation. The updated version of the system has been recently deployed in around 50 Norwegian municipalities.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Thygesen, Elin & Dale, Bjørg (2017). Telemedicine to support coping resources in home-living patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Patients’ experiences. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. ISSN 1357-633X. 23(1), p. 126–132. doi: 10.1177/1357633X15626854. Full text in Research Archive
• Smaradottir, Berglind; Martinez, Santiago; Thygesen, Elin; Holen-Rabbersvik, Elisabeth; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Fensli, Rune Werner (2017). Innovative Simulation of Health Care Services in the Usability Laboratory: Experiences from the Model for Telecare Alarm Services-project. In Martinez, Santiago; Budrionis, Andrius; Bygholm, Ann; Fossum, Mariann; Hartvigsen, Gunnar; Hägglund, Maria; Moe, Carl Erik; Thygesen, Elin; Vimarlund, Vivian & Yigzaw, Kassaye Yitbarek (Ed.), Proceedings from The 15th Scandinavian Conference on Health Informatics 2017 Kristiansand, Norway, August 29–30, 2017. Linköping University Electronic Press. ISSN 9789176853641. p. 60–65. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In Norway, a recent health reform urged municipalities to prepare for telecare alarm services to handle alarms associated to welfare technology and telecare technology in citizens’ homes. That requires a re-organisation of health and social services in many municipalities and several are preparing to establish new telecare alarm services operated in inter-municipal response centres. In this context, the research project “Model for Telecare Alarm Services” aims to study how existing telecare alarm services in Norwegian municipalities are organised and operated, and identify critical factors when designing new models for future services. This paper presents how an innovative simulation of health care services was used in the research project, when key informants from several municipalities, research partners and industry tested different models of telecare alarm services in a usability laboratory. The lessons learned by the research group showed that laboratory simulation was an efficient way of testing different scenarios of new telecare service models, together with key informants from heterogenous end-user groups.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Thygesen, Elin & Dale, Bjørg (2016). Telemedicine to support coping resources in home-living patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Patients’ experiences. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. ISSN 1357-633X. doi: 10.1177/1357633x15626854. Full text in Research Archive
• Smaradottir, Berglind; Martinez, Santiago; Holen-Rabbersvik, Elisabeth; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Fensli, Rune Werner (2016). Usability Evaluation of a Collaborative Health Information System. Lessons from a User-centred Design Process. In Gilbert, James (Eds.), BIOSTEC 2016: 9th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies, February 21-23, 2016, in Rome, Italy. SciTePress. ISSN 9789897581700. p. 306–313. doi: 10.5220/0005703603060313. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Vabo, Grete Lund & Fossum, Mariann (2014). A Usability Evaluation of a Web-Based ICT System for Quality Management. In Moe, Carl Erik & Fossum, Mariann (Ed.), Scandinavian Conference on Health Informatics; August 22; 2014; Grimstad; Norway. Linköping University Electronic Press. ISSN 9789175192413. p. 109–109. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Vabo, Grete Lund & Fossum, Mariann (2014). A Usability Evaluation of an Electronic Health Record System for Nursing Documentation Used in the Municipality Healthcare Services in Norway, HCI in Business. Springer. ISSN 9783319072920. p. 690–699. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-07293-7_67. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract. The paper presents a usability evaluation of the Graphical User Interface(GUI) of an Electronic Health Record System (EHR). The topic of interest was to explore the system’s usability in the context of nursing process documentation. A cognitive walk through approach was used. The data were analyzed with content analysis and the results show that challenges identified were related to navigating and finding information in the system. Even though there were problems in progressing from one phase to another in nursing process documentation, the system represented some types of predictability and consistency in the functions. Education, training and support are needed to be able to use the EHR for nursing documentation. Mandating standardization regarding format, content and terminology to improve the EHR systems functionality regarding facilitate nursing process documentation is recommended.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Fossum, Mariann; Smith, Nina & Slettebø, Åshild (2013). Triage assessment og registered nurses in the emergency department. International Emergency Nursing. ISSN 1755-599X. 21(2), p. 89–96. doi: 10.1016/j.ienj.2012.06.004. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Standardised triage systems have been implemented in emergency departments (EDs) to improve the efficacy of assessment strategies as performed by registered nurses (RNs). However, the exact effect the standardised triage systems have on the decision-making process remains unclear. Aim: To evaluate decision making in the triage setting before and after implementation of the Medical Emergency Triage and Treatment System Adult in one hospital’s ED. Methods: A descriptive intervention design with a quantitative approach. A total of 655 patients before and 413 patients after the intervention were included. A questionnaire was used to evaluate how the RNs assessed the patients before intervention while the emergency patient records were used for data collection after intervention. Results: Before the intervention, a majority of the assessments were founded on signs and symptoms and medical diagnoses, whereas vital parameters were rarely used. After the intervention, nearly two thirds of the patients were assessed according to a triage system with vital parameters and standardised algorithm for symptoms and signs included in the assessment procedure. Conclusion: Implementing a standardised triage system, including vital parameters and standardised algorithms for signs and symptoms, increased the use of vital parameters and signs and symptoms for decision making and acuity assignment.

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• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2007). Medvirkning Samhandling Sikkerhet IKT i helsetjnesten. Conflux AS. ISBN 9788299727341. 250 p. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Medvirkning, samhandling, sikkerheter en bok som skal inspirere studenter og helsepersonellog gjøre dem bedre i stand til å ta i bruk IKT til beste for pasienten. Boken viser hvordan IKT kan bidra til å effektivisere og forenkle arbeidsprosesser, øke kvaliteten på helsehjelpen, legge tilrette for samhandling og god kommunikasjon mellom helsepersonell og mellom helsepersonell og pasient, samtidig som taushetsplikten og pasientens integritet blir ivaretatt.

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• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Jeppestøl, Kristin (2025). Ny studie om akutt syke i kommunen: – Livsviktige skåringsverktøy blir altfor lite brukt. [Journal]. Sykepleien . Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Det finnes livsviktige verktøy helsepersonell på kommunale institusjoner kan bruke, men altfor få bruker dem, advarer forsker.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2025). Sykepleiere spiller en viktig rolle i å utvikle og forbedre helsetjenestene. Sykepleien Forskning. ISSN 1890-2936. p. 101903–101903. doi: 10.4220/sykepleiens.2025.101903. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hovedbudskap Det skjer store endringer i helsetjenestene, særlig i kommunesektoren, og innovasjon er nøkkelen til bærekraftige løsninger. Sykepleiere må ta en aktiv rolle i å forme disse endringene. Denne artikkelen skal hjelpe engasjerte sykepleiere å forstå bedre hvordan forskningsbasert kunnskap og evidensbasert sykepleie kan brukes i innovasjon. Slik kan de bli bedre forberedt til å utvikle ideer, sette dem ut i livet og bidra til forbedring i praksis. Målrettet forskning og innovasjon i kommunene er viktig for å sikre evidensbasert sykepleie i en stadig mer kompleks hverdag. Sykepleietjenesten i kommunene opplever økt press, blant annet fordi flere pasienter har sammensatte omsorgsbehov. Samtidig har endringer i ansvarsfordelingen mellom sykehus og kommuner, og mellom ulike yrkesgrupper i helsevesenet, gjort sykepleiernes arbeid mer krevende 1, 2. For å møte økende krav og forventninger er det nødvendig med kreativitet og nytenkning. Innovasjon kan fremme dette 3, men det er ikke gitt at nye tiltak alltid fører til positive endringer. Det kan være vanskelig å ta forskningsbaserte forbedringer i bruk i hverdagen 4. Derfor er det viktig å forstå hvordan man kan skape gode forutsetninger for å gjennomføre tiltak som styrker evidensbasert kvalitetsutvikling i sykepleietjenesten.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2023). Sykepleiekompetanse i kommunale akuttdøgnplasser. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2023). Sykepleiekompetanse i kommunale akutt døgnenheter. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Christiansen, Atle (2023). Forsker: De kommunale akutte døgnenhetene mangler sykepleiekompetanse. [Internet]. Sykepleien.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Christiansen, Atle (2023). Norske kommunar manglar høgt kvalifiserte sjukepleiarar Det kjem fram i ein studie om kvaliteten ved kommunale institusjonar. [Internet]. Forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Christiansen, Atle (2023). Kommunale akutte døgnenheter mangler sykepleiekompetanse. [Internet]. Helsebiblioteket.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Christiansen, Atle (2023). Sjukepleiarkompetansen i kommunane er ikkje god nok. [Internet]. uia.no/nyheter. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Dale, Bjørg; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter & Karlsen, Tor-Ivar (2022). Kompetanseutvikling og ledelse i sykepleietjenesten i KAD. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Dale, Bjørg; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar & Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter (2020). Sykepleiekompetanse ved kommunale akutt døgnplasser. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Skinner, Marianne Sundlisæter; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar & Dale, Bjørg (2020). Correction to: Nursing competence in municipal in-patient acute care in Norway: a cross-sectional study (BMC Nursing, (2020), 19, 1, (70), 10.1186/s12912-020-00463-5). BMC Nursing. 19(1). doi: 10.1186/s12912-020-00519-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Karlsen, Tor-Ivar & Dale, Bjørg (2018). KRITISKE ASPEKTER VED SYKEPLEIEKOMPETANSEN I KOMMUNALE AKUTTE DØGNENHETER. SYKEPLEIERE OG LEGERS ERFARINGER. Full text in Research Archive
• Smaradottir, Berglind; Martinez, Santiago; Thygesen, Elin; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Holen-Rabbersvik, Elisabeth & Fensli, Rune Werner (2018). Innovative Simulation of Telecare Alarm Services in Usability Laboratory Environment, Scientific Workshop. Full text in Research Archive
• Martinez, Santiago; Smaradottir, Berglind; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Bjønnes, Marius (2017). Usability Evaluation of a Geolocation Technology: Safemate Perspectives on Norwegian municipal location-based alarm systems. Full text in Research Archive
• Smaradottir, Berglind; Martinez, Santiago; Thygesen, Elin; Holen-Rabbersvik, Elisabeth; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Fensli, Rune Werner (2017). Innovative Simulation of Health Care Services in the Usability Laboratory: Experiences from the Model for Telecare Alarm Services-project. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2016). Teknologi i sykepleierutdanningen. Full text in Research Archive
• Smaradottir, Berglind; Martinez, Santiago; Holen-Rabbersvik, Elisabeth; Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Fensli, Rune Werner (2016). Usability Evaluation of a Collaborative Health Information System- Lessons from a User-centred Design Process. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Thygesen, Elin & Dale, Bjørg (2016). Telemedisin for å understøtte mestring hos pasienter med KOLS. BestPractice. Lungemedisin. 6(22), p. 14–16. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Vabo, Grete Lund & Fossum, Mariann (2014). A Usability Evaluation of aWeb based ICT System for Quality Management. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Policies and strategies to achieve welfare in the Norwegian society demand a well-developed and complex organization of public services. Statutory demands to deliver quality in public services are following the growth of the welfare state. In the purpose of learning from failure, it is required by law to report adverse events in the health services [1]. To support the increasingly complex public management that the growing welfare state requires, there is confidence in how information and communication technology (ICT) can support the processes. ICT systems are developed and implemented to facilitate processes and demands in public services, but display varying success. Implementation success depends on several factors[2]. System quality in terms of usability is one critical factor for success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the graphical user interface (GUI) of an ICT system module for reporting adverse events, developed for quality management in the municipality healthcare services in Norway.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty; Vabo, Grete Lund & Fossum, Mariann (2014). A Usability Evaluation of an Electronic Health Record System for Nursing Documentation Used in the Municipality Healthcare Services in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2014). How to succeed with implementation of High fidelity simulation in nursing education. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2009). Rett bemanning til riktig tid. Tidsskriftet sykepleien. ISSN 0806-7511. p. 43–45. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2009). Pasientsikkerhet i prioritering for legetilsyn. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Huldt-Nystrøm, Espen (2009). Triage i akuttmottak -riktig hjelp til rett tid. Scandinavian Update Magazine. ISSN 1890-9493. 2(1), p. 51–53. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Helsetilsynet rapporterte i 2007 om uforsvarlig drift ved de fleste akuttmottakene i Norge. Viktige punkter var blandt annet uforsvarlig pasientmottak og mangelfull dokumentasjon. For å etterkomme myndighetenes krav, startet flere akuttmottak arbeidet med å etablere sysyemer for forsvarlig pasientmottak

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2008). Med søkelys på samhandling: IKT i helsetjenesten. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Informasjon og kommunikasjonsteknologi (IKT) i helsetjenesten et verktøy for sømløs samhandling. (Sammendrag av forelesing) Torunn Vatnøy Fagutviklingssykepleier og helseinformatiker Sørlandet sykehus helseforetak (SSHF) Akuttmottaket Arendal. Styresmaktene har gjennom flere statlige handlingsplaner presentert strategier og tiltak for bruk av IKT for samordning og samhandling i helse og sosialtjenestene i Norge. Bakgrunnen er økning i tjenestetilbud, kompleksitet og kostnader. Gevinsten skal hentes ut i form av mer tid til pasienten og lettere tilgjengelige, mer effektive og kvalitetssikrede tjenester for brukerne. Tiltak som standardisering og bruk av Elektronisk pasientjournal (EPJ), utbygging av Nasjonalt helsenettet mm er etablert. Mange andre prosjekter i forhold til utarbeiding og spredning av ulike løsninger for elektronisk samhandling i helsetjenesten er også i full gang på alle nivå. I tilegg til at vi i Norge har et strengt lovverk med hensyn til personvernet, er helsetjenesten kompleks, og aktørene mange og uensartet. Dette skaper utfordringer i forhold til å utvikle gode elektroniske løsninger for samhandling. Pasientjournalen er den mest sentrale delen av informasjonsgrunnlaget i helsetjenesten. Derfor regnes en gjennomgående og helhetlig innføring av EPJ for å ha det største gevinstpotensialet av alle IT- satsinger i helse- og sosialsektoren. For å utnytte potensialet som ligger i å dele opplysninger i EPJ mellom aktørene, arbeides det nå med å finne gode løsninger for dette uten å utfordre lovverket. I denne sammenhengen er det etablert prosjekter hvor utvikling av samtykke basert kjernejournal er i gang. Andre viktige tiltak for bedre samhandling i helse og sosialtjenesten er bruk av elektronisk meldingsutveksling. Flere standarder for elektronisk meldingsutveksling foreligger nå klar til bruk, og flere er under utprøving. Det ligger imidlertid en del utfordringer i å få spredning på bruk av meldingsstandarder og det antydes behov for tydeligere nasjonal styring. IKT skal understøtte pasientens behov for, og rett til medvirkning. Prosjekter med utvikling av beslutningsstøtte systemer (BSS) som understøtter informert pasientmedvirkning, utvikling av ”egenjournal”, løsninger for elektronisk kommunikasjon mellom pasient og sykepleier, lege osv skal være med på å tilrettelegge for bedre pasientmedvirkning. Det stilles store forventninger til IKT som virkemiddel for bedre samhandling i helsetjenesten, og gode løsinger er utarbeidet og under utarbeiding. Det kan synes som om at de største utfordringene ligger i spredning av løsningene, og der er det fremdeles et stykke vei å gå før vi er i mål.

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2008). Triage i akuttmottaket SSA - Implementering av triage systemet METTS – A i Akuttmottaket SSA. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2007). Denne boken gir en grunnleggende oversikt og forståelse av hva informasjon og kommunikasjonsteknologien i den norske helsetjenesten innebærer. Kunnskap og forståelse er en forutsetting for å være aktiv, engasjert og etisk reflektert i utvikling og bruk av IKT i helsetjenesten. Boken skal bidra til at leseren kan forstå hvordan teknologien kan medvirke til å forenkle arbeidsprosesser, samtidig som integriteten til brukerne av helsetjenesten blir ivaretatt, Medvirkning, samhandling, sikkerhet : IKT i helsetjenesten. Conflux. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2007). Sentrale lover og regelverk av betydning for bruk av IKT i helsetjenesten, Medvirkning, samhandling, sikkerhet : IKT i helsetjenesten. Conflux. p. 53–72. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2007). Nasjonale strategier, satsingsområder og kompetansesenter, Medvirkning, samhandling, sikkerhet : IKT i helsetjenesten. Conflux. p. 30–52. Full text in Research Archive
• Bach, Grete & Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2007). Elektronisk pasientjournal (EPJ), Medvirkning, samhandling, sikkerhet : IKT i helsetjenesten. Conflux. p. 122–145. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2007). Elektronisk samhandling. Prosjekter, potensialer og perspektiver, Medvirkning, samhandling, sikkerhet : IKT i helsetjenesten. Conflux. p. 219–237. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty & Schreurs, Nard (2007). IT skal være et verktøy for alle som jobber i helsevesenet. [Journal]. Computerworld; bilag IT:helse. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (1989). Sykepleierutdanningen sett i lys av Hernes-utvalgets innstilling. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2022). Nursing Competence in Norwegian Municipal in-patient Acute Care. Professional Accountability, Environment, and Leadership. Universitetet i Agder. ISSN 9788284270975. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Changes from the introduction of the Coordination Reform in Norway have induced an increase in the need for highly qualified nursing staff in the primary health care service. Among the most important initiatives of the Coordination Reform in Norway is the municipal in-patient acute care (MipAC) service. All municipalities must provide in-patient acute care for patients requiring 24-hour care or observation. The MipAC is expected to deliver safe quality care and may entail many patient and societal benefits. However, the service establishment and organisation differ per municipality, putting the service quality into question. Older and vulnerable patients constitute the largest group of patients under the MipAC service. Even though the benefits of well-educated and competent nursing staff to care for vulnerable older people are broadly recognised, the requirements for nursing competence are sparsely defined in governmental documents, and knowledge of nursing competence in the services is lacking. Aim: This study explores and describes aspects of nursing competence in the MipAC service. It answers the following question: What is the necessary nursing competence in MipAC, and how is it facilitated, maintained, and enhanced?

• Svagård, Ingrid Storruste; Boysen, Elin Sundby; Fensli, Rune Werner & Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2016). Responssentertjenester i helse og omsorgstjenesten: behov og fremtidsbilder. Delrapport 1- 2016 fra prosjektet M4ALMO. SINTEF Digital. ISSN 9788214059342. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Rapporten er en delleveranse fra RFF-prosjektet "M4ALMO - Modeller for alarmmottak". Rapporten sammenfatter funn og dokumentere kunnskap som er utviklet gjennom en serie workshops i prosjektet avholdt høsten 2015 og våren 2016. Målet har vært å kartlegge dagens utfordringer, fange ulike synspunkter og identifisere målbilder for fremtidens alarmmottak og organisering, samt diskutere nye mulige løsninger for organisering av responssentertjenester. Bidragsytere har vært representanter fra prosjektets kommunepartnere Skien, Larvik, Drammen, Oslo, Grimstad, Kristiansand, Risør og Kvinesdal på vegne av Lister-kommunene; leverandører av responssentertjenester SOS International og Telenor Object/Aleris, teknologileverandør og prosjektpartner Imatis samt forskningspartnerne Universitetet i Agder og SINTEF. Det er lite tilgjengelig kunnskap om hvordan trygghetsalarmtjenesten faktisk fungerer i helse- og omsorgstjenestene i dag. Omfang og resultater av alarmer dokumenteres bare i liten grad, og faktisk og praktisk gjennomføring er i all hovedsak "taus kunnskap", kjent og delt kun innenfor hvert tjenestested. Rapporten bidrar dermed med et kvalitativt kunnskaps-grunnlag for fremtidige beslutninger vedrørende responssentertjenester, både på nasjonalt og kommunalt nivå. Oppdragsgiver: Regionale Forskningsfond

• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2009). Medical emergency triage and treatment system- Adult (METTS-A) pasientsikkerhet i prioritering for legetilsyn- evaluering etter implementering av triage i akuttmottaket Sørlandet sykehus (SSA)Prosjekt for Optimale Pasientforløp Sluttrapport. Sørlandet sykehus helseforetak FOU avdelingen. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatnøy, Torunn Kitty (2008). Triage i Akuttmottaket SSA - verktøy for kvalitet i pasientbehandling, samhandling og dokumentasjon. Sørlandet sykehus helseforetak FOU avdelingen. Full text in Research Archive

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