Interdisciplinary research is important, as new research breakthroughs, technology, and discoveries often occur at the interface between different scientific disciplines and ways of thinking.

The strength of research collaboration across disciplines, professions, and sectors is that we can address research issues using different ideas, resources, and methods in a close interaction that allows the full scientific potential to be exploited. This gives stronger results than when isolated datasets are collected separately, and the results and experiences are more likely to have greater impact when they are subsequently implemented. OUH, KI, and SDU consider it important that research findings are integrated into clinical practice.

Translational research has long been a top priority in health services research and will remain so in the future. This applies not only to the translation from basic research to clinical practice, but also in the opposite direction from clinical practice to basic research.

Until recently it has been difficult for the individual researcher to manage large amounts of research data due to the complexity and the required IT capacity. SDU’s new supercomputer enables researchers to collect and more easily manage different types of data, such as genomics, protomics, metabolomics, image data, patient records, etc. The new technologies facilitate the use of a wide range of data in translational studies, such as research into individualized medicine. The greater focus on interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers from other faculties than the Faculty of Health Sciences will add new possibilities to translational research.

OUH also hopes that greater research collaboration will encourage evidence-based and research-based approaches to patient safety and patient management, so that efforts and methods build on measurable effects and documentation. It is well known that adverse events often happen during patient transitions between departments and sectors. It is essential that we systematically document experience in terms of what works and what does not. A multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach is needed to fully investigate all relevant aspects.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Collaboration with SDU: We wish to strengthen the synergy that already exists today between OUH and SDU, and to broaden it to involve researchers at other faculties and institutes at SDU.

Elite research will remain a focus and will be further strengthened in several new interdisciplinary research centres.

When researchers undertake clinical trials, they should always explore opportunities for translational research.

Patient safety and integrated patient care:

OUH and KI will build a platform across disciplines, faculties and sectors to form the basis for research on patient safety and integrated patient care.

PERFORMANCE GOALS

• By 2018: A centre for research on patient safety and integrated patient care will be established. Within the period of the strategic plan, two senior researchers will be recruited. Research projects will be established with relevant local council partners.
• By 2019: More “twin PhDs” will be created between OUH and other faculties at SDU.
• By 2020: The Centre for Clinical Proteomics will be consolidated and augmented by the addition of a metabolomics analyser.
• By 2021: All faculties at SDU will be represented in new translational centres or other large formal partnerships involving OUH and SDU.

Status

Previous research strategies have focused on enhancing the collaboration across SDU and OUH. The results can be seen in several individual multidisciplinary research projects as well as larger initiatives such as the development of interdisciplinary research centres, for example:

• Four elite research centres (link)
• Front-line centres (link)
• Centre for Cellular and Molecular Muscle Research
• Centre for Innovative Medical Technology
• Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine

Continuation of the Centre for Clinical Proteomics

Researchers at KI are also involved in the following SDU2020 projects with the Faculty of Humanities:

• Reproductive Medicine & Mobility (REMM) (SDU2020)
• NICE Welfare (SDU2020), Department for the Study of Culture

The first PhD focusing on patient safety has been completed.