- 10:00–10:45: Trial lecture (title TBA)
- 12:00–16:00: Public defence
The trial lecture and public defence will also be streamed live: https://oslomet.zoom.us/j/66080991868
Webinar ID: 660 8099 1868
Ordinary opponents:
- First opponent: Professor Christina Victor, Brunel University of London
- Second opponent: Research Professor Bjørn Heine Strand, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- The chair of the committee: Professor Randi Wærdahl, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet
Leader of the public defence: Vice Dean of research Steen Steensen, Faculty of Social Sciences, OsloMet.
Supervisors:
- Main supervisor: Associate Professor Mats Eirik Lillehagen, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet
- Co-supervisor: Professor Lars E. F. Johannessen, Centre for the Study of Professions, OsloMet
- Co-supervisor: Professor Marit Haldar, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet
Summary
Social connections are essential for quality of life in later life, yet many nursing home residents face barriers to maintaining meaningful contact with family and friends. This dissertation examines whether a communication technology called Komp can help residents stay socially connected with family members and improve aspects of their psychosocial well-being.
The research is based on data from approximately 340 Komp devices implemented in 19 public nursing homes in Oslo, Norway. Combining survey data from residents, relatives, and nursing staff with objective usage data, the study shows that greater use of Komp is associated with increased satisfaction with social contact among both residents and their relatives. Increased use was also linked to small reductions in psychological distress among residents. The findings suggest that tailored communication technologies can support social care practices and strengthen meaningful family connections in nursing homes.
