Brita Fosser Olsen

• Rasi, Matias; Kvande, Monica Evelyn; Olsen, Brita Fosser & Harris, Kristin (2026). Critical Care Nursing Research Activities in Norwegian Intensive Care Units − A Cross-Sectional Study. Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere. ISSN 0809-9707. 21(1), p. 73–86. doi: 10.23865/inspira.v21.7388. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Research is a cornerstone of evidence-based practice and critical for advancing patient care and safety. While critical care nurses play a vital role in research, barriers such as limited resources and negative attitudes often hinder their participation. In Norway, there is limited insight into the research activities conducted by critical care nurses in intensive care units. Aim: This study aimed to identify critical care nursing research activities and explore factors that facilitate or inhibit these activities in Norwegian intensive care units. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a self-developed questionnaire, based on the authors’ clinical experiences and research, which was distributed to 56 Norwegian intensive care units. Data were collected electronically and analysed using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and inspired by thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: A total of 26 intensive care units participated (46% response rate). Critical care nursing research activities varied, with most units reporting master’s projects and quality improvement initiatives, while fewer engaged in PhD-level research. Nearly half of the units lacked dedicated research personnel and over half had no allocated research funding. Key barriers included insufficient resources, lack of time and negative attitudes towards research. Facilitators included leadership support, allocated research time and economic resources. Practical value in research was identified as a motivator for engagement. Conclusions: Critical care nursing research activities in Norwegian intensive care units are varied but limited, with barriers such as resource constraints and negative attitudes. Facilitators like leadership support and targeted funding are essential for fostering research. Promoting master’s-level education and aligning research with clinical needs may enhance participation. Facilitating critical care nursing research is critical for advancing evidence-based practice and improving the care quality in intensive care units.

• Klavestad, Ellen Marie; Sørli, Naylah Shahin & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2025). Hypotermi hos pasienter som opereres - et kvalitetsforbedringsarbeid. Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere. ISSN 0809-9707. 20(1), p. 45–55. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bakgrunn: Via avvikssystemet på Sykehuset Østfold ble det meldt at flere nyopererte pasienter var hypoterme ved ankomst til postoperativ enhet. Hypotermi hos nyopererte kan gi flere uheldige konsekvenser, som økt blødningsfare og dårlig sårtilheling. Vi besluttet å gjennomføre et kvalitetsforbedringsarbeid for å kartlegge omfanget av hypotermi og for å vurdere om vi eventuelt kunne forbedre kvaliteten på helsehjelpen vi ga. Hensikt: Hensikten med kvalitetsforbedringsarbeidet var å kartlegge i hvilken utstrekning hypotermi forekom, samt når i operasjonsforløpet hypotermi eventuelt oppstod. Om resultatene viste behov for forbedring, var en ytterligere hensikt å utarbeide tiltak for å forbedre praksis. Metode: Vi brukte modell for kvalitetsforbedring for å strukturere arbeidet. Data ble samlet inn i to ulike datainnsamlingsperioder (med innføring av forbedringstiltak imellom). Et spørreskjema fulgte pasienten gjennom hele det perioperative forløpet, hvor data for å beskrive utvalget, bruk av aktiv eller passiv oppvarming samt temperatur (målt med øretermometer fem ganger i løpet av det perioperative forløp) ble kartlagt. Resultat: Ingen pasienter hadde temperatur < 35,0 °C (celsius) eller < 35,5 °C i løpet av operasjonsforløpet i noen av de to datasamlingsperiodene. Andelen pasienter med temperatur < 36,0 °C i løpet av operasjonsforløpet sank fra 20 prosent i periode 1 til 5 prosent i periode 2, etter at en prose­dyre var innført og man i praksis hadde hatt fokus på hypotermiforebyggende tiltak. Konklusjon: Kartlegging av hypotermi og fokus på hypotermiforebyggende tiltak ser ut til å ha forbedret kvaliteten når det gjelder temperatur i det perioperative forløp ved vårt sykehus. Et systematisk forbedringsarbeid, med ledelsesforankring og involvering av personale på avdelinger som var involvert i operasjonsforløpet, kan være med på å øke kvaliteten på helsehjelpen som denne pasientgruppen mottar.

• Nikolaisen, Mette Kure; Hofsø, Kristin; Rustøen, Tone; Ræder, Johan; Hagen, Milada & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2025). Symptoms on the first day after discharge from the intensive care unit:A cross-sectional study. Heart & Lung. ISSN 0147-9563. 75, p. 26–33. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.09.004. Full text in Research Archive
• Thoresen, Karin Elida & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2025). Follow-up practices of Norwegian intensive care units: A descriptive survey. The Nordic Journal of Nursing Research (NJNR). ISSN 2057-1585. 45. doi: 10.1177/20571585241307030. Full text in Research Archive
• Laake, Jon Henrik; Hagen, Milada; Aavitsland, Preben; Buanes, Eirik Alnes; Fjone, Kristina Struksnes & Kvåle, Reidar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). COVID-19 in Norwegian ICUs 2020–2023: Patient characteristics, management, and outcomes—A nationwide prospective observational study. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-5172. 69(4), p. 1–13. doi: 10.1111/aas.70027. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norway experienced successive waves of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, each with distinct characteristics, including patient demographics, medical therapies, vaccine coverage, respiratory failure management and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to analyse survival in a national cohort of adult COVID-19 patients admitted to Norwegian ICUs (March 2020–May 2023) and examine how patient characteristics and management strategies were associated with mortality across successive stages of the pandemic. Methods Patients admitted to ICUs between 10 March 2020 and 5 May 2023, were identified via the Norwegian Intensive Care and Pandemic Registry. We included all adults (≥18 years) and analysed data on demographics, predefined risk factors, severity, patient management and outcomes. We quantified associations between patient demographics, risk factors and admission period with mortality and ICU length of stay (LOS). Results The study included 2655 patients with confirmed COVID-19. Patients admitted from 2022 onwards were significantly older (median age >70) and had more predefined risk factors compared to those admitted during earlier periods (median age < 65 years). Management of respiratory failure shifted towards less frequent use of invasive mechanical ventilation. The crude 90-day mortality rate doubled from 21% (95% CI 14; 24) in the first half of 2020 to 43.5% (95% CI 31.1; 45.7) in the first half of 2023. ICU LOS decreased substantially from a median of 14.1 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6.8; 23.1) to 2.6 days (IQR 1.1; 5.0). The time period of admission, patient age, pre-defined risk factors and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) were significantly associated with mortality. Prolonged ICU LOS was primarily associated with respiratory support mode, age and higher SAPS II scores. Conclusion In this nationwide study of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway, ICU mortality was significantly higher in later compared to earlier admission periods, largely explained by changes in case mix, such as older patients with more co-morbidities. While ICU therapies were modified over the course of the pandemic, their impact on survival cannot be determined from our analyses (NCT04601090).

• Stenseth, Hege Vistven; Sunde, Kristin Westgaard; Klette, Maria Ingrid Bianca & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2024). Mastergradskompetanse i intensivsykepleie – krav, strategier, holdninger og forventninger på norske intensivavdelinger. Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere. ISSN 0809-9707. 19(1). doi: 10.23865/inspira.v19.5874. Full text in Research Archive
• Nystrøm, Vivian & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2024). The effect of noise and light on sedation in critical care patients. A cross-sectional study of critical care nurses in three intensive care units in Norway. Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere. ISSN 0809-9707. 19(1), p. 78–90. doi: 10.23865/inspira.v19.5894. Full text in Research Archive
• Jakobsen, Monica & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2024). Pårørendetilfredshet på intensivavdelinger – en tverrsnittstudie om pårørendes tilfredshet med pleie, behandling og beslutninger. Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere. ISSN 0809-9707. doi: 10.23865/inspira.v19.5799. Full text in Research Archive
• Friberg, Klara Sofia; Hofsø, Kristin; Rustøen, Tone; Ræder, Johan; Hagen, Milada & Puntillo, Kathleen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). The association between posttraumatic stress symptoms and hope following intensive care unit discharge: Findings from a longitudinal cohort study. Heart & Lung. ISSN 0147-9563. 70, p. 223–229. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.12.003. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Hope is essential for mental health in general and for recovery following severe illness. However, the associations between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and hope among intensive care unit (ICU) survivors has not been investigated. Objectives: To assess hope at 3, 6 and 12 months after ICU admission and examine possible associations between hope and selected demographic data, clinical characteristics, and 3-month PTSS-levels among ICU patients. Methods: ICU-patients from Norway self-reported on hope using Herth Hope Index. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics were collected from patient reports and medical records. PTSS were analysed 3 months after admission, using descriptive statistics and linear mixed model regression analyses. Results: A total of 73 adult ICU survivors were included (male n =45 (61.6%); median age 66 years [IQR:51.0;74.0]). Median hope scores were 41, 40, and 42 at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. A clinically minor but statistically significant reduction in hope was registered at 6 months (B=-1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.25, -0.23; p=0.016). Lower levels of PTSS 3 months after admission (B=-0.13; 95% CI [-0.23, -0.03]; p=0.015) and being employed before admission (B=5.87; 95% CI [1.85, 9.88]; p=0.004) were significantly associated with higher hope during the first year after admission. A small but statistically significant association was also found between higher hope and a more extended hospital stay (B=0.08; 95% CI [0.00, 0.15]; p= 0.042). Conclusions: Hope scores remained stable during the first year after ICU admission. Lower levels of PTSS at 3 months after admission, being employed prior to admission, and having longer hospital stay were associated with higher hope during the first year after admission. Given the small sample, more research in larger samples is needed to enhance the clinical relevance of these findings.

• Friberg, Klara; Hofsø, Kristin; Rustøen, Tone; Ræder, Johan; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova & Puntillo, Kathleen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Patient characteristics associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms in intensive care unit survivors during a one-year follow-up: A multicenter study. Heart & Lung. ISSN 0147-9563. 66, p. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.02.011. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at risk of suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after ICU survival. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of high levels of PTSS the first year after ICU admission. Further, to identify specific combinations of patient characteristics (latent classes based on pre-ICU data, demographics, and clinical characteristics), and to investigate possible associations among these classes and PTSS at 3, 6, and 12 months after ICU admission. Methods: Self-reported PTSS were measured with Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). PTSS and possible predictive factors (pre-ICU data, demographics, and clinical characteristics) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, latent class analysis, and linear mixed model for repeated measures. Results: High PTSS levels (IES-R ≥ 33) were reported by 14.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] [10.0; 21.1]), 16.7 % (95 % CI [11.5; 23.1]), and 18.4 % (95 % CI [12.9; 25.0]) of patients (sample 1, n = 174) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Three latent classes were identified (sample 2, n = 417). PTSS were significantly associated with class 2 (male with longer hospital stay) at 6 months and class 3 (age≥70, lower level of education, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score, being mechanically ventilated) at all three measurement times. Conclusions: The prevalence of high levels of PTSS is the greatest 12 months after ICU admission. Health pro- fessionals can use this information to be aware of specific groups of ICU patients reporting PTSS during the first year and follow up on these.

• Nikolaisen, Mette Kure; Fridh, Stina & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2023). Patient transfer from intensive care units to general wards: An exploratory qualitative study of ward nurses' experiences of patient safety. Nursing Open. 10(10), p. 6769–6776. doi: 10.1002/nop2.1923. Full text in Research Archive
• Wevling, Astrid Birgitte; Olsen, Brita Fosser; Nygaard, Anne Mette & Heiberg, Turid (2023). Knowledge and Awareness of Non-Technical Skills Over the Course of an Educational Program in Nursing - A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study. Advances in Medical Education and Practice. 14, p. 31–41. doi: 10.2147/amep.s379341. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Non-technical skills (NTS) play an important role in preventing adverse events during hospitalization. Knowledge, awareness and mastery of NTS becomes important key factors in preventing errors. Current status of students and supervisor’s knowledge and awareness of NTS are needed in order to construct an educational plan for improvement.<p><p> Purpose: To examine knowledge and awareness of NTS over the course of continuing education of nurse anaesthetists, emergency care nurses, critical care nurses, and operating room nurses. <p>Methods: A descriptive, repetitive cross-sectional design with a questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge and awareness in students and their supervisors about NTS at two different time points during the educational program. Cross tabulations were used in comparisons across specialties and between students and supervisors, frequencies to identify the levels of self-reported knowledge/ importance/focus in clinical practice/ impact on adverse events. <p>Results: The results showed that there was a numeric difference between the reported knowledge/focus in clinical practice on the one hand and importance/ impact on adverse events on the other, and that this gap was reduced after 12 months of education with special focus on NTS. There was no difference across specialties. Supervisors had higher focus on NTS in clinical practice and on the impact on adverse events, than students at both measurements. <p>Conclusion: These data suggest that NTS may have important potential for improvement if included into learning programs both in education and clinical practice. Integration of NTS in various learning activities seems to strengthen students’ competence about NTS.

• Friberg, Klara; Hofsø, Kristin; Ræder, Johan; Rustøen, Tone; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2023). Prevalence of and predictive factors associated with high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms 3 months after intensive care unit admission: A prospective study. Australian Critical Care. ISSN 1036-7314. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2023.06.005. Full text in Research Archive
• Høyum-Johansen, Gro Merete; Olsen, Brita Fosser; Wevling, Astrid Birgitte & Leonardsen, Ann-Chatrin Linqvist (2022). En kvalitativ studie av studenters egenopplevde kompetanseutvikling gjennom videreutdanning. Nordisk tidsskrift for helseforskning. ISSN 1504-3614. 18(2). doi: 10.7557/14.6298. Full text in Research Archive
• Laake, Jon Henrik; Buanes, Eirik A.; Småstuen, Milada C.; Kvåle, Reidar; Olsen, Brita Fosser & Rustøen, Tone [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Characteristics, management and survival of ICU patients with coronavirus disease-19 in Norway, March-June 2020. A prospective observational study. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-5172. 65(5), p. 618–628. doi: 10.1111/aas.13785. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Norwegian hospitals have operated within capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We present patient and management characteristics, and outcomes for the entire cohort of adult (>18 years) COVID-19 patients admitted to Norwegian intensive care units (ICU) from 10 March to 19 June 2020. Methods: Data were collected from The Norwegian intensive care and pandemic registry (NIPaR). Demographics, co-morbidities, management characteristics and outcomes are described. ICU length of stay (LOS) was analysed with linear regression, and associations between risk factors and mortality were quantified using Cox regression. Results: In total, 217 patients were included. The male to female ratio was 3:1 and the median age was 63 years. A majority (70%) had one or more co-morbidities, most frequently cardiovascular disease (39%), chronic lung disease (22%), diabetes mellitus (20%), and obesity (17%). Most patients were admitted for acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF) (91%) and invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) was used in 86%, prone ventilation in 38% and 25% of patients received a tracheostomy. Vasoactive drugs were used in 79% and renal replacement therapy in 15%. Median ICU LOS and time of MV was 14.0 and 12.0 days. At end of follow-up 45 patients (21%) were dead. Age, co-morbidities and severity of illness at admission were predictive of death. Severity of AHRF and male gender were associated with LOS. Conclusions: In this national cohort of COVID-19 patients, mortality was low and attributable to known risk factors. Importantly, prolonged length-of-stay must be taken into account when planning for resource allocation for any next surge.

• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2020). Nurse's Evaluation of a Pain Management Algorithm in Intensive Care Units. Pain Management Nursing. ISSN 1524-9042. 21(6), p. 543–548. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2020.05.006. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Many patients have memories of pain during intensive care unit stay. To improve pain management, practice guidelines recommend that pain management should be guided by routine pain assessment and suggest an assessment-driven, protocol-based, stepwise approach. This recommendation prompted the development of a pain-management algorithm. Aim: Evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of this algorithm. Design: A descriptive survey. Settings: One medical/surgical intensive care unit, one surgical intensive care unit, and one postanesthesia care unit at two hospitals in Norway. Participants/Subjects: Nurses working at the three units. Methods: A pain-management algorithm, including three pain assessment tools and a guide to pain assessment and pain management, was developed and implemented in three intensive care units. Nurses working at the three units (n = 129) responded to a questionnaire regarding the feasibility and clinical utility of the algorithm used. Results: Our results suggested that nurses considered the new pain-management algorithm to have relatively high feasibility, but somewhat lower clinical utility. Less than half of respondents thought that pain treatment in clinical practice had become more targeted using the tree pain-assessment tools (45%) and the algorithm for pain assessment and pain management (24%). Conclusions: Pain-management algorithms may be appropriate and useful in clinical practice. However, to increase clinical utility and to achieve more targeted pain treatment, more focus on pain-treatment actions and reassessment of patients’ pain is needed. Further focus in clinical practice on how to implement an algorithm and more focus on pain-treatment action and reassessment of patients’ pain is needed.

• Olsen, Brita Fosser & Nystrøm, Vivian (2020). Respiratorbehandling. In Gulbrandsen, Tove Anita & Stubberud, Dag-Gunnar (Ed.), Intensivsykepleie. Cappelen Damm AS. ISSN 9788202603748. p. 339–386. Full text in Research Archive
• Leonardsen, Ann-Chatrin Linqvist; Nystrøm, Vivian; Grimsrud, Inger-Johanne Sælid; Hauge, Linn Maria & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2020). Competence in caring for patients with respiratory insufficiency-A cross-sectional study. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing. ISSN 0964-3397. p. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.iccn.2020.102952. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen; Jacobsen, Morten; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Puntillo, Kathleen & Rustøen, Tone (2020). Pain in intensive care unit patients—A longitudinal study. Nursing Open. 8(1), p. 224–231. doi: 10.1002/nop2.621. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aim: To assess occurrence of pain during the first 6 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and evaluate associations between occurrence of pain and selected patient‐related variables. Design: A longitudinal study. Methods: Adult ICU patients from three units were included. Patients' pain was assessed with valid pain assessment tools every 8 hr during their first 6 days in ICU. Possible associations between occurrence of pain and selected patient‐related variables were modelled using multiple logistic regression. Results: When pain was assessed regularly with pain assessment tools, 10% of patients were in pain at rest and 27% were in pain during turning. The proportions of patients who were in pain were significantly higher for patients able to self‐report pain, compared with patients not able to self‐report (p < .001). Several predictors were associated with being in pain. It is important to be aware of these predictors in order to improve pain management.

• Nystrøm, Vivian; Olsen, Brita Fosser & Brekke, Idunn (2020). Practised sedation in mechanically ventilated patients: A survey of nurses’ perceptions. The Nordic Journal of Nursing Research (NJNR). ISSN 2057-1585. 40(2), p. 105–112. doi: 10.1177/2057158519899548. Full text in Research Archive
• Sandvik, Reidun Karin Norheim Myhre; Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rygh, Lars Jørgen & Moi, Asgjerd Litleré (2020). Pain relief from nonpharmacological interventions in the intensive care unit: A scoping review. Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN). ISSN 0962-1067. 29(9-10), p. 1488–1498. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15194. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aims and Objectives: To describe what is known from the existing literature on nonpharmacological interventions targeting pain in patients admitted to the ICU. Background: Patients receiving intensive care nursing are exposed to a wide range of pain provoking tissue damage, diseases, surgery and other medical procedures in addition to the pain caused by nursing care procedures. The present shift to light sedation to improve patient outcomes and comfort underscores the need for effective pain management. Opioids are the mainstay for treating pain in the ICUs, whereas nonpharmacological treatments are understudied and possibly under‐used. Method: A scoping review was undertaken using five of the six steps in the Arksey and O´Malley framework: (a) identification of the research question, (b) identification of relevant studies, (c) study selection, (d) charting the data and (e) collating, summarising and reporting the results. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, BMJ Best Practice, British Nursing Index and AMED databases were searched using relevant keywords to capture extensive evidence. Data were analysed using the six‐step criteria for scoping reviews suggested by Arksey and O´Malley for data extraction. To ensure quality and transparency, we enclosed the relevant Equator checklist PRISMA. Results: Our search yielded 10,985 articles of which 12 studies were included. Tools for pain assessments were VAS, NRS, ESAS and BPS. Interventions explored were hypnosis, simple massage, distraction, relaxation, spiritual care, harp music, music therapy, listening to natural sounds, passive exercise, acupuncture, ice packs and emotional support. Reduction in pain intensity was conferred for hypnosis, acupuncture and natural sounds. Conclusion: The findings support further investigations of acupuncture, hypnosis and listening to natural sounds. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The main finding suggests the use of comprehensive multimodal interventions to investigate the effects of nonpharmacological treatment protocols on pain intensity, pain proportion and the impact on opioid consumption and sedation requirements.

• Slang, Renate; Finsrud, Lene Tangen & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2020). Nursing interventions in intensive care unit patients with breathing difficulties: A scoping review of the evidence. The Nordic Journal of Nursing Research (NJNR). ISSN 2057-1585. 40(4), p. 176–187. doi: 10.1177/2057158520948834. Full text in Research Archive
• Olseng, Margareth; Olsen, Brita Fosser; Hetland, Sveinung Arild; Fagermoen, May Solveig & Jacobsen, Morten (2017). Quality of life improves in patients with chronic heart failure and Cheyne-Stokes respiration treated with adaptive servo-ventilation in a nurse-led heart failure clinic. Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN). ISSN 0962-1067. 26(9-10), p. 1226–1233. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13416. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone; Sandvik, Leiv; Jacobsen, Morten & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2016). Results of implementing a pain management algorithm in intensive care unit patients: The impact on pain assessment, length of stay, and duration of ventilation. Journal of Critical Care. ISSN 0883-9441. 36, p. 207–211. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2016.07.011. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone; Sandvik, Leiv; Miaskowski, Christine; Jacobsen, Morten B. & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2015). Development of a pain management algorithm for intensive care units. Heart & Lung. ISSN 0147-9563. 44(6), p. 521–527. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.09.001. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone; Sandvik, Leiv; Miaskowski, Christina; Jacobsen, Morten B. & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2015). Implementation of a pain management algorithm in intensive care units and evaluation of nurses' level of adherence with the algorithm. Heart & Lung. ISSN 0147-9563. 44(6), p. 528–533. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.08.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: To implement a pain management algorithm in intensive care units (ICU) and to evaluate nurses ’ level of adherence with the algorithm. Background: Many ICU patients experience pain. Therefore, an evidence-based algorithm for pain management was developed. Methods: A pain management algorithm was implemented in three units over three weeks. Nurses ’ level of adherence with the algorithm and associations between level of adherence and patient and unit characteristics over 22 weeks were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Nurses ’ level of adherence was 74.6%. Adherence rates were lower on the evening and night shifts compared to the day shift. Males were assessed signi fi cantly less frequently than females. Patients with “ injury, poisoning, or certain other consequences of external causes ” were assessed signi fi cantly less frequently than patients with “ diseases of the respiratory system. ” Conclusions: ICU nurses can use a pain management algorithm consistently. Findings from this study suggest that a pain management algorithm is a useful tool to increase ICU nurses’ adherence with pain assessment

• Olsen, Brita Fosser & Rustøen, Tone (2011). Er den norske versjonen av "Behavioral pain scale" pålitelig og brukervennlig? : smertevurdering av respiratorpasienter. Sykepleien Forskning. ISSN 1890-2936. p. 264–272. doi: 10.4220/sykepleienf.2011.0168. Full text in Research Archive

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• Johansen, Edda Aslaug; Hoff, Karen Borge; Larsen, Ellen Wesenberg; Lentz, Marit Storli; Olsen, Brita Fosser & Berntzen, Helene (2025). Forskning i ikke-universitetssykehus er viktig for å rekruttere og beholde sykepleiere. https://sykepleien.no/fag. 113. doi: https:/sykepleien.no/fag/2025/10/forskning-i-ikke-universitetssykehus-er-viktig-rekruttere-og-beholde-sykepleiere. Full text in Research Archive
• Rasi, Matias; Kvande, Monica Evelyn; Olsen, Brita Fosser & Harris, Kristin (2025). Critical care nursing research activities in Norwegian intensive care units - A cross-sectional study. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: Research is a fundamental responsibility of all healthcare trusts, serving as a cornerstone for evidence-based practice and the advancement of patient care and safety. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, resulting in accumulation of evidence-based practice. This study aims to identify the types of research activities critical care nurses are involved in and explore the factors facilitating and inhibiting research activities in Norwegian intensive care units (ICU). Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted at multiple ICUs in Norway. The survey included questions on institutional characteristics, research activities among nurses, and barriers and facilitators for research. Data were collected electronically from 56 Norwegian ICUs, with responses obtained from either a leader or a professional development nurse at each ICU. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, and thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. Results: The survey had a response rate of 46%, with participation from 26 ICUs. Overall, research conducted within these units was relatively limited, and about one - fourth had dedicated research personnel. The units reported various research activities, with master’s projects (85%) and quality improvement projects (73%) being the most common. About one in five units received research funding and 43% had published in a peer-reviewed journal within the last year. Qualitative results highlighted inhibitors such as lack of economic resources, negative research focus, and additional work with limited practical value. Facilitators included leader support, allocated research time, and increased economic resources. Discussion: The Norwegian ICUs report low nursing research activity, highlighting the importance of organizational support and economic resources to facilitate nursing research activities. The presence of a supportive multidisciplinary team and practical value of research for clinical practice are crucial for enhancing research activities. Differences between larger and smaller hospitals in terms of research activities and support were noted but were not statistically significant.

• Olsen, Brita Fosser & Nystrøm, Vivian (2025). Respiratorbehandling. In Stubberud, Dag-Gunnar & Solberg, Pål (Ed.), Intensivsykepleie. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202796983. p. 220–271. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hvordan kan intensivsykepleieren ivareta de grunnleggende behovene til pasienter som er akutt og/eller kritisk syke? Bokas forfattere svarer gjennom å beskrive hvordan intensivsykepleierens spesialkompetanse kommer til uttrykk i profesjonens ulike funksjons- og ansvarsområder. I denne femte reviderte utgaven er fagstoffet oppdatert i tråd med ny nasjonal og internasjonal forskning og kunnskap. Målet er å styrke kompetansen for dermed å bidra til faglig forsvarlig helsehjelp og optimal pasientsikkerhet. I denne reviderte utgaven er det gjort pedagogiske grep blant annet i form av repetisjonsoppgaver om sentrale temaer i hvert kapittel. Boka er primært skrevet for studenter som tar videreutdanning eller masterstudium i intensivsykepleie. Den er egnet som oppslagsverk for sykepleiere som arbeider i akuttmottak, intensivavdelinger, overvåkingsavdelinger og postoperative avdelinger.

• Olsen, Brita Fosser & Gulbrandsen, Tove (2025). Smertelindring. In Stubberud, Dag-Gunnar & Solberg, Pål (Ed.), Intensivsykepleie. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202796983. p. 365–384. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hvordan kan intensivsykepleieren ivareta de grunnleggende behovene til pasienter som er akutt og/eller kritisk syke? Bokas forfattere svarer gjennom å beskrive hvordan intensivsykepleierens spesialkompetanse kommer til uttrykk i profesjonens ulike funksjons- og ansvarsområder. I denne femte reviderte utgaven er fagstoffet oppdatert i tråd med ny nasjonal og internasjonal forskning og kunnskap. Målet er å styrke kompetansen for dermed å bidra til faglig forsvarlig helsehjelp og optimal pasientsikkerhet. I denne reviderte utgaven er det gjort pedagogiske grep blant annet i form av repetisjonsoppgaver om sentrale temaer i hvert kapittel. Boka er primært skrevet for studenter som tar videreutdanning eller masterstudium i intensivsykepleie. Den er egnet som oppslagsverk for sykepleiere som arbeider i akuttmottak, intensivavdelinger, overvåkingsavdelinger og postoperative avdelinger.

• Friberg, Klara; Hofsø, Kristin; Rustøen, Tone; Ræder, Johan; Hagen, Milada & Puntillo, Kathleen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Corrigendum to “The association between posttraumatic stress symptoms and hope following intensive care unit discharge: Findings from a longitudinal cohort study” [Heart & Lung Volume 70, MarchApril 2025, Pages 223-229] (Heart & Lung (2025) 70 (223–229), (S0147956324002450), (10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.12.003)). Heart & Lung. ISSN 0147-9563. 72, p. 83–84. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.04.001. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Ellen Klavestad; Sørli, Naylah Shahin & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2023). Hypotermi hos opererte pasienter - et stort problem? Full text in Research Archive
• Leonardsen, Ann-Chatrin Linqvist; Wevling, Astrid Birgitte & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2022). Hvordan vurderer sykepleiere egen kompetanse etter videreutdanning? Sykepleien. ISSN 0039-7628. doi: 10.4220/Sykepleiens.2022.89442. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser (2021). Oppbygging og implementering av forskning i en intensivavdeling. In Rustøen, Tone & Lerdal, Anners (Ed.), Klinisk forskning innen helsefag. Fagbokforlaget. ISSN 9788245022926. p. 212–224. Full text in Research Archive
• Deschepper, Mieke; Labeau, Sonia O.; Waegeman, Willem; Blot, Stijn I.; Afonso, Elsa & Benbenishty, Julie [Show all 1,738 contributors for this article] (2021). Pressure injury prediction models for critically-ill patients should consider both the case-mix and local factors. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing. ISSN 0964-3397. 65. doi: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103033. Full text in Research Archive
• Gulbrandsen, Tove Anita & Olsen, Brita Fosser (2020). Smertelindring. In Gulbrandsen, Tove Anita & Stubberud, Dag-Gunnar (Ed.), Intensivsykepleie. Cappelen Damm AS. ISSN 9788202603748. p. 136–155. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2016). Smertevurderingen av intensivpasienter – en kortfattet presentasjon av en studie. BestPractice nordic. 18(7). Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone; Jacobsen, Morten B. & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2016). Sykepleiernes bruk av en algoritme for smertebehandling hos intensivpasienter. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone; Sandvik, Leiv; Miaskowski, Christine; Jacobsen, Morten & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2015). Nurses’ adherence with using a pain assessment algorithm in intensive care unit patients. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Brita Fosser; Rustøen, Tone; Jacobsen, Morten & Valeberg, Berit Taraldsen (2014). En algoritme for å kartlegge og behandle smerte hos intensivpasienter. Full text in Research Archive

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