The Directorate of Health wanted an objective evaluation of the previous brain health strategy and therefore commissioned Oslo Economics to conduct an external survey in 2024. The results are included in the knowledge base for the updated strategy. The survey, which is based on the four main objectives of the previous strategy, included a document review, the collation of statistics, interviews with almost 40 informants and a workshop. The project group, partnership and working group contributed views ahead of the final design stage. Key findings from the survey and assessments by Oslo Economics are summarised below. See Appendix 4 for a full review of the report on the survey.
5.1.1 Evaluation of objective 1 – Good lifelong brain health, prevention and quality of life
The Directorate of Health has implemented information measures and campaigns with a broader focus than brain health, including physical activity and diet. It is uncertain whether the brain health strategy has played a pivotal role in these. A thematic page about the brain, brain health and brain diseases has been added to helsenorge.no, in addition to a page on the Directorate of Health’s website. It is unclear whether the strategy has led to more quality-assured healthy living, learning and coping services. The survey suggests that the strategy has not boosted health promotion and preventive initiatives among the health and care services. Although there have been some positive developments, the findings show that there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of preventive measures and quality of life.
5.1.2 Evaluation of objective 2 – A more user-centred healthcare service and better care for relatives
Two decision aids for brain diseases have been developed and others are considered to be beneficial. User organisations have contributed to thematic pages on brain health on helsenorge.no. NeuroNet was inspired by ParkinsonNet, but is not directly related to the strategy. EpilepsyNet (epilepsinett.org) was established as part of the brain health strategy. Respondents believe there is a need for more multidisciplinary networks. The brain health strategy has had limited impact on measures and activities. The work on the relatives strategy is not directly linked to the brain health strategy. Progress has been made towards a more user-centred offering, but further improvements are still needed, especially as regards accountability and objective follow-up.
5.1.3 Evaluation of objective 3 – Good care from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, to habilitation and rehabilitation
The survey showed that there have been no major changes in ensuring coordinated and multidisciplinary services. There is considerable variation in the offerings, especially at the transition from child to adult. Municipal rehabilitation services are inadequate and there is uncertainty as regards whether local or centralised services are better for patients. National treatment lines have been developed for children with acquired brain damage. Not everyone with brain diseases sees their right to an individual plan and coordinator fulfilled. The Directorate of Health is working on measures relating to dementia, including national professional guidelines. Learning networks for health professionals have seen broad participation from among the municipalities. The findings reveal both challenges and advances in the work relating to appropriate care pathways for individuals with brain disease.
5.1.4 Evaluation of objective 4 – Adequate knowledge and quality through research and innovation
The Research Council of Norway’s funding has strengthened research into brain health and brain diseases. User involvement has taken place irrespective of the strategy, but initiatives such as Neuro-SysMed and EpilepsyNet are results of the strategy. The NorTrials centres, including one for brain health, are promoting new solutions through public-private sector collaboration. New quality indicators have been introduced, but more are needed, especially in the field of mental health services and the multidisciplinary specialised treatment of substance abuse disorders. The national management system for health and social education was established before the strategy. E-learning programmes have been developed, but systematic sharing of training and experiences is lacking. This shows both progress and a need for improvement as regards our knowledge of brain health.