Heidi Bjørge

Heidi Bjørge is an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Nursing and Health Promotion. Her work is centered at the Centre for Senior Citizen Staff, where she contributes to research and education in nursing, particularly in mental health and dementia care. She holds a strong commitment to improving care practices for elderly individuals and their families.

• Current Position: Associate Professor
• Institution: Oslo Metropolitan University
• Research Focus: Dementia, Family Caregiving, Minority Health, Quality of Life
• Email: heidi.bjorge@oslomet.no

Dr. Bjørge's research primarily explores the experiences and challenges faced by family caregivers of individuals with dementia, especially from minority ethnic backgrounds. Her work emphasizes relationship quality, emotional well-being, and social integration within care settings. She investigates transitions to institutional care, caregiver burden, and the dynamics between healthcare professionals and families. Her studies often employ qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, contributing significantly to gerontological nursing and public health.

The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on caregiving across cultural contexts, pandemic impacts on nursing education, and social support systems for the elderly. Her work spans international collaborations, including studies in India, and addresses equity in healthcare delivery. Themes of gender, loneliness, and chronic disease management are recurrent in her research portfolio.

While no formal list of awards is provided, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as BMC Health Services Research, Journal of Advanced Nursing, and Dementia underscores her scholarly impact. She actively disseminates findings through Nordic and international conferences, contributing to both academic and clinical discourse.

Heidi Bjørge mentors nursing students and engages in educational development, particularly in clinical training and simulation-based learning. Her work during the pandemic reflects a deep commitment to student support and adaptive teaching methodologies. She collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including Liv Torill Halvorsrud, Daniela Lillekroken, and Ragnhild Gulestø, fostering strong research networks in gerontology and nursing.

She is involved in research teams focusing on municipal healthcare services, dementia care pathways, and minority health integration. Her projects often examine interactions between healthcare personnel and caregivers, aiming to improve communication, cultural competence, and service delivery in community-based settings.