Trygve Skonnord

Trygve Skonnord is an Associate Professor in the Department of General Practice at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. He has been actively engaged in both clinical practice and academic research, transitioning to a full-time academic role in 2022 after 26 years as a general practitioner. His work is centered on advancing primary healthcare through rigorous methodological research and innovative clinical interventions.

Research Interests: Dr. Skonnord's research spans method development in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), particularly in primary care settings, with a focus on integrating digital tools for data collection. He is deeply involved in studying musculoskeletal disorders, chronic and acute pain conditions (especially low back and neck pain), non-pharmacological treatments such as acupuncture, and the application of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in general practice. He also contributes to medical education and patient-centered care models.

Recent Research Trends: His recent publications highlight a growing emphasis on qualitative and mixed-methods studies exploring diagnostic uncertainty in POCUS, patient experiences during the pandemic, and the ethical considerations in prescribing hypnotics to the elderly. He also leads innovative projects like the HEYoung Study, which co-creates person-centered interventions for adolescents with persistent pain, reflecting a shift toward participatory and sustainable healthcare models.

• Collaboration and Recruitment Award (2018) – Norwegian Society for Pain Medicine, Norwegian Medical Association
• Paper of the Year (2013) – Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care

Advising and Grants: Dr. Skonnord serves as main supervisor for PhD candidates Hans-Christian Myklestul (on ultrasound in general practice) and Gunhild Nytrøen (on pain and coordination plans post-injury). He leads multiple research projects including 'Ultrasound in Norwegian General Practice', 'Pain and Coordination Plan (SOS/PAC-plan)', and 'The HEYoung Study'. His collaborations extend nationally and internationally with institutions such as the University of Bergen, Oslo Metropolitan University, Aalborg University (Denmark), Sorbonne University (France), and the University of Southern Denmark.

Labs and Research Groups: He is affiliated with several research groups at UiO, including the Clinical General Practice Research (Allmix), Injury Prevention and Outcomes following Trauma (IPOT), and Musculoskeletal disorders and pain groups, which focus on improving outcomes in primary care through evidence-based innovation.