Ralf Kirchhoff
Ralf Kirchhoff
Professor of Organization and Management in health services I Deputy head of research I Programme leader Master in Healthcare Management
rk@ntnu.no
About
Research Interests
Kirchhoff's research interests are in health policy and health systems. He is especially interested in reforms or other significant changes in health services. His work and projects are typically interdisciplinary and can be grouped under health services research.
Education
PhD in Administration and Organization Theory at the University of Bergen, Norway, focusing on differences between migrated German physicians and Norwegian physicians in hospitals in Norway.
Competencies
Research
Ph.d. prosjekt: Kommunikasjon mellom fastleger og NAV – en studie av utvidet sykmeldingsblanketter for brukere med vanlige psykiske lidelser
Prosjektet er et samarbeid mellom NTNU og NAV gjennom Offentlig ph.d. program.
Prosjektet gir kunnskap om kommunikasjon mellom helsetjeneste og NAV er lagt til rette for tilbakeføring til arbeid eller inntektssikring.
Ph.d-prosjekt: Helsepersonells erfaringer med hendelsesanalyse
Undersøke erfaringer til helsepersonell, RCA-teamet og ledere med hendelsesanalyse etter alvorlige uønskede hendelser i somatikken/spesialisthelsetjenesten.
Publications
Management and reforms in the Nordic hospital landscape
Management and reforms in the Nordic hospital landscape (Kirchhoff et al., 2019) is a systematic literature study that deals with the research literature on management and hospital reforms in the Nordics in the period 2000 – 2016.
Aspects of Equality in Mandatory Partnerships – From the Perspective of Municipal Care in Norway
This paper raises questions about equality in partnerships, since imbalance in partnerships may effect collaboration outcomes in integrated care.
Helseledelse Om utfordringer og lederroller i endring
Helseledelse - om utfordringer og lederroller i endring er en vitenskapelig antologi. Boka inneholder forskningsbidrag og teoretiske perspektiv på hva som kjennetegner ledelse og organisering i helsetjenesten.
My scientific works within the research profile organization and management are mainly connected to reforms. Healthcare managers influence, lead, give direction, and try to create meaning in what happens in and around their organizations. Therefore, health managers and society need knowledge of how reform-initiated changes affect various aspects of health services.
2025
-
Liepelt, Silje;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2025)
Hospital managers’ experiences of conducting a root cause analysis: A case study following a sentinel event.
Frontiers in Health Services
Academic article
2024
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Ødegård, Atle.
(2024)
Helseledelse : om utfordringer og lederroller i endring.
Fagbokforlaget
Introduction
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Hvordan opplever ledere i sykehus egen kompetanse?.
Fagbokforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Djupvik, Alf Roger;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Profesjonsbyråkrati, styringsparadigmer og lederroller i endring
.
Fagbokforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Solberg, Mads;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Wessel, Lauri Kristian.
(2024)
Organizing visions for data-centric management: how Norwegian policy documents construe the use of data in health organizations.
Journal of Health Organisation and Management
Academic article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Vik, Erlend;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Digital leadership : Norwegian healthcare managers’ attitudes towards using digital tools.
Digital Health
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb.
(2024)
Tilsynsperspektivet på ledelse innen tvungen somatisk helsehjelp.
Fagbokforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Rødal, Jorunn;
Hansson, Lisa;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Standardisering og variasjon i kommunale forskrifter for tildeling av langtids sykehjemsplass.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
2023
-
D'Angelo, Egidio Niclas;
Hara, Karen Walseth;
Halvorsen, Kristin;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
General practitioners’ description of functioning in sickness certificates.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open
Academic article
-
Solberg, Mads;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
Media Representations of Healthcare Robotics in Norway 2000-2020: A Topic Modeling Approach.
Social science computer review
Academic article
-
Liepelt, Silje;
Sundal, Hildegunn;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
Team experiences of the root cause analysis process after a sentinel event : a qualitative case study.
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
2021
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Solbjør, Marit;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Sogstad, Maren Kristine Raknes.
(2021)
Games of uncertainty: the participation of older patients with multimorbidity in care planning meetings - a qualitative study.
BMC Geriatrics
Academic article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Aarseth, Turid;
Solbjør, Marit;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2021)
'What matters to you?' : normative integration of an intervention to promote participation of older patients with multi-morbidity - a qualitative case study .
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
2020
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Koronakrisen – om å gjøre det rette, også når det er tvil.
Gemini
Feature article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Sogstad, Maren Kristine Raknes;
Solbjør, Marit.
(2020)
Sharing responsibility: Municipal health professionals' approaches to goal setting with older patients with multi-morbidity - a grounded theory study.
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
-
Frisvoll, Inger Cecilie;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Å skrive ut pasienter til kommunene - faglig rasjonalitet under press? .
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
Pukstad, Brita;
Oestvang, Janne;
Ingebrigtsen, Erik;
Lenschow, Harald;
Onsøyen, Lars E.;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Ph.d.-administrative støttesystemer.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Report
-
Melbye, Marita Christina Susanne;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Tverrprofesjonell in situ simulering på intensivavdelingen - erfaringer blant leger og sykepleiere.
Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere
Academic article
2019
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2019)
Management and reforms in the Nordic hospital landscape.
Journal of Health Organisation and Management
Academic literature review
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2019)
Moralsk stress blant sykepleiere i medisinske og kirurgiske avdelinger.
Nordisk sygeplejeforskning
Academic article
2018
-
Huby, Guro Øyen;
Cook, Ailsa;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2018)
Can we mandate partnership working? Top down meets bottom up in structural reforms in Scotland and Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Academic article
-
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2018)
Endringer i klageregler : stor økning i klager etter samhandlingsreformen?.
Universitetsforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
2017
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Kongshaug, Arnhild Vestnes;
Vadset, Tove Bjørnland.
(2017)
Self-Assessment of Intensive Care Nurses’ Team Performance Compared with Intensive Care Nursing Students.
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
Abstract
2016
-
Vadset, Tove B.;
Kongshaug, Arnhild Vestnes;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2016)
Best mulig forberedt - evaluering av simulatorbasert samtrening i intensiv sykepleie.
NTNU i Ålesund
Report
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Gjerde, Ingunn;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2016)
Samhandlingsreformen og fastlegene – et avstandsforhold?.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
Huby, Guro Øyen;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2016)
Bestemor med brukket rygg i helsetjenestenes hinderløype.
Dagsavisen
Feature article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Berg, Helen.
(2016)
Use of video communication technology in the light of everyday and telerehabilitation.
Sykepleien Forskning
Academic literature review
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ljunggren, Birgitte.
(2016)
Aspects of Equality in Mandatory Partnerships - From the Perspective of Municipal Care in Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Academic article
2015
-
Rutle, Adrian;
Fagerland Simonsen, Kent Inge;
Schaathun, Hans Georg;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2015)
Model-driven software engineering in practice: A content analysis software for health reform agreements.
Procedia Computer Science
Academic article
-
Brekk, Åge;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2015)
Hvor ble det av pasienten i samarbeidsavtalene?.
Nordiske organisasjonsstudier
Academic article
-
Grimsmo, Anders;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2015)
Samhandlingsreformen i Norge.
Nordiske organisasjonsstudier
Academic article
-
Hall-Lord, Marie Louise;
Marhaug, Gudmund;
Hoffmann, Bjørn;
Ballangrud, Randi;
Lunde, Birgitta Hansen;
Olsen, Marit.
(2015)
Rapport fra arbeidsgruppe Pasientsikkerhet.
NTNU, HiST, Høgskolen i gjøvik, Høgskolen i Ålesund
Report
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Grimsmo, Anders;
Brekk, Åge.
(2015)
Kommuner og helseforetak - ble de enige om noe?.
Tidsskrift for velferdsforskning
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ljunggren, Elin Birgitte.
(2015)
Equality in partnerships. The Coordination Reform in Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Abstract
2014
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Nesset, Erik.
(2014)
Tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge - ulike syn på faglig oppdatering?.
Forlag1
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Blindheim, Kari;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Dahl, Berit Misund.
(2014)
Helse og læring.
Rapport HiÅ (5)
Report
2013
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2013)
Tyske sykehusleger i Norge i et institusjonelt perspektiv.
Universitetet i Bergen
Universitetet i Bergen
Doctoral dissertation
2011
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2011)
Tilhørighet til arbeidsplassen: en komparativ studie av tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge.
Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS)
Academic article
2010
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2010)
Forskjeller i opplevelse av arbeidsmiljøet blant norske og tyske overleger i Norge :.
Søkelys på arbeidslivet
Academic article
Journal publications
-
Liepelt, Silje;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2025)
Hospital managers’ experiences of conducting a root cause analysis: A case study following a sentinel event.
Frontiers in Health Services
Academic article
-
Solberg, Mads;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Wessel, Lauri Kristian.
(2024)
Organizing visions for data-centric management: how Norwegian policy documents construe the use of data in health organizations.
Journal of Health Organisation and Management
Academic article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Vik, Erlend;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Digital leadership : Norwegian healthcare managers’ attitudes towards using digital tools.
Digital Health
Academic article
-
Rødal, Jorunn;
Hansson, Lisa;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Standardisering og variasjon i kommunale forskrifter for tildeling av langtids sykehjemsplass.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
D'Angelo, Egidio Niclas;
Hara, Karen Walseth;
Halvorsen, Kristin;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
General practitioners’ description of functioning in sickness certificates.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open
Academic article
-
Solberg, Mads;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
Media Representations of Healthcare Robotics in Norway 2000-2020: A Topic Modeling Approach.
Social science computer review
Academic article
-
Liepelt, Silje;
Sundal, Hildegunn;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
Team experiences of the root cause analysis process after a sentinel event : a qualitative case study.
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Solbjør, Marit;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Sogstad, Maren Kristine Raknes.
(2021)
Games of uncertainty: the participation of older patients with multimorbidity in care planning meetings - a qualitative study.
BMC Geriatrics
Academic article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Aarseth, Turid;
Solbjør, Marit;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2021)
'What matters to you?' : normative integration of an intervention to promote participation of older patients with multi-morbidity - a qualitative case study .
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Koronakrisen – om å gjøre det rette, også når det er tvil.
Gemini
Feature article
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Sogstad, Maren Kristine Raknes;
Solbjør, Marit.
(2020)
Sharing responsibility: Municipal health professionals' approaches to goal setting with older patients with multi-morbidity - a grounded theory study.
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
-
Frisvoll, Inger Cecilie;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Å skrive ut pasienter til kommunene - faglig rasjonalitet under press? .
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
Melbye, Marita Christina Susanne;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Tverrprofesjonell in situ simulering på intensivavdelingen - erfaringer blant leger og sykepleiere.
Inspira – tidsskrift for anestesi-, operasjon- og intensivsykepleiere
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2019)
Management and reforms in the Nordic hospital landscape.
Journal of Health Organisation and Management
Academic literature review
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2019)
Moralsk stress blant sykepleiere i medisinske og kirurgiske avdelinger.
Nordisk sygeplejeforskning
Academic article
-
Huby, Guro Øyen;
Cook, Ailsa;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2018)
Can we mandate partnership working? Top down meets bottom up in structural reforms in Scotland and Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Kongshaug, Arnhild Vestnes;
Vadset, Tove Bjørnland.
(2017)
Self-Assessment of Intensive Care Nurses’ Team Performance Compared with Intensive Care Nursing Students.
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
Abstract
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Gjerde, Ingunn;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2016)
Samhandlingsreformen og fastlegene – et avstandsforhold?.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
Huby, Guro Øyen;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2016)
Bestemor med brukket rygg i helsetjenestenes hinderløype.
Dagsavisen
Feature article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Berg, Helen.
(2016)
Use of video communication technology in the light of everyday and telerehabilitation.
Sykepleien Forskning
Academic literature review
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ljunggren, Birgitte.
(2016)
Aspects of Equality in Mandatory Partnerships - From the Perspective of Municipal Care in Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Academic article
-
Rutle, Adrian;
Fagerland Simonsen, Kent Inge;
Schaathun, Hans Georg;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2015)
Model-driven software engineering in practice: A content analysis software for health reform agreements.
Procedia Computer Science
Academic article
-
Brekk, Åge;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2015)
Hvor ble det av pasienten i samarbeidsavtalene?.
Nordiske organisasjonsstudier
Academic article
-
Grimsmo, Anders;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2015)
Samhandlingsreformen i Norge.
Nordiske organisasjonsstudier
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Grimsmo, Anders;
Brekk, Åge.
(2015)
Kommuner og helseforetak - ble de enige om noe?.
Tidsskrift for velferdsforskning
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ljunggren, Elin Birgitte.
(2015)
Equality in partnerships. The Coordination Reform in Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Abstract
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2011)
Tilhørighet til arbeidsplassen: en komparativ studie av tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge.
Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS)
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2010)
Forskjeller i opplevelse av arbeidsmiljøet blant norske og tyske overleger i Norge :.
Søkelys på arbeidslivet
Academic article
Part of book/report
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Ødegård, Atle.
(2024)
Helseledelse : om utfordringer og lederroller i endring.
Fagbokforlaget
Introduction
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Hvordan opplever ledere i sykehus egen kompetanse?.
Fagbokforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Djupvik, Alf Roger;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Profesjonsbyråkrati, styringsparadigmer og lederroller i endring
.
Fagbokforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb.
(2024)
Tilsynsperspektivet på ledelse innen tvungen somatisk helsehjelp.
Fagbokforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2018)
Endringer i klageregler : stor økning i klager etter samhandlingsreformen?.
Universitetsforlaget
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Nesset, Erik.
(2014)
Tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge - ulike syn på faglig oppdatering?.
Forlag1
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
Report
-
Pukstad, Brita;
Oestvang, Janne;
Ingebrigtsen, Erik;
Lenschow, Harald;
Onsøyen, Lars E.;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Ph.d.-administrative støttesystemer.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Report
-
Vadset, Tove B.;
Kongshaug, Arnhild Vestnes;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2016)
Best mulig forberedt - evaluering av simulatorbasert samtrening i intensiv sykepleie.
NTNU i Ålesund
Report
-
Hall-Lord, Marie Louise;
Marhaug, Gudmund;
Hoffmann, Bjørn;
Ballangrud, Randi;
Lunde, Birgitta Hansen;
Olsen, Marit.
(2015)
Rapport fra arbeidsgruppe Pasientsikkerhet.
NTNU, HiST, Høgskolen i gjøvik, Høgskolen i Ålesund
Report
-
Blindheim, Kari;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Dahl, Berit Misund.
(2014)
Helse og læring.
Rapport HiÅ (5)
Report
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2013)
Tyske sykehusleger i Norge i et institusjonelt perspektiv.
Universitetet i Bergen
Universitetet i Bergen
Doctoral dissertation
Teaching
Courses
- HELA3900 - Masteroppgave i helseledelse
- SYA3022 - Pasientsikkerhet og kvalitetsforbedring
- HELA3003 - Samfunnsvitenskapelige metoder
- HELA3004 - Bruk av kunnskap som beslutningsstøtte i helsetjenesten
- HELA3001 - Pasientsikkerhet og ledelse
- HELA3002 - Bærekraftig helseledelse
Since 2007, I have taught various subjects at the Master's degree level related to health service management and organisation. In the main, I provide teaching and guidance on different management and organisation-related topics such as collaboration, organisational culture, organisational structure, coordination, patient safety, distinctive management features in health services, laws/regulations, reforms, and change. The target group is Master's students with a professional background in healthcare (nurses, social workers, social workers, doctors, physiotherapists etc.). In addition to teaching, I supervise Master's students and PhD students.
My teaching philosophy is that the students should be involved in the teaching to the greatest possible extent so that they can reflect on their practice and future leadership roles. I use different methods to achieve this, combining traditional teaching/lectures with cases, group work, individual tasks, etc.
In 2020, I took the initiative to establish a Collaboration and Development Arena for healthcare managers in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, to meet working life's need for closer collaboration between working life and academia. The arena (named SUHEL in Norwegian) has become a network between managers in the health and social services in the municipalities, managers in Helse Møre and Romsdal HF, as well as teachers from NTNU, Volda University College and Molde University College associated with the Master's program in health management. SUHEL aims to enable managers to carry out and lead professional development and innovation in their organisations and to initiate practice-based research activity in collaboration with the region's university and university college sector, especially Master's in health management. The network opens up common understanding and new working methods by creating closer contact between the region's health and care services leaders, researchers and students.
Outreach
Koronakrisen: Om å gjøre det rette, også når det er tvil
Under koronapandemien ble vurderingsevnen til våre politikere satt på prøve. Det å gjøre det rette var vanskelig, særlig i en periode der det var tvil rundt hvilke tiltak som virket. Denne kronikken ble skrevet i en tidlig fase av pandemien.
Helseledere har positiv grunnholdning til digitalisering
En spørreundersøkelse blant helseledere i Møre og Romsdal viser en positiv grunnholdning til bruken av digitale verktøy.
Formell lederutdanning har betydning
Formell lederutdanning har betydning for hvordan helseledere vurderer sin egen kompetanse, viser SUHEL-undersøkelsen.
2023
-
PosterRyan, R.; Wolfenden, Luke; Shepperd, Sasha; Cumpston, M.; Parkhill, A.; Merner, B. (2023) Why we need a new Cochrane Thematic Group on Person-centred care, Health Systems and Public Health. Cochrane 27th Cochrane Colloquium , London 2023-09-03 - 2023-09-06
2021
-
InterviewBjåen, Bjørgulf K. (avisa Vårt Land); Kirchhoff, Ralf. (2021) Pandemien river i Norge - men ingen flere intensivplasser. https://www.vl.no/nyheter/2021/12/17/pandemien-river-i-norge https://www.vl.no/nyheter/2021/12/17/pandemien-river-i-norge [Newspaper] 2021-12-17
-
Programme participationKjølås, Bibbi; Kirchhoff, Ralf. (2021) Intervju om helseledere i Møre og Romsdal. NRK Møre og Romsdal NRK Møre og Romsdal [Radio] 2021-11-19
2020
-
Academic lectureKirchhoff, Ralf; Solberg, Mads. (2020) A framework for policy research on governmental trust and AAL-technology: a proposal. The International Society for Gerontechnology ISG's 12th World Conference of Gerontechnology , Trondheim 2020-10-06 - 2020-10-09