Ralf Kirchhoff
Ralf Kirchhoff
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
Ph.d-prosjekt: Helsepersonells erfaringer med hendelsesanalyse
Publications
Management and reforms in the Nordic hospital landscape
Aspects of Equality in Mandatory Partnerships – From the Perspective of Municipal Care in Norway
Helseledelse Om utfordringer og lederroller i endring
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.
2026
-
Frisvoll, Inger Cecilie;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2026)
Hvordan bestemmes tidspunkt for overføring av pasienter fra spesialist- til kommunehelsetjenesten? Observasjoner fra medisinske sengeposter.
Academic chapter
-
Besnier, Elodie Anne Suzanne;
Bungudo, Binyam Bogale;
Solberg, Mads;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Marchant-Salgado, Monica Cecilia;
Lewin, Simon Arnold.
(2026)
Experiences and Implementation of Patient-initiated follow-up implementation for chronic conditions: A qualitative evidence synthesis protocol.
zenodo
Study protocol
2025
-
Liepelt, Silje;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Sundal, Hildegunn;
Dale, Karl Yngvar.
(2025)
Healthcare Professionals’ Experience with Root Cause Analysis: A Case Study.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral thesis
-
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
-
D'Angelo, Egidio Niclas;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Halvorsen, Kristin.
(2025)
Legitimizing incapacity: discursive choices in Norwegian sickness certificates.
BMC Health Services Research
Academic article
2024
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Ødegård, Atle.
(2024)
Helseledelse : om utfordringer og lederroller i endring.
Fagbokforlaget
Anthology
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Vik, Erlend;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Digital leadership : Norwegian healthcare managers’ attitudes towards using digital tools.
Digital Health
Academic article
-
Djupvik, Alf Roger;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Profesjonsbyråkrati, styringsparadigmer og lederroller i endring.
Academic chapter
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Hvordan opplever ledere i sykehus egen kompetanse?.
Academic chapter
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Ødegård, Atle.
(2024)
Helseledelse : om utfordringer og lederroller i endring.
Introduction in anthology
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb.
(2024)
Tilsynsperspektivet på ledelse innen tvungen somatisk helsehjelp.
Academic chapter
-
Rødal, Jorunn;
Hansson, Lisa;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Standardisering og variasjon i kommunale forskrifter for tildeling av langtids sykehjemsplass.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
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
2023
-
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
-
D'Angelo, Egidio Niclas;
Hara, Karen Walseth;
Halvorsen, Kristin;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2023)
General practitioners’ description of functioning in sickness certificates.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open (SSHO)
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
-
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
-
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
-
Pukstad, Brita;
Oestvang, Janne;
Ingebrigtsen, Erik;
Lenschow, Harald;
Onsøyen, Lars E.;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ødegård, Rune Strand.
(2020)
Ph.d.-administrative støttesystemer.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Research report
-
Frisvoll, Inger Cecilie;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Å skrive ut pasienter til kommunene - faglig rasjonalitet under press?.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
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?.
Academic chapter
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
Conference abstract
2016
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Gjerde, Ingunn;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2016)
Samhandlingsreformen og fastlegene – et avstandsforhold?.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Berg, Helen.
(2016)
Bruk av videokommunikasjonsteknologi i hverdags- og/eller telerehabilitering.
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
-
Vadset, Tove B.;
Kongshaug, Arnhild Vestnes;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2016)
Best mulig forberedt - evaluering av simulatorbasert samtrening i intensiv sykepleie.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Research report
2015
-
Rutle, Adrian;
Simonsen, Kent Inge Fagerland;
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
-
Hall-Lord, Marie Louise;
Marhaug, Gudmund;
Hoffmann, Bjørn;
Ballangrud, Randi;
Lunde, Birgitta Hansen;
Olsen, Marit;
Storli, Marit;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Olsen, Lars André;
Reine, Elisabeth.
(2015)
Rapport fra arbeidsgruppe Pasientsikkerhet.
NTNU, HiST, Høgskolen i gjøvik, Høgskolen i Ålesund
Research report
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ljunggren, Elin Birgitte.
(2015)
Equality in partnerships. The Coordination Reform in Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Conference abstract
2014
-
Blindheim, Kari;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Dahl, Berit Misund.
(2014)
Helse og læring.
Høgskolen i Ålesund
Research report
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Nesset, Erik.
(2014)
Tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge - ulike syn på faglig oppdatering?.
Academic chapter
2013
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2013)
Tyske sykehusleger i Norge i et institusjonelt perspektiv.
Universitetet i Bergen
Doctoral thesis
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
-
Besnier, Elodie Anne Suzanne;
Bungudo, Binyam Bogale;
Solberg, Mads;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Marchant-Salgado, Monica Cecilia;
Lewin, Simon Arnold.
(2026)
Experiences and Implementation of Patient-initiated follow-up implementation for chronic conditions: A qualitative evidence synthesis protocol.
zenodo
Study protocol
-
Rutle, Adrian;
Simonsen, Kent Inge Fagerland;
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;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Gjerde, Ingunn;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2016)
Samhandlingsreformen og fastlegene – et avstandsforhold?.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
Academic article
-
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
-
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
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Vik, Erlend;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Digital leadership : Norwegian healthcare managers’ attitudes towards using digital tools.
Digital Health
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;
Grimsmo, Anders;
Brekk, Åge.
(2015)
Kommuner og helseforetak - ble de enige om noe?.
Tidsskrift for velferdsforskning
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
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2011)
Tilhørighet til arbeidsplassen: en komparativ studie av tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge.
Tidsskrift for samfunnsforskning (TfS)
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
-
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
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Berg, Helen.
(2016)
Bruk av videokommunikasjonsteknologi i hverdags- og/eller telerehabilitering.
Sykepleien Forskning
Academic literature review
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Aarseth, Turid.
(2019)
Management and reforms in the Nordic hospital landscape.
Journal of Health Organisation and Management
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
-
Frisvoll, Inger Cecilie;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2020)
Å skrive ut pasienter til kommunene - faglig rasjonalitet under press?.
Tidsskrift for omsorgsforskning
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;
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
Conference abstract
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2019)
Moralsk stress blant sykepleiere i medisinske og kirurgiske avdelinger.
Nordisk sygeplejeforskning
Academic article
-
D'Angelo, Egidio Niclas;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Halvorsen, Kristin.
(2025)
Legitimizing incapacity: discursive choices in Norwegian sickness certificates.
BMC Health Services Research
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
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2010)
Forskjeller i opplevelse av arbeidsmiljøet blant norske og tyske overleger i Norge :.
Søkelys på arbeidslivet
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 (SSHO)
Academic article
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ljunggren, Elin Birgitte.
(2015)
Equality in partnerships. The Coordination Reform in Norway.
International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC)
Conference abstract
-
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
Books
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Ødegård, Atle.
(2024)
Helseledelse : om utfordringer og lederroller i endring.
Fagbokforlaget
Anthology
Part of book/report
-
Frisvoll, Inger Cecilie;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2026)
Hvordan bestemmes tidspunkt for overføring av pasienter fra spesialist- til kommunehelsetjenesten? Observasjoner fra medisinske sengeposter.
Academic chapter
-
Djupvik, Alf Roger;
Aarseth, Turid;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Profesjonsbyråkrati, styringsparadigmer og lederroller i endring.
Academic chapter
-
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2024)
Hvordan opplever ledere i sykehus egen kompetanse?.
Academic chapter
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Vik, Erlend;
Ødegård, Atle.
(2024)
Helseledelse : om utfordringer og lederroller i endring.
Introduction in anthology
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Oksavik, Jannike Dyb.
(2024)
Tilsynsperspektivet på ledelse innen tvungen somatisk helsehjelp.
Academic chapter
-
Bøyum-Folkeseth, Linda;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2018)
Endringer i klageregler : stor økning i klager etter samhandlingsreformen?.
Academic chapter
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Nesset, Erik.
(2014)
Tyske og norske sykehusleger i Norge - ulike syn på faglig oppdatering?.
Academic chapter
Report
-
Pukstad, Brita;
Oestvang, Janne;
Ingebrigtsen, Erik;
Lenschow, Harald;
Onsøyen, Lars E.;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Ødegård, Rune Strand.
(2020)
Ph.d.-administrative støttesystemer.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Research report
-
Blindheim, Kari;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Dahl, Berit Misund.
(2014)
Helse og læring.
Høgskolen i Ålesund
Research report
-
Hall-Lord, Marie Louise;
Marhaug, Gudmund;
Hoffmann, Bjørn;
Ballangrud, Randi;
Lunde, Birgitta Hansen;
Olsen, Marit;
Storli, Marit;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Olsen, Lars André;
Reine, Elisabeth.
(2015)
Rapport fra arbeidsgruppe Pasientsikkerhet.
NTNU, HiST, Høgskolen i gjøvik, Høgskolen i Ålesund
Research report
-
Vadset, Tove B.;
Kongshaug, Arnhild Vestnes;
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2016)
Best mulig forberedt - evaluering av simulatorbasert samtrening i intensiv sykepleie.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Research report
Student thesis or dissertation
-
Liepelt, Silje;
Kirchhoff, Ralf;
Sundal, Hildegunn;
Dale, Karl Yngvar.
(2025)
Healthcare Professionals’ Experience with Root Cause Analysis: A Case Study.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral thesis
-
Kirchhoff, Ralf.
(2013)
Tyske sykehusleger i Norge i et institusjonelt perspektiv.
Universitetet i Bergen
Doctoral thesis
Teaching
Courses
- SYA2301 - Clinical leadership and health service development
- HELA3900 - Master's Thesis in Health Care Management
- HELA3901 - Master's Thesis in Healthcare Management
- HELA3004 - Using evidence to inform health decision-making
- HELA3001 - Patient Safety and Management
- HELA3002 - Sustainable Health Leadership
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
Helseledere har positiv grunnholdning til digitalisering
Formell lederutdanning har betydning
2026
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Conference lectureKirchhoff, Ralf. (2026) Medierepresentasjoner av kunstig intelligens i høyere utdanning: kulturelle dragkamper i Khrono (2022–2026). Fjordkonferansen 2026
2023
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Conference posterRyan, R.; Wolfenden, Luke; Shepperd, Sasha; Cumpston, M.; Parkhill, A.; Merner, B; Doyle, J; Walsh, L; Solberg, Mads; Kirchhoff, Ralf. (2023) Why we need a new Cochrane Thematic Group on Person-centred care, Health Systems and Public Health. 27th Cochrane Colloquium
2021
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InterviewBjåen, Bjørgulf K. (avisa Vårt Land); Kirchhoff, Ralf. (2021) Pandemien river i Norge - men ingen flere intensivplasser.
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Contribution to radio or TV
2020
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Feature article
-
Conference lectureKirchhoff, Ralf; Solberg, Mads. (2020) A framework for policy research on governmental trust and AAL-technology: a proposal. ISG's 12th World Conference of Gerontechnology
2016
-
Feature article
2008
-
Feature article
2005
-
Feature article