Key discussions set the stage for new collaborations
Inspiration day at SDU on reducing health inequalities proves a great success.
The aim was to create an inspiring day that brought together experts, researchers, decision-makers, and representatives from both the private and public sectors, including the Minister for the Elderly, Mette Kierkgaard.
This was fully realised as U300 at the University of Southern Denmark reached full capacity on Thursday, 29th August, for an event featuring engaging presentations and discussions on how new collaborations and concrete initiatives can help reduce health inequalities.
Focus on New Partnerships
The event was opened by moderator Astrid Læssø, who, in dialogue with Jens Ringsmose, Rector of SDU, Ole Skøtt, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Bjarne Dahler-Eriksen, Medical Director at OUH, set the stage for the day's theme: reducing health inequalities through cross-sector collaboration.
Ole Skøtt highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking to create value for and with society.
He stated: - We look forward to unfolding our research strategy together with our partners to ensure a healthier future for all.
Inspiring Presentations and Dialogues
The programme included a series of presentations, during which Professor Anna Paldam Folker from the National Institute of Public Health and Jasper Schipperijn from the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, among others, discussed prevention, citizen involvement, and urban planning as key tools in combating health inequalities.
Additionally, Maja Thiele shared her experiences from clinical research on patient involvement as a necessary part of health solutions.
Following the presentations, participants could join a conversation gallery where they discussed concrete projects on topics such as patient involvement, civil society engagement, and digital solutions.
Ministerial Visit
On a day when a cabinet reshuffle dominated the media headlines, Minister for the Elderly Mette Kierkgaard found time to visit the Inspiration Day and shared her and the government's views and plans for reducing health inequalities.
- I believe that we are lacking quite a bit of knowledge in research within this field.
- There is a lot of inequality, especially when we encounter systems that do not communicate with each other. This is significant – particularly in the elderly population of Denmark.
The minister concluded by emphasising the need to turn initiatives into concrete actions. She is particularly looking forward to evaluating the area in practical 'loops', allowing for more ongoing assessments with all relevant parties involved.
The Way Forward: From Dialogue to Action
The Inspiration Day concluded with a discussion on the role of foundations and private associations in reducing health inequalities, featuring contributions from representatives of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, TrygFonden, and the Centre for Healthy Living and Well-being.
Uffe Holmskov, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, closed the day by thanking all participants and stressing the importance of continued collaboration and concrete actions.
The day was a crucial step towards building new relationships and partnerships that will lead to tangible projects and initiatives in autumn 2024.
The Four Key Topics of the Day:
- Prevention and Citizen Involvement
- Patient Involvement and Shared Decision-Making
- Cross-Sector Collaboration and Civil Society Engagement
- Digital and Technological Solutions