Status report from Norway: Implementation of patient involvement in Norwegian health care.

Norway has traditionally high standards regarding civil rights particularly emphasizing equal access to societal resources including health care. This background and the health care system's centralized national organization make it perfectly suited for implementation of shared decision making (SDM). In recent years, great efforts have been made by policy- makers, regional health authorities and not least the patients to facilitate a process of change in health communication culture.

PET-CT in the sub-arctic region of Norway 2010-2013. At the edge of what is possible?

Background: It is challenging to obtain a similar access to positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) within the whole region served. In the subarctic and arctic region of Norway, significant distances, weather conditions and seasonable darkness have been challenging when the health care provider has aimed for a high quality PET-CT service with similar availability to all inhabitants.

Methods: The PET-CT service at the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) was established in May 2010.

Nationwide improvement of rectal cancer treatment outcomes in Norway, 1993-2010.

Background: The Norwegian Rectal Cancer Project was initated in 1993 with the aims of improving surgery, decreasing local recurrence rates, improving survival, and establishing a national rectal cancer registry. Here we present results from the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry (NCCR) from 1993 to 2010.

Material And Methods: A total of 15 193 patients were diagnosed with rectal cancer in Norway 1993-2010, and were registered with clinical data regarding diagnosis, treatment, locoregional recurrences and distant metastases.

[Acute intermittent porphyria].

Background: Acute intermittent porphyria is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a mutation in the gene coding for the porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme in the haem biosynthesis. The prevalence varies geographically.

Material And Methods: This article presents a literature-based review of acute intermittent porphyria with emphasis on epidemiology and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.