Research at the Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care
The division conducts a broad range of research with some 70 researchers and doctoral students with roots in family medicine and primary care. Our research covers clinical, patient-centred, epidemiological and care science aspects.
The research is linked to Karolinska Institutet, and is largely funded through the ALF agreement with Stockholm County Council. The division is home to two research groups, researchers as well as researchers affiliated with the division. Approximately 70 articles are published annually in reputable scientific journals.
Research Areas
The division's research develops knowledge in four main areas that are of great significance to primary care and the health of the population:
Chronic conditions
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis/frailty
- Pain
Healthcare and social work
Medical education (pedagogy)
Mental health
Research Groups
Research group Johan Ärnlöv
Under the leadership of research group leader Johan Ärnlöv, this group investigates various aspects of the detrimental interaction between kidney disease and the development of cardiovascular disease in the population.
The group is working with a variety of national and international study materials to achieve its objectives. Upcoming main projects will focus on the role of our gut microbiota in the development of kidney disease.
Healthcare Services and Social Work Research
The Healthcare Research and Social Work Research Group, headed by research group leader Lena von Koch, focuses on the significance that the social worker/counsellor's knowledge of both external societal factors and intra- and interpersonal factors plays in the health and well-being of patients and their relatives. The research work includes both interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based counselling work.
Researchers at the Division
Helena Salminen
Helena Salminen is a Specialist Physician and Senior Lecturer, and has conducted clinical research in the field of osteoporosis. She also conducts research on how to improve learning in the clinical learning environment.Gunnar Nilsson
Gunnar Nilsson Professor emeritus of family medicine with emphasis on medical informatics and is active in research in Family Medicine, medical informatics, and medical education.Caroline Wachtler
Caroline conducts research on mental health, focusing on the implementation of evidence-based methods for the early identification and treatment of various types of depression in primary care.Per Wändell
Professor Emeritus/EmeritaPer is Senior Professor in Family Medicine. He is active in research on quality of life, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, immigrant health, the effects of thyroid hormones on dementia and cancer, complementary medicine, and comorbidity between somatic and mental illness.