Bjarte Bye Løfaldli

Norwegian version of this page Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care Norwegian version of this page

Position

Associate Professor II in Neuroscience

Contact

bjarte.b.lofaldli@himolde.no

Study place

Molde

Areas of Teaching and Academic Activity

Teaching in neurobiology, physiology, and the pathology of neurological disorders within the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

Teaching, coursework assessment, and examination for the one-year programme in Health Technology and Digitalisation in Health and Care Services, including the modules: Health Technology and Digitalisation; Technology, Change Management and Health as Industry and Enterprise; Product and Service Design; and Healthcare Logistics.

Background

My work in research, development, and innovation (RDI) is academically grounded in biology and neuroscience. I have been particularly interested in translating this knowledge into relevant applications and innovation processes, especially within health and care services, human-centred governance, evidence-based decision support systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

I completed my PhD in Neuroscience and Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), in 2012. My doctoral research focused on olfaction and parallel information processing in the brain.

This research was later extended to studies of higher brain functions such as memory and navigation through postdoctoral research, and subsequently through my work as Senior Engineer and Laboratory Manager at the Centre for Neuronal Computation (Centre of Excellence), Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience at NTNU. In this role, I worked closely with Professors May-Britt Moser and Edvard I. Moser on the leadership and development of the centre.

From 2017 to 2019, I served as Project Director and Academic Lead for Research, Development and Innovation at the Health Innovation Centre project, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services. When the centre transitioned from a project organisation to a permanent operational organisation in 2019, I continued as Head of RDI until taking up a new position with Kristiansund Municipality in 2023.

Today, I work as Head of Research within the Office of the Municipal Director in Kristiansund Municipality. My work involves coordinating and developing the municipality’s research activities across service and professional sectors. In addition, I hold a part-time Associate Professor position in Neurobiology at Molde University College, within the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

Selected Research Networks, Research Groups and Advisory Council: Interprofessional Innovation in Practice and Education (Molde University College); C-MORE (Møre and Romsdal Orthopaedic Research Group, Møre and Romsdal Health Trust); Programme Council for the Master’s Programme in Neuroscience (Kavli Institute, NTNU), The Health&Care21 Council (2026- Ministry of Health and Care), Expert Group on the Future of Doctoral Education in Norway (2026–2027, The Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research).

Selected Academic and Professional Merits: DOGA Award for Design Excellence in project Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment in Specialised Hospital-at-Home Services; Diploma for participation and contributions related to the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters by 2030, Reclaim; Laboratory Manager within the leadership team of Edvard I. Moser and May-Britt Moser at the Centre for Neuronal Computation, Kavli Institute, NTNU (recipients of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine)

Research groups

Interprofessional Innovation in Practice and Education

Ingul, Charlotte Ingeborg Björk; Hollekim-Strand, Siri Marte; Sandbakk, Mari Mørkeset; Grønseth, Torunn Ingfrid; Rånes, Tone Iren K. & Dyrendahl, Lars Tung [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2025). Empowerment in Type 2 diabetes: A patient-centred approach for lifestyle change. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. ISSN 0168-8227. 220(February). doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2025.111998. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of personalized lifestyle intervention service for persons with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), implemented in a real-world setting at two Healthy Life Centers (HLC) in Norway. Methods: Persons with T2D were randomized into either an HLC intervention group or a usual care group for 12 weeks. All participants were screened using a questionnaire tool and had one initial patient-centred health conversation at the HLC. In the intervention group, participants chose interventions with support from HLC staff. The usual care group continued independently. Outcome variables were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (if completing two interventions). Results: 110 participants were included (mean age 59.9, 59 % T2D duration < 10 years, 36 % females). There was no significant difference in HbA1c change between intervention and usual care groups (mean difference −1.2 mmol/l, 95 % CI: −3.7 to 1.3, p = 0.33). HbA1c was significantly reduced in both groups (mean reduction 3.8 mmol/l (95 % CI: 2.1 to 5.5, p < 0.001) vs. 2.6 mmol/l (95 % CI: 0.7 to 4.4, p = 0.006), respectively). Conclusions: Both the HLC personalized follow-up and usual care groups reduced HbA1c with no significant differences between groups. This suggests that low-threshold municipal healthcare can effectively support lifestyle changes in individuals with T2D.
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2024). Reflections of nurses and primary healthcare managers on integrating hospital at home into public primary healthcare services: a Norwegian focus group study. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. ISSN 0281-3432. 42(4), p. 633–642. doi: 10.1080/02813432.2024.2373310. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Hospital at home (HaH) is an innovative approach to healthcare delivery that brings specialized services to patients’ homes. HaH services are typically available in urban areas where hospitals can easily reach nearby patients. An integrated care model that utilizes the public primary healthcare system may extend HaH services to include patients residing further away from hospitals. However, there is limited evidence of primary healthcare employees’ views on integrating HaH care into primary healthcare services. This study aimed to explore the reflections of primary healthcare employees on integrating HaH care into primary healthcare services. Methods: Ten focus group interviews were conducted with homecare nurses and managers of primary healthcare services in five municipalities in Mid-Norway. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis resulted in three key themes regarding the integration of HaH care into primary healthcare. Participants discussed how they capture the distinctiveness of HaH care within the primary healthcare landscape. Moreover, they identified that the introduction of HaH care reveals opportunities to address challenges. Lastly, the study uncovered a strong primary healthcare commitment and a sense of professional pride among the participants. This resilience and dedication among primary healthcare employees appeared as an incentive to make the integration of HaH work. Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights into integrating HaH into primary healthcare services, highlighting opportunities to address challenges. The resilience and dedication of primary healthcare employees underscore their commitment to adapting to and thriving with HaH care. To establish a sustainable HaH care model, it is important to address geographical limitations, consider the strain on providers, maintain robust relationships, enhance funding, and formalize decision-making processes.
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2024). The experiences of hospital staff with decision-making concerning patient enrolment in hospital at home services: A complex and dynamic process. PLOS ONE. 19(9). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310820. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Hospital at home care services offer a potential solution to the problem of strain on hospital beds while simultaneously enhancing patient outcomes. Nevertheless, implementation of the hospital at home care model is associated with several challenges. One such barrier involves patient enrolment, particularly during the initial stage of service operation. Due to their frontline experience, healthcare professionals possess valuable insights that can help us understand and address this challenge. This study aimed to explore the experiences of hospital staff in the decision-making process concerning patient enrolment in hospital at home. Methods: In total, 22 semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with hospital staff members between January and May 2022 at the participants’ workplace or in a public office depending on their preferences. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: We identified four themes pertaining to the experiences of hospital staff with the decision-making process concerning patient enrolment in hospital at home: “beneficial for the patients; an important motivating factor”, “patient eligibility; prioritizing safety”, “contextual factors within hospital ward units; opportunities and limitations”, and “collaboration with municipalities; crucial but challenging”. Conclusions: Hospital staff described a complex and dynamic decision-making process when considering patient eligibility for enrolment to hospital at home services. The findings highlight both barriers and enablers pertaining to this process and emphasize the need to provide support to hospital staff as they navigate this complex situation. A key finding pertains to the critical importance of high-quality decision-making in ensuring positive outcomes and the overall effectiveness of hospital at home care services. Additionally, this study proposes a deeper exploration of the ethical considerations associated with balancing the goal of patient safety with that of equitable access to high-quality, person-centred care within the context of hospital at home.
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). Family caregiver involvement and role in hospital at home for adults: the patients’ and family caregivers’ perspective - a Norwegian qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research. 23(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09531-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background Hospital at home (HaH) provides acute healthcare services in patients’ homes instead of traditional in-patient care. Research has reported positive outcomes for patients and reduced costs. Although HaH has developed into a global concept, we have little knowledge about the involvement and role of family caregivers (FCs) of adults. The aim of this study was to explore FC involvement and role during HaH treatment as perceived by patients and FCs in a Norwegian healthcare context. Methods A qualitative study was carried out among seven patients and nine FCs in Mid-Norway. The data was obtained through fifteen semi-structured interviews; fourteen were performed individually and one as duad interview. The age of the participants varied between 31 and 73 years, and mean age of 57 years. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used, and the analysis was performed according to Kvale and Brinkmann’s description of interpretation. Results We identified three main categories and seven subcategories regarding FC involvement and role in HaH: (1) Preparing for something new and unfamiliar, including the subcategories and , (2) Adjusting to a new everyday life at home, including the subcategories , , and , (3) FCs A smooth transition to life beyond hospital at home Finding meaning and motivation in providing care`. Conclusions FCs played an important role in HaH, although their tasks, involvement and effort varied across different phases during HaH treatment. The study findings contribute to a greater understanding of the dynamic nature of the caregiver experiences during HaH treatment, which can guide healthcare professionals on how they can provide timely and appropriate support to FCs in HaH over time. Such knowledge is important to decrease the risk of caregiver distress during HaH treatment. Further work, such as longitudinal studies, should be done to examine the course of caregiving in HaH over time to correct or support the phases described in this study.
Skjølsvold, Oda; Aasen-Stensvold, Maria Therese; Karlsen, Lillian & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2023). Fremtidens sykehjem. In Rokstad, Anne Marie Mork; Anvik, Cecilie Høj & Ødegård, Atle (Ed.), Sykehjemmet : hjem, helseinstitusjon og arbeidsplass. Fagbokforlaget. ISSN 9788245033137. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Sykehjemmet er en kompleks institusjon, og skal dekke mange behov og funksjoner. Utfordringene knyttet til mennesker i en livsfase hvor de trenger avansert helsehjelp, omsorg og andre forhold, er mange og sammensatte. Nettopp derfor er det er viktig å beskrive og forstå sykehjem med forskjellige faglige blikk, som får fram ulike aspekter og dimensjoner ved sykehjemmet. Forfatterne ønsker å bidra til en bred forståelse både av hva et sykehjem er, og hvilke utfordringer sektoren står overfor. Boka er en tverrfaglig vitenskapelig antologi. De fagfellevurderte kapitlene viser et mangfold av faglige perspektiver som gir innspill til hvordan vi kan planlegge for fremtidige behov og kompetanse, og utvikle sykehjemmet i tråd med disse. Et felles mål for boken er å gi et kunnskapsgrunnlag som kan bidra til å skape best mulig tjenestekvalitet i sykehjem. Dette er viktig både for de som skal bo i sykehjem, for pårørende og for de ansatte. Målgruppen for boka er profesjonelle utøvere innen helse- og sosialfagene, herunder alle som arbeider i sykehjem og studenter. Undervisningspersonell i universiteter og høgskoler, ansatte i administrasjon og ledelse, samt pårørende vil også kunne finne boka interessant. Anne Marie Mork Rokstad er professor ved Høgskolen i Molde og seniorforsker ved Nasjonalt senter for aldring og helse. Hun er utdannet psykiatrisk sykepleier med klinisk erfaring fra alderspsykiatri og har en doktorgrad på temaet implementering av personsentrert omsorg i sykehjem. Videre forskning har blant annet vært knyttet til dagaktivitetstilbud, forebygging av risikofaktorer for kognitiv svikt og behov hos personer med demens. Cecilie Høj Anvik er professor i velferdssosiologi ved Nord universitet. Hennes forskningsfelt er utsatte grupper og tjenester innenfor velferdsstaten, med særlig tematisk innretning mot institusjonsbasert eldreomsorg, unge i sårbare livssituasjoner og funksjonshemning. Anvik har en doktorgrad i sosialantropologi fra NTNU. Atle Ødegård er psykologspesialist i Helse Møre og Romsdal HF (Avdeling for Spesialisert habilitering) og professor ved Høgskolen i Molde. Forskningsinteressene hans er tverrprofesjonelt samarbeid i praksis og utdanning, samt utvikling av ny forskningsmetodikk innenfor disse feltene. Han er tilknyttet Helseinnovasjonssenteret i Kristiansund og har også en professor II-stilling ved Nordlandsforskning der han har spesielt fokus på innovasjon i offentlig sektor.
Eines, Trude Fløystad; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Ødegård, Atle (2020). Helseinnovasjonssenteret – et kommunesamarbeid om forskning, tjenesteutvikling og innovasjon. In Willumsen, Elisabeth & Ødegård, Atle (Ed.), Samskaping : sosial innovasjon for helse og velferd. Universitetsforlaget. ISSN 9788215034089. p. 131–146. Full text in Research Archive
Zhao, Xin-Cheng; Kvello, Pål; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Lillevoll, Siri Corneliussen; Mustaparta, Hanna & Berg, Bente Gunnveig (2014). Representation of pheromones, interspecific signals, and plant odors in higher olfactory centers; mapping physiologically identified antennal-lobe projection neurons in the male heliothine moth. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. 8(186). doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00186. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The arrangement of anatomically separated systems for information about general and pheromone odorants is well documented at the initial levels of the olfactory pathway both in vertebrates and insects. In the primary olfactory center of the moth brain, for example, a few enlarged glomeruli situated dorsally, at the entrance of the antennal nerve, are devoted to information about female-produced substances whereas a set of more numerous ordinary glomeruli (OG) receives input about general odorants. Heliothine moths are particularly suitable for studying central chemosensory mechanisms not only because of their anatomically separated systems for plant odors and pheromones but also due to their use of female-produced substances in communication across the species. Thus, the male-specific system of heliothine moths includes two sub-arrangements, one ensuring attraction and mating behavior by carrying information about pheromones released by conspecifics, and the other inhibition of attraction via signal information emitted from heterospecifics. Based on previous tracing experiments, a general chemotopic organization of the male-specific glomeruli has been demonstrated in a number of heliothine species. As compared to the well explored organization of the moth antennal lobe (AL), demonstrating a non-overlapping representation of the biologically relevant stimuli, less is known about the neural arrangement residing at the following synaptic level, i.e., the mushroom body calyces and the lateral horn. In the study presented here, we have labeled physiologically characterized antennal-lobe projection neurons in males of the two heliothine species, Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa assulta, for the purpose of mapping their target regions in the protocerebrum. In order to compare the representation of plant odors, pheromones, and interspecific signals in the higher brain regions of each species, we have created standard brain atlases and registered three-dimensional models of distinct uniglomerular projection neuron types into the relevant atlas.
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Kvello, Pål; Kirkerud, Nicholas & Mustaparta, Hanna (2012). Activity in neurons of a putative protocerebral circuit representing information about a 10 component plant odor blend in Heliothis virescens. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. 6. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2012.00064. Full text in Research Archive
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Kvello, Pål & Mustaparta, Hanna (2010). Integration of the antennal lobe glomeruli and three projection neurons in the standard brain atlas of the moth Heliothis virescens. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. 4. doi: 10.3389/neuro.06.005.2010. Full text in Research Archive
Kvello, Pål; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Rybak, Jürgen; Menzel, Randolf & Mustaparta, Hanna (2009). Digital, three-dimensional average shaped atlas of the Heliothis virescens brain with integrated gustatory and olfactory neurons. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. 3(14). doi: 10.3389/neuro.06.014.2009. Full text in Research Archive

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Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2025). Fremtidens sykehjem. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Helvik, Anne-Sofie; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2025). Navigating the complex decision-making process for patient enrollment in hospital at home. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Helvik, Anne-Sofie; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2025). A decentralized model of hospital at home in Norway: utilizing the primary healthcare system to expand access. Full text in Research Archive
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2024). Naturen og naturlige materialer påvirker oss og vår adferd. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Sefland, Signe & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). Dette synes pårørende om hjemmesykehus. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Sefland, Signe & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). Dette synes pårørende om hjemmesykehus. Full text in Research Archive
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2023). Sansene, hjernehelse og livskvalitet. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). Pårørendes involvering og rolle i forbindelse med hjemmesykehus behandling av voksne - En kvalitativ studie fra Norge. Full text in Research Archive
Bøthun, Silje; Karlsen, Lillian; Sandbakk, Mari Mørkeset; Rønning, Tarjei Skeide; Hansen, Nina Vanvik & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). Co-designing an integrated hospital at home (HaH)- service for hospital-level intravenous antibiotic treatment in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). FAMILY CAREGIVERS` INVOLVEMENT AND ROLE IN HOSPITAL AT HOME: THE PATIENTS AND FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ PERSPECTIVE. A NORWEGIAN QUALITATIVE STUDY. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Sefland, Signe & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). What relatives think about home-based hospital care. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Sefland, Signe & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). This is what relatives think about home-based hospital care. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Mjølstad, Bente Prytz; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Sefland, Signe & Helvik, Anne-Sofie (2023). This is what relatives think about home-based hospital care. Full text in Research Archive
Das, Anita; Høiseth, Marikken; Asheim, Jonas; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Sandbakk, Mari Mørkeset (2022). Fra prosjektsøknad til implementering, skalering og spredning. [Internet]. Spotify. Full text in Research Archive
Stokke, Inger; Karlsen, Lillian; Hansen, Nina Vanvik; Rønning, Tarjei Skeide; Kjønnøy, Ann Iren & Rødahl, Ingebjørg Sandøy [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Intravenøs antibiotikabehandling i spesialisert hjemmesykehus. Full text in Research Archive
Karlsen, Lillian; Sandbakk, Mari Mørkeset; Ingul, Charlotte Ingeborg Björk & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2019). Samhandling for fremtidens helsetjeneste. Overlegen. ISSN 1503-2663. Full text in Research Archive
Aalto, Pasi Olav & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2019). Bokomtale av Welcome to your World - En nevrovitenskapelig forståelse av vår verden. Arkitektur N. ISSN 1504-7628. 101(5), p. 114–114. Full text in Research Archive
Helgheim, Berit; Aravazhi, Agaraoli & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2018). Using AI to develop a triage system in Norwegian Home Care. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
In Norway,the digital alarm system is connected to a response center. In these response centers,nurses are deciding the medical intervention based on patients information. Inthis paper we present how artificial intelligence can be used to automatize andimprove the triage system.
Moser, May-Britt; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Whitlock, Jonathan (2014). - Selv etter å ha fått verdens gjeveste pris, vil de være seg selv. [Internet]. adressavisen. Full text in Research Archive
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2014). Nordmøring kunne feire nobelprisen. [Journal]. Tidens Krav. Full text in Research Archive
Jacobsen, Bente; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Mustaparta, Hanna & Berg, Bente Gunnveig (2012). Physiological properties of antennal-lobe neurons projecting in the mediolateral antenno-protocerebral tract and their GABA immunoreactivities. Full text in Research Archive
Zhao, Xin-Cheng; Kvello, Pål; Løfaldli, Bjarte; Mustaparta, Hanna & Berg, Bente Gunnveig (2011). Representation of pheromones and plant odors in protocerebral regions of the male heliothine moth. Full text in Research Archive
Mustaparta, Hanna; Kvello, Pål & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2010). Chemosensory coding and learning in the moth Heliothis virescens: searching for the neuonal network involved. Full text in Research Archive
Kvello, Pål & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2010). Inside a moth`s brain. Gemini. ISSN 0802-085X. Full text in Research Archive
Kvello, Pål; Mustaparta, Hanna & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2010). Forskning i verdenstoppen. Adresseavisen. ISSN 0805-3804. Full text in Research Archive
Kvello, Pål & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2010). I hodet på en nattsvermer. VG : Verdens gang. ISSN 0805-5203. Full text in Research Archive
Kvello, Pål & Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2009). I hodet på en svermer. [Journal]. Gemini. Full text in Research Archive
Stranden, Marit; Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye; Kvello, Pål & Mustaparta, Hanna (2008). Integration of characterized olfactory interneurons into the standard brain atlas of the moth Heliothis virescens. Full text in Research Archive
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye (2012). Functional and Morphological Characterization of Central Olfactory Neurons in the Model Insect Heliothis virescens. Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet. ISSN 9788247136348. Full text in Research Archive
Løfaldli, Bjarte Bye & Mustaparta, Hanna (2006). Rekonstruksjon av det primære luktesenteret, antenneloben, til nattflyarten Heliothis virescens. Organisering av glomeruli med innerveringsmønster til ulike projeksjonsnevroner. NTNU, Institutt for biologi. Full text in Research Archive

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Published Mar. 23, 2026 9:59 AM - Last modified June 9, 2026 2:36 PM