Conclusions This report has outlined different possible actions to address different knowledge gaps. These actions have been presented in five different categories, and their tentative priorities are given in table 9. Table 9: Tentative priorities of the focus for future research Focus
Available Nordic research
Tentative priorities
Trends: How is the situation?
Good in certain fields
+++
Consequences: How important?
Limited
Mechanisms: why?
Associations documented
Better use of data is possible ++
Quality of life and economic aspects seldom studied ++++
Too few longitudinal studies Interventions: What can we do?
More advanced designs are needed for evidence building
++++
Policy and implementation: What can we do on a national level?
Many initiatives are not evaluated
+++
Implementation and evaluation need to be improved
The following measures are suggested to support Nordic research in this field: 1. Collaboration grants for Nordic researchers that can pool data and resources for in-depth analysis of trends, mechanism, consequences, interventions, and policy/implementation. 2. Support infrastructure for Nordic comparative research 104
