To advance scientific knowledge improve medical techniques, our unit takes an active part in research. The data collected during a patient’s stay may be used anonymously in evaluation and research programmes. Furthermore, the patient’s or his/her family’s consent may be requested for comparative studies to evaluate different kinds of drugs or patient care. To do this, a consent form must be signed, which includes the terms and conditions of the study. Of course the patient and his/her family is free to refuse and this will not change the quality of care or the relationships with medical staff in any way.