She wants to translate research on person-centred rehabilitation into real-world benefits for people, and is aiming for a global shift

Mari Lundberg is a curious individual who seeks to understand both how people function and how healthcare can be improved. After many years as a physiotherapist and researcher, she remains driven by the question of how research-based knowledge can make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.

“For me, it’s about bridging what we know works with what is important to the unique person. As I see it, this can only happen through collaboration with those affected, whether they are patients, family members, students, or staff. Knowledge is not something owned by any one person; it is something created together,” Mari Lundberg explains.

Much of Mari Lundberg’s research has focused on the field of pain, a complex area that is, by definition, a subjective experience. To develop effective rehabilitation programs, she and her colleagues have worked in partnership with patients and the clinical settings where the rehabilitation takes place. This has broadened their perspectives and ensured that their research remains current and relevant.

The GetBack project has recently been awarded funding

Mari Lundberg’s research group has recently been granted three million SEK by the Swedish Research Council to complete the research program “Get Back – A digital, person-centred rehabilitation program to increase daily steps following surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.” The program explores a fully digital, person-centred rehabilitation program for individuals undergoing surgery for spinal stenosis. It builds upon previous studies and was developed in collaboration with patient co-researchers.

“The rehabilitation is based on the individual’s own narrative and goals: what do I want to be able to do again, and what support do I need to get there? For example, someone might want to be able to join their friends on a hike. That is a major goal that needs to be broken down into smaller, intermediate objectives; furthermore, individuals need someone they can consult when new symptoms arise or if they are worried about potentially making their condition worse,” explains Mari Lundberg.

The digital format also makes the rehabilitation programme accessible to more people, regardless of where they live.

20 years of experience with intervention studies

Mari Lundberg has approximately 20 years of experience in developing, leading, and evaluating intervention studies within the fields of person-centred rehabilitation and pain. She has established her own research programmes focused on reducing fear of movement in individuals with chronic pain and has also participated in other national and international collaborations. Her expertise spans the entire process from intervention development and feasibility studies to randomized controlled trials, as well as the evaluation of mechanisms of action and patient experiences.

Going to co-lead GPCC’s new global leadership programme

GPCC has tasked Mari Lundberg, in collaboration with Professor Chatarina Löfqvist and Professor David Edvardsson, with developing an international leadership programme focused on person-centred care. The programme, currently under development, is designed for current and future leaders within healthcare, academia, and policy development with the capacity to influence how healthcare is organized and developed.

“The goal is to strengthen their ability to lead change initiatives and contribute to a global shift toward more person-centred healthcare. This work is being carried out in close collaboration with international partners and is part of GPCC’s long-term strategy to promote the implementation of person-centred care worldwide,” explains Mari Lundberg.