Partner 1 – Team Member
name
Annika Lundegårdh
nationality
Swedish
institution
Uppsala kommun / Uppsala county
department
School nurse
city / country
Uppsala, Sweden
professional status
Specialist Nurse in Psychiatry & School Nurse
keywords
#child and adolescent mental health #school health #school nursing #mental health promotion #early intervention #preventive mental healthcare #youth wellbeing #health education #trauma-informed care #implementation science #public health #stakeholder engagement #healthcare innovation #patient-centred care #mental health screening #community health
general expertise and its relevance for the project
As a registered nurse with a Master’s degree in Nursing and extensive experience in child and adolescent psychiatry, school health, mental health promotion, and public health, Annika Lundegårdh has dedicated her career to improving the wellbeing of children and young people. Her expertise spans early identification of mental health problems, preventive interventions, trauma-informed care, health promotion, and collaboration between healthcare, educational, and community settings.
Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of research, clinical practice, and education, contributing to the development and implementation of evidence-based approaches that support mental health and resilience among children and adolescents. As both a school nurse and lecturer in mental health, she has extensive experience translating research into practice, raising awareness of mental health challenges, and supporting professionals in addressing emerging needs in schools and communities.
Her work focuses on identifying mental health difficulties at an early stage, facilitating timely interventions, and strengthening collaboration among students, families, schools, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience. She has a particular interest in preventive and health-promoting approaches that can be integrated into everyday educational settings.
Within VOICE, she contributes expertise in youth mental health, school-based prevention, implementation of mental health interventions, stakeholder engagement, and co-creation with individuals with lived experience. She will play a key role in ensuring that the project’s interventions are feasible, relevant, and grounded in the everyday realities of children, young people, schools, and healthcare services, thereby supporting the development of scalable and sustainable solutions for improving mental health outcomes.
positions
2023 – 2025
School Nurse
Uppsala Montessori School
Uppsala, Sweden
2023 – 2024
School Nurse
Amerikanska gymnasiet
Uppsala, Sweden
2022 – 2024
School Nurse
Uppsala International School
Uppsala, Sweden
2021 – 2024
Specialist Nurse in Psychiatry
Child and youth psychiatric emergency room and ward
Akademiska University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
2022 – 2024
Principal Supervisor of Nurses
Psychiatric emergency room and ward
Akademiska University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden
2021 – 2021
Registred Nurse
Child and youth Psychiatric emergency room and ward
Akademiska University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden
2019 – 2021
Registred Nurse
Addiction Department, Akademiska University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden
2018 – 2020
School Nurse
Ekilla skolan, Barn- och elevhälsoenheten
Sigtuna kommun, Sigtuna, Sweden
2018 – 2018
Registred Nurse
Psychiatric Emergency ward, Länssjukhuset i Kalmar
Kalmar, Sweden
2017 – 2020
Registred Nurse
Psychosis department, Akademiska University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden
2017 – 2018
School Nurse
Cultus Gymnasium, Victum AB
Uppsala, Sweden
2017 – 2018
School Nurse
Internationella Gymnasiet
Uppsala, Sweden
2017 – 2018
School Nurse
Praktiska gymnasiet, Vindora koncernen
Uppsala, Sweden
2017 – 2018
School Nurse
Hagströmska gymnasiet, Vindora koncernen
Uppsala, Sweden
2006 – 2012
Family home (heavily reinforced)
In our home, Uppsala, Sweden
1991 – 2018
CEO and project manager
Genuine Continuing Education & Conference Service
Uppsala, Sweden
1991 – 1993
Course administrator and developer
The course secretariat at Uppsala university
Uppsala, Sweden
1989 – 1990
Course administrator and developer
Institute of Medical Education at Uppsala university
Uppsala, Sweden
1986 – 1989
Registred Nurse
Intensive observation department for children, Children's Clinic
Akademiska University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden
education
2025 – Child abuse and sexual abuse, 7,5 credits
Linköping university, Sweden
2025 – The professional meeting with children who have experienced sexual violence, 7,5 credits
Halmstads university, Sweden
2025 – Nursing care for mental illness in children and young people
Falu university, Sweden
2025 – Child and adolescent psychiatry, 15 credits
Uppsala university, Sweden
2025 – Psychiatry, 15 credits
Uppsala university, Sweden
2025 – Master of Science (MSc) Pediatric nurse
Uppsala university, Sweden
2024 – Master of Science (MSc) in Specialist Nursing School Nurse
Skövde university, Sweden
2022 – Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSci) Psychotraumatology
Uppsala university, Sweden
2021 – Master of Science (MSc) in Specialist Nursing Mental Health Care
Linköping university, Sweden
2021 – Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing
University of Gävle, Sweden
2017 – Brain function, diseases and mysteries, 15 credits
Uppsala university, Sweden
2016 – Sexuality during the human life cycle, 7,5 credits
Mälardalens university, Sweden
2013 – Health promoting leadership 7,5 credits
Mälardalens university, Sweden
2013 – Health promotion work in the organizations of the future, 5 credits
Mälardalens university, Sweden
2013 – Entreprenörskap - vård och omsorg, 8 credits
Linköping university, Sweden
1986 – Registred Nurse
Red Cross University, Sweden
contributions to science, public health, and education
Research and Knowledge Development
Throughout my career as a nurse, school nurse, lecturer, and researcher, I have focused on improving the understanding of trauma, mental health, and substance abuse among children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. My work aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by developing evidence-based approaches that support early identification, prevention, and intervention.
A central area of my research has been the identification of trauma in school settings. My studies have explored how school nurses can detect adverse childhood experiences and provide timely support to children and adolescents at risk. This work has contributed practical frameworks for trauma-informed care and early intervention within educational settings (Lundegårdh & Lindén, 2024).
I have also investigated the relationship between trauma and substance dependence through a systematic literature review, highlighting the need for improved trauma detection and treatment among individuals with addiction (Lundegårdh, 2021). In addition, my research on mental health among adolescents has contributed to the understanding of early warning signs of psychological distress and the development of approaches that support early identification in schools and healthcare services (Lundegårdh, 2020).
Further strengthening this focus, I completed advanced studies in psychotraumatology at Uppsala University, examining the role of trauma within inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric care through the thesis Trauma på kartan inom BUP heldygnsvård (2022), contributing to the development of trauma-informed practices.
Knowledge Dissemination and Advocacy
An important part of my work has been translating research findings into practical knowledge for professionals, decision-makers, and the wider public. Through collaborations with non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, researchers, journalists, and individuals with lived experience, I have organised seminars, lectures, and public events focusing on childhood trauma, sexual abuse, mental health, and substance abuse.
These activities have helped increase awareness of the long-term consequences of childhood adversity and promoted trauma-informed approaches in schools, healthcare, and social services. Several initiatives received national media attention and contributed to broader public discussions regarding children's rights, protection, and mental health, including coverage in Svenska Dagbladet (Sallinen et al., 2017), Aftonbladet (Malmström et al., 2015), SVT (Enström, 2018), and Borås Tidning (Lygner, 2016).
As Chair of Save the Children in Uppsala, I led the project Barn som brottsoffer (Children as Victims of Crime), funded by the Swedish Crime Victim Fund (Brottsofferfonden). The project strengthened awareness of the needs of child victims and supported efforts to improve professional responses and societal support structures.
Educational Innovation
For more than three decades, I have worked to strengthen the connection between education, health, and societal development. As co-developer and organiser of the Spektrum Ångström Teacher Days at Uppsala University, I contributed to professional development opportunities that enabled teachers to integrate science and technology into their classrooms.
I have also developed initiatives that introduced children and adolescents to higher education environments and scientific thinking at an early age, helping to inspire future generations and promote educational engagement.
In parallel, I have organised numerous seminars and training activities for healthcare professionals, educators, and community stakeholders focusing on child and adolescent mental health, trauma, behavioural difficulties, and preventive interventions.
Public Health and Community Engagement
My work has consistently focused on addressing complex public health challenges through collaboration, prevention, and knowledge sharing. Through partnerships with academic researchers, healthcare professionals, public authorities, and civil society organisations, I have contributed to initiatives addressing substance abuse, child protection, mental health, and social inclusion.
In collaboration with Professor Annika von Knorring, Professor Fred Nyberg and colleagues, I contributed to raising awareness of the role of drugs in child abuse cases through publications and seminars aimed at professionals and the public (von Knorring, Lundegårdh, Nyberg et al., 2013, När drogerna blir barnens öde).
As a school nurse, I continue to work directly with children and adolescents, supporting early identification of mental health difficulties and promoting wellbeing within educational settings. This practical experience provides valuable insight into the realities faced by students, families, and school staff and informs my ongoing work in research, education, and advocacy.
Relevance to VOICE
Together, these activities have contributed to advancing knowledge and practice in trauma-informed care, child and adolescent mental health, health promotion, and early intervention. They provide a strong foundation for my contribution to VOICE, where I will support the development, implementation, and evaluation of school-based approaches for the early identification and prevention of mental health problems. My expertise will help ensure that the project remains grounded in the realities of schools and healthcare services while integrating the perspectives of children, young people, families, professionals, and individuals with lived experience.
Selected References
Lundegårdh, A., & Lindén, I. (2024). Skolsköterskors arbete med att upptäcka och identifiera traumatiska barndomsupplevelser: en enkätstudie.
Lundegårdh, A. (2021). Identifiering av trauma vid beroende: en systematisk litteraturstudie.
Lundegårdh, A. (2020). Psykisk ohälsa hos högstadieelever: en litteraturstudie.
Lundegårdh, A. (2022). Trauma på kartan inom BUP heldygnsvård.
von Knorring, A.-L., Lundegårdh, A., Nyberg, F., et al. (2013). När drogerna blir barnens öde.
Sallinen, J. et al. (2017). Elin, 7, fotades och våldtogs av sin kompis pappa. Svenska Dagbladet.
Malmström, M. et al. (2015). Elin, 7, fotograferades av sin våldtäktsman. Aftonbladet.
Enström, T. (2018). Så bör skolorna agera vid sexuella övergrepp. SVT.
Lygner, R. (2016). Anmärkningsvärt att så få upplyste under utbildningen. Borås Tidning.
research outputs and their impact
1. Trauma detection frameworks
Lundegårdh, A., Lindén, I. (2024)
Developed practical tools for school nurses to identify and address childhood trauma, influencing practices in school health services.
2. Understanding trauma and addiction
Lundegårdh, A. (2021)
Identified critical gaps in detecting trauma in substance-dependent individuals, informing healthcare practices.
3. Mental health signals in adolescents
Lundegårdh, A. (2020)
Contributed to early detection tools for adolescent mental health, guiding school interventions.
4. Substance abuse and child abuse
Knorring, A.-L. von et al. (2013)
Highlighted the intersection of substance abuse and child abuse, shaping local interventions and policies.
5. Educational tools for teachers
Spektrum Ångström Teacher Days equipped educators with methods to integrate science and technology into teaching, fostering innovation in education.
6. Community engagement and innovation
Developed Kretsloppsgårdar (ReCycle farms) and related concepts to promote sustainability and economic growth in rural areas.
orcid
additional information
- Chair, Save the Children (Rädda Barnen), Uppsala Local Association (former).
- Project Leader, Barn som brottsoffer (Children as Victims of Crime), funded by the Swedish Crime Victim Fund (Brottsofferfonden).
- Co-developer and organiser of the Spektrum Ångström Teacher Days at Uppsala University (1994–2017), supporting professional development for teachers in science and technology education.
- Organiser of seminars, workshops, and public engagement activities focusing on child and adolescent mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and preventive interventions.
- Extensive collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to promote mental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity.
- Active advocate for early identification and prevention of mental health problems among children and adolescents.
