Research options

In the program, the topic of "Chronic diseases and health literacy" is to be addressed from various perspectives. Research options are outlined below. International comparative analyses and the development and use of participatory research approaches are relevant for all research options.

The proposed topics were agreed in close cooperation within the consortium of participating scientists. These individuals also act as contact persons should any questions arise during the application process.

The research options are an initial orientation against the background of national recommendations for the further development of health literacy. Interested parties can also submit their own proposals under the heading "Open topics".

 

I. Basics and concept development

  • Research option: Impact models of health literacy education - development of generic and/or indication-specific models of health literacy education at the individual level (Prof. Dr. Dr. Eva Maria Bitzer, PH Freiburg)
  • Research option: Development of instruments for measuring the health literacy of individual population groups (Prof. Dr. Eva Maria Bitzer, PH Freiburg)
  • Research option: Development of prediction models for the benefits of health literacy and the selection and use of health literacy services (preference analyses using e.g. discrete choice experiments, cost-benefit analyses) (Prof. Dr. Christian Krauth, MHH)
  • Research option: Behavioral economic approaches to promote the use of health literacy services (e.g. nudging) (Prof. Dr. Christian Krauth, MHH)
  • Research option: Media literacy and health literacy: Theoretical and empirical references and integration challenges (Prof. Dr. Eva Baumann)

 

II Promoting health literacy in living environments

  • Research option: Development and testing of materials for a "Health System Competence" toolbox for occupational health management (Dr. Gabriele Seidel, MHH)
  • Research option: Development of structural interventions at local level to improve health literacy and analysis of their impact (Dr. Gabriele Seidel, MHH)

 

III Media and health literacy

  • Research option: Development and evaluation of public communication campaigns to improve health literacy for diseases that have so far received little public attention, are stigmatized or taboo (Prof. Dr. Dr. Eva Baumann, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media)
  • Research option: Quality of YouTube videos and their influence on health literacy based on selected chronic diseases and their perception by those affected (Prof. Dr. Dr. Urs Vito Albrecht, MHH)

 

IV Anchoring health literacy as a standard at all levels of the healthcare system

  • Research option: Analysis and further development of standards for health literate care facilities in cooperation with the Facilities or Institutions (Prof. Dr. Eva Maria Bitzer, PH Freiburg)
  • Research option: Development and evaluation of concepts for health literacy-promoting health insurance (Prof. Dr. Marie-Luise Dierks, MHH)
  • Research option: Financial and non-financial incentives to motivate healthcare institutions to become health literacy-promoting institutions - comparative international analyses (Prof. Dr. Volker Amelung, MHH)

 

V Making Communications between healthcare professionals and patients or their relatives understandable and effective

  • Research option: Assessing the health literacy and communicative skills of health professionals themselves and analyzing the influence of this competence on their interaction with the addressees (Dr. Gabriele Seidel, MHH)
  • Research option: Quality of health information, its effect on health literacy and patient-relevant decisions (Prof. Dr. Marie-Luise Dierks, MHH)

 

VI Making it easier to navigate the healthcare system, increasing transparency and reducing administrative hurdles

  • Research option: Analysis of selected applications and notifications from payers with regard to the health literacy of users - comprehensibility and user-friendliness (Prof. Dr. Christiane Maaß, University of Hildesheim)
  • Research option: Development and review of criteria for health literacy-promoting, action-guiding information, especially for vulnerable groups (Prof. Maaß, University of Hildesheim)
  • Research option: Understanding quality data in the healthcare system - connections between health literacy, accessibility, transparency and comprehensibility (Prof. Dr. Dr. Eva-Maria Bitzer, PH Freiburg)

 

VII Enabling and supporting health literacy in dealing with illness and its consequences

  • Research option: Digital health literacy and ambient assisted living in chronically ill people - user behavior and user preferences, development of concepts for the further development of health literacy (Prof. Dr. Dr. Urs Vito Albrecht, MHH)
  • Research option: Health literacy and the influence of technical monitoring functions in children and their parents on everyday stress and participation in social life (Prof. Dr. Karin Lange, MHH).
  • Research option: The role of organized self-help in teaching health literacy - strategies, methods, accessibility of different target groups (Prof. Dr. Marie-Luise Dierks, MHH)

 

VIII Strengthening the self-management skills of people with chronic illness and their families

  • Research option: Promoting health literacy in patient education and self-management programs - impact on participants and their social networks (Prof. Dr. Karin Lange, MHH, Prof. Dr. Volker Amelung)
  • Research option: Establishing structures for nationwide health literacy and self-management promotion - funding options, network formation, quality assurance (Prof. Dr. Marie-Luise Dierks, MHH)

 

IX Free topics

  • (Prof. Dr. Marie-Luise Dierks, Dr. Gabriele Seidel, MHH)