HeLiS
Health literacy and self-management in long-term cancer survivors - participatory development and evaluation of a digital, diversity-sensitive programme to promote skills
Project overview
Thanks to medical advances, more and more people are surviving cancer. In Germany, around 3.1 million people were considered long-term cancer survivors at the end of 2017. However, many of them have to deal with the late or long-term effects of the disease and treatment, which can affect their physical, mental and social health. Dealing successfully with these challenges requires strong self-management skills, which are closely linked to health literacy.
Our aim is to develop and evaluate a digital, diversity-sensitive programme for long-term survivors that strengthens health literacy and promotes self-management.
Latest news
Project goals
Our research project pursues the central goal of strengthening the health literacy of long-term cancer survivors and supporting them in coping with the consequences of their illness in a self-determined way. Specifically, the digital service is intended to help users
- identify, use and evaluate relevant health information.
- utilise existing support services in a targeted and needs-oriented manner.
- actively shape their own health in a self-determined way.
Methodological approach
The project is based on a multi-stage mixed-methods approach and is being developed in a participatory co-design with those affected, patient advocates and other experts.
- Needs analysis: Qualitative research methods help us to identify the needs and requirements of the target group.
- Co-creation: The digital platform is designed together with long-term survivors, experts and advisory board members.
- Adaptive learning: A dynamic approach ensures that the offering is customised to users.
- Evaluation: The platform is tested for effectiveness and user-friendliness in a randomised controlled trial.
Co-operation partner
- Women's Self-Help Cancer Federal Association e. V.
- House of Cancer Self-Help - Federal Association
- Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Centre
- Intercultural Counselling and Meeting Centre e. V.
- Health Meeting Point Mannheim
- Salzetalklinik of the German Pension Insurance Westphalia
- Osthessen Self-Help Office, Health Self-Help and Immigration Department
- MINA Leben in Vielfalt e. V.
Further information
- Duration: 01/2025 - 12/2027
- Funding: German Cancer Aid
- Responsible:Chair of Health Care Research
- Project partners: The project is being carried out as collaborative research by three universities. In addition to the UW/H, the University Medicine Greifswald and the University of Siegen are also involved.
- Project flyer for download
Project management
Prof. Dr. PH
Patrick Brzoska
Chair holder
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Health Care Research
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.002
Dr.
Yuece Yilmaz-Aslan
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Health Care Research
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.004
Fabian Erdsiek
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Health Care Research
Pferdebachstraße 11
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.004
Project management of the partner universities
Prof Dr Corinna Bergelt
University Medicine Greifswald
Institute of Medical Psychology
Head of Institute
Contact and further information
Prof Dr Christoph Dockweiler
University of Siegen
Chair of Digital Public Health
Chair
Contact and further information
Contact UW/H
Kübra Annac
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Health Care Research
Pferdebachstraße 11
58455 WittenRoom number: Raum 4
Anna Audia
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Health Care Research
Pferdebachstraße 11
58455 WittenRoom number: 4
Diana Wahidie
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Health Care Research
Pferdebachstraße 11
58455 WittenRoom number: Raum 004
