International Heart School
Multi-professional intervention to promote heart-healthy self-management skills according to the curriculum of the International Heart School (MIFeSCH)
Project overview
Witten/Herdecke University is evaluating the International Heart School "Multi-professional intervention to promote heart-healthy self-management skills according to the International Heart School curriculum (MIFeSCH)". The one-year observational study examines the sustainability of the integrative programme of the Heart School for cardiovascular diseases.
Despite considerable progress in diagnostics and therapy, chronic cardiovascular diseases are still one of the most common causes of death in industrialised countries. Lifestyle change programmes are effective, but are rarely implemented in standard care. For around 20 years, heart schools based on the lifestyle programmes of US heart specialist Dean Ornish have been offered in Germany. The "International Heart School (IHS)" was created in this process as a merger of the heart schools in Herdecke, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and Zoetermeer (NL). Together they developed a binding heart school curriculum based on anthroposophic medicine. The curriculum now serves as the basis for the evaluation study.
The Heart School focusses on salutogenesis, i.e. the development and maintenance of health. The aim is to educate and promote the dimensions relevant to heart health in the areas of nutrition, the ability to exercise, biographical or ego competence and social, emotional and artistic competence. The aim of the patient-oriented, outpatient training programme is to address people in their entire personality and to contribute to the development of the spirit, the maturing of the soul and the recovery of the body. Participants in the Heart School are trained to learn to recognise themselves in their individually different biographical and psychosocial situations and needs.
Further information
- Duration: since 2019
- Responsible: Gerhard Kienle Chair of Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine
Research question
The effects of the International Heart School on the heart health of the participants in the evaluation are analysed. The study pursues the following questions:
- What impact does participation in the Heart School have in terms of health literacy at the level of physical health, quality of life, functional quality, spiritual development and attribution of meaning to the disease?
- What effects does the implementation of the Heart School have on the health and job satisfaction of the multi-professional team that accompanies the heart students in their development processes?
Aim of the study
The aim of the study is to examine whether training in self-management skills can reduce the need for medical interventions and hospitalisation. We are also investigating the extent to which the general quality of life improves and whether the participants develop greater self-efficacy.
The results of the study serve as a basis for the application to the health insurance companies for recognition as a patient education programme, as well as for the long-term implementation of sustainable funding (patient education on the basis of § 43 Para. 1 No. 2 SGB V). Secondly, we are investigating the extent to which participation in the cardiac training team has a health-promoting effect on the team members themselves.
Information on participation in the study
Who can take part?
The International Heart School programme is suitable for people with
- chronic cardiovascular diseases, e.g. coronary heart disease with or without a heart attack
- Broken heart syndrome (Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy)
- valvular heart disease or cardiac arrhythmia
- Chronic stress with symptoms of exhaustion
- burn-out
- Risk factors for future cardiovascular disease (arterial hypertension, lipometabolic disorders)
Life partners and spouses are welcome to attend.
Who cannot participate?
You cannot participate if
- you have an acute psychiatric or somatic illness requiring treatment.
- you have insufficient knowledge of German.
- you are taking part in another study.
What conditions do I have to fulfil to take part?
The "International Heart School" programme forms the basis for the study. Participation in the study is therefore only possible with simultaneous participation in the Heart School programme.
You should be willing to
- participate regularly in the Heart School programme.
- complete the questionnaires as part of the Heart School programme.
- take part in one prior, one final and one follow-up examination.
- give your consent to the data collection.
How does the study work?
The cardiac training programme is offered over a period of 6 - 12 months. It comprises regular weekly or monthly meetings. Participants can obtain more detailed information from the regional heart schools.
The study is conducted in a before-and-after design. Data is collected from participants in the form of questionnaires at the beginning of the Heart School programme, at the end and after a further six months.
What does the Heart School cost?
Participation in the Heart School is subject to a fee. Participants in the study may be able to apply for a reduction in the respective Heart School fees. Further information can be obtained from the regional cardiac schools.
Regional heart schools
- Herdecke Community Hospital: www.gemeinschaftskrankenhaus.de
- Heart School Munich: www.herzschule-muenchen.de
- Heart School Hamburg: www.herzschule-hamburg.de
- Heart School Zoetermeer (NL): www.therapeuticumaurum.nl
Contact us
Dr phil.
Bettina Berger
Research assistant
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Chair of Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine
- +49 2330 80-7190
Orcid ID: 0000-0003-4999-8898
Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4
58313 HerdeckeRoom number: Haus D, DG
