Research projects in Medicine

Reflection on medicine during the Holocaust to support personal and professional identity formation in health professions education

The study examines re-socialisation in psychiatric hospitals, analyses how they function and identifies factors that promote and hinder it.

Project at the Chair of Virology and Microbiology to decode dangerous cold viruses.

Use of AI-based language models to translate complex hospital discharge letters into understandable language and supplement them with lifestyle recommendations.

Ai.vatar is developing a human-like AI avatar for virtual environments that interacts empathically and improves human-machine interactions.

Potentised St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the improvement of post-operative pain after monosegmental spinal sequestrectomy.

The project is researching how periodontitis affects the immune system. Test subjects with and without periodontitis are being sought.

The digital decision aid (arriba®-PPI) was developed to reduce unnecessary prescriptions.

This guideline is intended to provide recommendations on methods for detecting fever and associated serious illnesses, on taking a child’s temperature, and on managing infection-related fever in children and young people.

The AWMF guideline provides recommendations for the prevention of dysregulated screen media use in children and adolescents for parents, educators and professionals.

The project aims to improve the care situation for young people with rare diseases.

Promoting diverse teams in rehabilitation. Development and qualitative evaluation of a digital training programme for the integration of professionals in rehabilitation facilities using adaptive learning and nudging.

The study is intended to show that the use of biological mesh material for the treatment of inguinal hernias causes less pain than the use of synthetic material.

The project is investigating how blue light could affect the skin, particularly in the treatment of wounds and scars.

This study investigates whether biomarkers can help to rule out severe craniocerebral injuries that require treatment or monitoring.

The BLIKK media studies (coping, learning behaviour, intelligence, competence, communication) are carried out to investigate the use of digital media in families and the effects on children.

In five studies, the topic of brain and society was examined from different angles and summarised in a book.

The project examines how Western Buddhism as a lay movement harmonises with modern lifestyles and different training paths in German-speaking countries.

Effects of joint decisions by GPs, patients and family caregivers on the prioritization of medicines

In the field of tension between technological innovation and sociological reflection, this research project is dedicated to one of the most fundamental questions of our time: Can machines develop consciousness?

In this study, human donor skin is used to create a model for contaminated wounds.

This research project is dedicated to the systematic further development and application of contexture analysis as an innovative method of qualitative social research.

New therapies for rare autoimmune diseases: How effective are they in everyday life?

The research project is dedicated to the question of how appropriate governance structures and ethical principles for the use of AI can be developed and implemented under conditions of uncertainty and lack of transparency.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer treatment and prevention services - A mixed-methods study.

The project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) is focussing on the situation of patients with severe COPD and a high symptom burden.

Studies on changing attitudes and behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic

To what extent can the discomfort caused by the use of virtual applications be minimised by a software-based adaptation from the field of motion sickness?

The study examines how management strategies such as outsourcing and centralisation are shaping change in German hospitals.

The study examines how co-determination is practised in the supervisory boards of large German companies and how employee and shareholder interests are organised.

The project at the Chair of Virology and Microbiology is focussing on oncolytic adenovirus vectors (OAdVs) to increase their efficiency.

Diversity-sensitive promotion of informed decision-making in the utilisation of colorectal cancer screening - multi-perspective mixed-methods study.

The project is investigating adapted therapies such as endurance training, respiratory therapy and nutrition to alleviate long/post COVID symptoms and for rehabilitation.

The project trains digital managers to analyse the level of digitalisation in their practice, develop a digitalisation strategy and initiate new projects.

The aim of this project is to develop a standardised, interoperable and digital diagnosis button for hospital discharge letters.

A mixed-methods study to develop a handbook for the implementation of diversity-sensitive approaches in healthcare practice.

The guiding principles of the project include the development of interprofessional teaching/learning modules, the promotion of research and networking in outpatient care structures and the expansion of data diversity in health care research.

An app developed as part of the project records patients’ vital signs and symptoms in order to improve research into the consequences of intensive care.

How does healthcare need to change to ensure better prevention, treatment and care for patients with endometriosis?

Development of an online self-help programme to strengthen the self-management of people with a Turkish migration background (Diversity-On)

Development of a catalogue of instruments and guidelines for rehabilitation facilities and rehabilitation providers for the implementation of diversity-sensitive care.

The project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) at the University of Witten/Herdecke focuses on the rehospitalisation of multimorbid patients.

The EKC is committed to promoting the healthy development of children worldwide.

The project at the Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health strengthens paediatric emergency care in the Alaotra Mangoro region of Madagascar.

The aim of the Eva-ACP project is to evaluate a new counselling standard for the preparation of advance directives in GP practices.

The project is investigating whether electromyostimulation during rehabilitation can improve muscle strength and fitness in patients with muscle atrophy.

The University Outpatient Clinic of the UW/H is evaluated according to the ‘Triple Aim Approach’ model. Three projects contribute to this evaluation.

The aim of this study was to adapt and translate the "Everyday Discrimination Scale" (EDS) by Williams et al. (J Health Psychol 1997;2:335-51).

The project at the Chair of Virology and Microbiology is concerned with improving methods for the use of adenovirus vectors.

The project is investigating possible mechanisms of the development of coagulation disorders in patients requiring intensive care who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Modern fever research and advice for parents. The app helps parents to accompany their child safely in the event of a fever.

The nutritional behaviour and level of knowledge of patients in primary care should contribute to the development of a health promotion course.

FitFürFieber is testing digital training courses and apps to support parents and doctors in dealing safely with fever and avoiding misdiagnoses.

The aim of this study was to record how often GP practices are contacted by telephone with questions about COVID-19 on an average practice day.

The follow-up project to “Healthy City Witten” focuses more strongly on promoting the health of children and young people in schools and neighborhoods.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. Age-appropriate care is of central importance in order to meet the individual needs and requirements of young people.

The health literacy of people with a migration background in Hesse - A mixed-methods study from the perspective of different stakeholders.

The project at the Chair of Virology and Microbiology is concerned with the development of specific gene therapy applications with adenovirus vectors.

The project aims to directly involve patients with chronic diseases in teaching and research.

The project is researching the development and piloting of a gender-sensitive care concept for patients with chronic non-tumour-related pain undergoing long-term opiate therapy.

The study examines the influence of stress management training on students' perception of stress, test anxiety and self-efficacy expectations.

Habitus are behavioural orientations learned and internalised through socialisation. The aim of interprofessional education (IPE) is to develop cultural skills.

HAFO.NRW is intended to establish a research practice network in NRW that will contribute to improving research by GPs for GPs.

How can the health potential of residents in care facilities be strengthened through mindfulness-based interventions?

The IGVF is building a database that collects motives for happiness and satisfaction at different points in life in order to recognise general patterns.

The project investigated whether German GPs and their medical assistants are happy and what they need for their professional happiness.

The project investigates children's health development.

The aim is to increase the focus on, further develop and stabilise municipal health promotion.

The aim of the study was to strengthen the health-related resources of nursing trainees at an early stage through workshops.

Health literacy and self-management in long-term cancer survivors - participatory development and evaluation.

University education can raise awareness of the climate crisis. But how can climate, health and ethics be communicated in the best possible way?

Development of an educational game to teach skills-based infection prevention in medical training

The aim of the "iCreate" project is to test the feasibility and acceptance of a tablet-based cognition test by medical assistants in GP surgeries.

The project is investigating how bio-psycho-social and gender-specific factors influence the success of cardiac rehabilitation in order to specifically improve therapies.

How do managers perceive bureaucracy and how are they involved in these processes?

The project investigates the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth.

Research aims to identify pathogens in respiratory tract infections early and precisely in order to improve treatment and prevent resistance.

In-patient nursing, palliative and hospice care in the time of COVID-19 - Social, ethical and legal implications from an intersectional perspective.

The GKLS analyses feasibility, positive effects and fasting-related side effects and concludes that fasting is possible for people with T1DM.

This project investigates reasons why nurses in Germany are thinking about changing jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project is investigating whether alternating training with low-oxygen and oxygen-rich air (IHHT) improves the fitness and rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease.

The one-year observational study examines the sustainability of the integrative programme of the Heart School for cardiovascular diseases.

The two-week intervention programme encourages people to pause and reflect on their everyday lives.

Integrative care model for oncologically ill people with a migration background and language barriers.

An integrated care model for people with cancer who have a migrant background and face language barriers.

The study examines the importance of learning culture, resilience and psychological safety in the outpatient health care system.

The study investigates how problem-based learning (POL) can be adapted for homeopathy education and evaluates its benefits using surveys.

The project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) at the University of Witten/Herdecke aims to strengthen the subject of general practice in medical studies.

The project analyses how care homes react to economic, ethical and regulatory challenges and which strategies they use to position themselves.

Oncolytic viruses are being trialled as novel cancer therapies. The project at the Chair of Virology and Microbiology is investigating the mechanisms.

Nationwide study on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students in Germany on the subject of abortion

The study examines the relationship between long-term mindfulness practice and the experience of various dimensions of connectedness.

Which mindfulness-based measures can influence the perceived stress and well-being of nurses in hospitals?

Which mindfulness-based measures influence the stress and well-being of nursing staff and trainees in hospitals?

The project brings together data sets on mindfulness-based interventions for carers from previous studies and replicates the research.

The project focussed on the effects that different forms of mindfulness training can have in a work context.

The IGVF wants to build a network to promote solidarity. The project is being scientifically supported.

The project addresses the physical and psychological aspects of cigarette addiction.

The project determines which patients with chronic respiratory impairment require inpatient care and in which cases monitoring can take place on an outpatient basis.

A research project on the topic of "resilience and health"

The project investigates how patients' access to their medical records affects trust, self-efficacy and adherence to treatment.

The PAAM project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) is trialling the use of Physician Assistants - PAs for short - in GP practices.

The project at the Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health is a response to the acute shortage of paediatricians in Malawi,

Participatory development of a handout on diversity-sensitive palliative and hospice care using the example of migration background.

The PARTNER project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) at the University of Witten/Herdecke is dedicated to strengthening cooperation between GPs and pharmacists.

Sensitisation for a mindful, appreciative perception of the world around us for a conscious commitment to others and the environment

The People's Voice Survey (PVS) is a population-based instrument for assessing the quality of the healthcare system from the user's perspective.

Despite conspicuous initial findings, many patients do not undergo further dementia diagnostics. The PFADE project is investigating why this is the case - and how the path to an early diagnosis can be improved.

The PICo project at the Chair of Social Philosophy & Ethics is looking at the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on residential care for the elderly.

Internet database and online encyclopedia of useful, aromatic, and medicinal plants brings together knowledge about the location and effectiveness of medicinal plants.

The aim of the joint project is to identify medication risks in patients taking multiple medications.

The umbrella organisation Salutogenese e.V. and the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) at the University of Witten/Herdecke have jointly founded an office "Research on Salutogenesis and Positive Health in Primary Care".

The project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) is concerned with the development and evaluation of an intervention to promote patient-centred dialogue in GP practices.

The POWER randomised controlled intervention study is investigating whether regular accompanied walking can improve the physical performance and quality of life of older people.

The PRISCUS list lists medications that may be unsuitable for older people and provides corresponding therapy recommendations.

The budget-funded project at the Institute of General Practice and Primary Care (iamag) at the University of Witten/Herdecke is focussing on patient preferences.

The “Put Away Your Phone Card" project aims to raise awareness among parents of kindergarten-aged children about mindful and reduced smartphone use in everyday family life. At the heart of the project is a card that gives young children a voice as a visible signal.

The LeAF Trauma project is investigating the factors on which the recovery of patients with severe physical trauma depends.

An examination of quantum theory from the perspective of (sociological) systems theorists.

Multi-stakeholder perspective on infection protection in collective accommodation centres for refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.

Medical rehabilitation in times of SARS-CoV-2 - Mixed-method study on challenges and coping strategies from a multi-stakeholder perspective.

The RefUGe-P project is dedicated to healthcare and, in particular, GP care for Ukrainian refugees.

The project is evaluating a telemedical aftercare programme (RehaPlus+) that efficiently supports cardiology patients after rehabilitation, regardless of their location.

The study examines, on the one hand, the expectations that patients and their family members have of an osteopathic consultation and, on the other hand, the assumptions that osteopaths make regarding the expectations of patients and their family members.

The model can be used to develop interventions that bring about changes in health behaviour and promote engagement and empowerment.

Project at the Chair of Health Care Research on racism in health care.

The empirical testing of the Rubicon concept in middle childhood, validation of a parent questionnaire, children's drawings and scoping reviews.

The generic care satisfaction questionnaire VeZuF and the birth-related care satisfaction questionnaire VeZuF-Birth.

The project is investigating how blood coagulation changes in patients with blood or cancer diseases - both in infections with sepsis and without sepsis.

The research project Scoring analyses the social credit system in the People's Republic of China and scoring in the West to promote cooperation.

The project is investigating whether a signalling sticker and intensive media coaching during U7a examinations help to reduce the screen time of small children.

“Screen-free until age 3” aims to raise awareness of the dangers associated with screen media and support parents during their child's first three years of life.

“Screen-free until age 3” is a cluster-randomized controlled intervention study conducted in pediatric and adolescent medical practices. The aim of the intervention is to raise parents' awareness of the potential risks of early childhood screen use and to support them in raising their children without screen media during the first three years of life.

Doctoral project on the meaningful experience of medical students: Motivation, crises of meaning, dealing with patients and need for support

This doctoral project examines the interaction between therapists, clinic settings and patients in psychosomatic clinics.

Study on the question of how gender influences the effectiveness of modern cancer therapies

The SRI questionnaire and the associated app help to analyse the health-related quality of life of people with severe respiratory respiratory insufficiency in large studies.

Social media as a tool to promote an informed decision on cervical cancer screening among migrant women.

The specialised library for complementary medicine and the CAMbase database offer a comprehensive overview of literature on the subject of complementary medicine.

Spiritual care takes into account the spiritual needs, options, and resources of patients.

The project explores how training in spiritual/existential care can sensitise healthcare professionals to spiritual needs and improve care for the elderly and dying.

The project explores spiritual dryness as a crisis of faith and life, its effects and coping, based on interviews and the Spiritual Dryness Scale.

Questionnaire on the unmet spiritual needs of healthcare professionals and counsellors

Compilation of instruments to measure certain aspects and facets of the complex construct of spirituality/religiosity

The aim of the research is to evaluate the impact of the nutrition and health programme on the behaviour and knowledge of schoolchildren.

The project at the Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health is concerned with strengthening children's rights in hospital care.

Project at the Chair of Health Care Research on Confined Migrant Populations during COVID-19.

Doctoral project on the recording of communication and participation preferences in medical consultations

Strong Together: Caring for One Another – Working Together. The project is sponsored by Diakonie Deutschland. The goal is to establish a caring corporate culture that sustainably strengthens job satisfaction, health, and team cohesion, and better supports employees in nursing and caregiving. The focus is on interprofessional training in Spiritual/Existential Care (SpECi), which promotes employees’ resilience and self-care and, in turn, enhances teamwork.

The aim of the project is to transfer a previously experimental listening room to a new setting and find out how listening promotes health.

What neurobiological and physiological mechanisms underlie meditation and the relaxation response? The research project addresses this question.

In the project, the partners are working together with healthcare stakeholders on blueprints for a paperless practice.

Scientists are investigating the connection between behavioural changes, health promotion and climate change.

The project uses AI and eHealth to provide personalised care for patients with coronary heart disease, optimise risk predictions and promote targeted prevention.

The register for recording and documenting seriously injured patients covers all seriously injured patients in Germany.

Do people with diabetes have stress at all or just blood sugar fluctuations? The programme aims to explore these connections; individually and in a group.

Do people with diabetes have stress at all or just blood sugar fluctuations? The programme aims to explore these connections; individually and in a group.

Eine qualitative Studie aus der Sicht von HospizmitarbeiterInnen und KlinikseelsorgerInnen

The project at the Friede Springer Endowed Chair for Global Child Health focuses on the health of children and adolescents in Malawi.

Investigation of asthma training in childhood and adolescence, taking into account the influencing factors of health literacy, specific understanding of the disease and socioeconomic status

The project is investigating whether electromyostimulation and shock wave therapy improve blood flow, walking distance and mobility in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

The research project is dedicated to the question of why utopian and dystopian science fiction stories exert a fascination on readers, particularly in the context of fears about the future and social insecurity.

The registry will be used to test the suitability of the VAC stent for sealing leaks in the oesophagus.

This clinical study investigates the suitability of the VAC stent to seal leaks in the oesophagus.

Pediatrician Prof. David Martin, MD, answers the most important questions about fever.

The WHO-CC in Witten is dedicated to addressing issues relating to primary care for children and young people in Europe and beyond.

Research project on the significance of the philosophical/spiritual background of yoga for practitioners