SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit

Our research projects

We are currently conducting research in many projects for a healthy future!

Our university aims to promote research in the field of health, to support new forward-looking developments in this area, to accompany them scientifically and to put them into practice in an innovative way for and with cooperation partners.

With our current research projects, we strengthen Germany as a health location.

Focus on health research

"When people feel healthy, what it takes to get there, and how to support that feeling is a central field of (health) research. At our university, health is to be considered from many perspectives: From the person himself and his social reference system, but also structurally and pedagogically. In this way, we find answers to the question of how health can be maintained for as long as possible."

Prof. Dr. habil. Claudia Luck-Sikorski

Contact me!

Our externally funded projects

Psychosocial emergency care in companies - an inventory on the implementation in Germany

Study Program: Work and Organizational Psychology (M.Sc.), Campus Gera

Project Manager: Prof. Dr. Sabine Rehmer

Involved Employees: Petra Wagner (research associate), Maria Gödicke (research associate), Maike Juds (research associate), Daniel Niewrzol (research associate),

Cooperation partners:

  • Associated partner: Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), Department I - Crisis Management, Unit I.3 - Psychosocial Crisis Management (PsychKM),
  • Scientific cooperation partner: Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich represented by Prof. Dr. Thomas Ehring, Managing Director, Department of Psychology & Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy,
  • Research advisory board: Representatives of the DGUV, representatives of the practice in the field of PSNV and the specialist group for emergency psychology of the BDP.

Duration: 01.01.2022 – 31.03.2025

Contakt: Prof. Dr. Sabine Rehmer, sabine.rehmer@srh.de

Funding: SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit, total amount: €727,000 supported by research funding of the Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e.V. (DGUV) in the amount of €567,000.

Brief description of the research project:

How are employees in companies provided with psychosocial care after deaths, accidents, assaults or other emergencies?
Based on the scientific literature and the current state of knowledge, this question cannot be answered at the present time. Therefore, in our research project, we will use various qualitative and quantitative surveys to determine how psychosocial care is provided to employees after sudden emergency situations in the work context.
For this survey, we will examine different target groups such as companies/enterprises, accident insurance institutions, voluntary PSNV-B teams as well as external service providers.
The surveys are intended to record and describe, on the one hand, operational implementations of psychosocial care after sudden emergency situations and, on the other hand, operational factors and measures that influence these positively or negatively.

With our research project, we want to make a contribution to ensuring that companies provide their employees with optimal support in emergency situations.

Course of studies: Inclusive Childhood Education (0-12 years) (B. A.), Campus Gera

Project Leaders: Prof. Dr. Gisa Aschersleben (Saarland University), Prof. Dr. Anne Henning (SRH University of Applied Health Sciences)

Participating collaborators: N.N. (student assistant, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences), Jonathan Schmidt, M.Sc. (Project Staff, Saarland University), N.N. (student assistant, Saarland University)

Cooperation Partner: Saarland University

Duration: 01.09.2020-01.09.2022

Contakt: Prof. Dr. Anne Henning

Funding: DFG, total 144,100 Euro (Saarland University: 138,716 Euro; SRH University of Health: 5,384 Euro)

The aim of the research project is to analyze the influence of maternal sensitivity at five time points in early childhood on children's school performance at the end of primary school. The aim is to examine whether and at which time points maternal sensitivity is a predictor of elementary school success. To this end, existing video sequences of mother-child interactions will be evaluated and analyzed, and the children's report card grades at the end of primary school in the subjects mathematics, German, and physical education will be collected by questionnaire.

Course of Studies:  Mental Health and Psychotherapy, M. Sc.

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. habil. Claudia Luck-Sikorski

Participating collaborators: Regine Breneise M.Sc., Dr. Natascha-Alexandra Weinberger

Cooperation partners: Julius-Maximillians-University of Würzburg, The Captury GmbH, Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich, University of Bielefeld, brainboost GmbH

Contacts:

Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Funding volume: 150.186,00 Euro


Project description: The number of obese people worldwide is increasing rapidly and is becoming a massive problem not only in Western industrialized countries, both for individual well-being and for society as a whole in terms of enormous economic consequences. Despite existing lifestyle therapies or surgical interventions, many of those affected gain weight again after successful weight reduction. A disturbed perception of the acceptance of one's own body is considered to be the cause in particular. The goal of ViTraS is to develop therapy methods for body-related health disorders and disease patterns using obesity as an example. Current technologies of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are used, which on the one hand should increase the effectiveness of the therapy and on the other hand reduce the relapse rates. The aid of technological capabilities also has the advantage of bringing together therapists and sufferers from spatially separated areas, ensuring availability and inclusion even in underserved regions. Against this background, the present project of the SRH University of Health, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, will design, develop and scientifically evaluate clinical efficacy studies of the demonstrators developed in the project. The central goals of the project are the development of promising intervention techniques, identification and prevention of possible barriers to acceptance, and evaluation of the effects (e.g. motivation, weight reduction, body perception).

To improve the rehabilitation follow-up of patients/insured persons with chronic back pain.

Course of study: Physiotherapy, B. Sc., integrated training, Campus Leverkusen

Project manager:: Prof. Dr. habil. Michael Tiemann

Cooperation partners: AOK NORDWEST, AOK-Bundesverband, Gräfliche Kliniken Bad Driburg (Marcus Klinik), Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS)

Duration: 01.11.2016-31.03.2021

Contakt: Prof. Dr. Michael Tiemann

Funding: AOK NORDWEST

Funding Volume: 18.400 Euros

Project description: "DigiTrain" is an interactive, multimedia training program for patients/insured persons with chronic back pain, which they perform in their home environment following an inpatient rehabilitation stay. An important goal of the study is to evaluate key health and behavioral effects of this program. For this purpose, a study in a waiting-control group design with three measurement time points (pre, post, follow-up after 6 months) will be conducted. Subjects will be randomly assigned to the intervention and wait-list control groups. The study sample will include a total of 80-100 patients. The study of health effects refers in particular to the following parameters: general health status, satisfaction with health, physical and general complaints, severity of back pain, treatment of back pain, physical-sport performance, habitual state of health, mental health, health competence/health literacy. With regard to health behavior (behavioral effects), the type, extent and intensity of physical-sporting activities as well as sport-related self-efficacy are evaluated in particular. In a further (sub-)study, acceptance and important aspects related to the practical application and implementation of the program will also be investigated. In detail, the user-friendliness, comprehensibility and intuitive operability of the system (usability) as well as the perceived benefit of the training program and the patients' adherence will be investigated.

For adults with a sedentary lifestyle

Course of study: Physiotherapy, B. Sc., integrated training at the Campus Leverkusen

Project manager: Prof. Dr. habil. Michael Tiemann

Cooperation partner: wdv Gesellschaft für Medien & Kommunikation mbH & Co. OHG

Duration: since 01.12.2017, end still open

Contact: Prof. Dr. Michael Tiemann, michael.tiemann@srh.de

Funding: wdv Gesellschaft für Medien & Kommunikation mbH & Co. OHG

Funding volume: 5,800 euros

Project description:The vast majority (about 80%) of the adult population in Germany has a sedentary lifestyle and does not meet the current national "Recommendations for Physical Activity". Against this background, a scientific concept for a digital exercise program (app) specifically for people with a sedentary lifestyle will be developed in this project in a first phase. In order to reach the addressed group of people, new forms of addressing and recruiting target groups will be developed and, in addition to sports medicine and training science aspects, behavioral psychology (motivational and volitional) aspects in particular will be explicitly taken into account in the program design. On this basis, a prototype will first be developed and tested in a second project phase, and then the market-ready product (app) will be created. In a third project phase, the effects of the program (app) will then be examined within the framework of a prospective study. The focus of this study will be on health-related (state of health and complaints, quality of life, physical performance, psychological well-being, stress perception, health literacy) and behavioral effects (frequency and regularity of implementation of the program, perceived barriers, changes in lifestyle). Furthermore, acceptance, suitability for everyday use and usability of the program (app) will also be investigated.

Research Funding Internal

Course of studies: Social Work, B. A.

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Sandra Meusel

Participating staff: Students in the B.A. program Social Work Duration: from WS 19/20

Contact: Prof. Dr. Sandra Meusel, sandra.meusel@srh.de

Funding: Internal research funding

Project description: Based on the insight that the communication and interaction of and with managers in companies represents a specific and little researched area of organizational research (Goecke 1997), the project uses narrative interviews (qualitative social research) to examine conflict situations with managers in middle and upper management. It will be clarified which backgrounds lead to the development of the situation, in which way the communication and interaction with the executives takes place and which possible solutions result from it.

Course of studies: Psychology, B. Sc.

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Katharina Wick

Duration: from SS20

Contact: Prof. Dr. Katharina Wick, katharina.wick@srh.de

Funding: Internal research funding

Project description: Nature-based mindfulness leads to meaningful pre-post differences with mean effect sizes higher than classical mindfulness trainings (Djernis et al. 2019). The "Mindful Garden" project aims to provide affected individuals inside and outside of treatment facilities with the opportunity to independently learn and apply stress management methods (primarily based on mindfulness-based concepts) both preventively and curatively. For this purpose, a scientific health psychological action concept based on natural elements will be developed as a station park for use in gardens and parks. The aim is to make a significant contribution to primary health prevention and to establish a link to environmental education and education for sustainable development through the use of natural elements. The overall offer will be evaluated in a pre-post control group study using quantitative and qualitative methods. The station park as a product of the project should enable the users to carry out the individual product modules independently of the initial research project and external experts (empowerment, help for self-help). The concept of the "Mindful Garden", which was developed at three locations (including Gera), is to be disseminated nationwide after the end of the project and thus made accessible to a broad user community.

Course of study: Physiotherapy, B. Sc., training-integrated  at the Campus Karlsruhe

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann

Duration: SS 19-SS 21

Contact: Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann, bjoern.eichmann@srh.de

Funding: Internal research funding

Formulation of the two objectives: To improve preoperative training in patients with upcoming hip impingement surgery to simultaneously optimize functional recovery (Catalayud et al., 2017) and healing processes (Villadsen et al., 2014).

The "ipHIT" study aims to individualize postoperative training and provide patients with a better as well as more progressive training design. The focus of the study is on mobility, ADL's (activity of daily living), balance, and muscle strength recovery (see Lee et al., 2017).

The study will be conducted as part of a bachelor's thesis. Congress contributions as well as publications in physiotherapy and medical journals are planned. The ipHIT study will take place in Pforzheim. It makes it possible to involve SRH students in Karlsruhe as well as in Stuttgart and to continue the study in an interdisciplinary way. The preoperative training will take place over a period of 12 weeks and will be specifically implemented in three training sessions. Each training session is controlled according to individual load criteria. Postoperative training will also take place over a 12-week period. The training is target-guided and is adapted to the wound healing, as well as to the training units of the preoperative training in order to optimize the regeneration.

Course of studies: Physiotherapy, B. Sc., ausbildungsintegrierend am Campus Karlsruhe

Projectleader: Prof. Dr. Rita Wittelsberger

Cooperation partner: Karlsruhe Municipal Hospital

Duration: WS 20/21-SS 21

Contact: Prof. Dr. Rita Wittelsberger, rita.wittelsberger@srh.de

Funding: Internal research funding

Project description: This pilot project is about an acceptance study and investigation of the effects of exercise therapy during hemodialysis. Due to the disease, there are reductions in muscle strength and atrophy, decreased quality of life and physical fitness (Anding et al., 2015, Bogotaj et al., 2020). Exercise therapy can counteract these factors. And also the implementation of exercise therapy directly during hemodialysis offers many advantages: no additional time, direct medical control, no further travel necessary and also positive effects on the duration of hemodialysis (Anding et al., 2015, Breckling, 2010, Frih et al., 2017, Von Gernsdorff, 2016). Proven effects to date show that fewer dialysis units per week are needed, that patients' quality of life increases, and that strength and endurance can be significantly improved over a period of one year (Anding et al., 2015; Frih et al., 2017, Fuhrmann et al., 2016). To date, there is only one study looking at this form of exercise therapy across Germany (Halle et al., 2020). This is by far expandable.

Within the framework of a 6-week intervention with 3x exercise therapy/week, a first pilot study with N=20 subjects is now taking place to investigate the feasibility at all, but also the effects of such an intervention.

A randomized controlled trial

Study programs: Neurorehabilitation, M. Sc. & Physiotherapy, B. Sc.

Project Leaders: Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Elsner

Participating staff: Prof. Dr. Nickels

Cooperation partner: SRH Clinic Dobel / Black Forest

Duration: SS 19-SS 21 Contact: Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann, bjoern.eichmann@srh.de

Funding: SRH Clinic Dobel & Internal Research Funding

Project description: Studies on the topic report that targeted arm training can improve grip strength and arm function in people after stroke (Mehrholz et al., 2018; Harris & Eng, 2009). The aim of this study is to compare static hand strength training with a dynamic therapy approach in terms of effects on hand strength, finger strength, and hand coordination in everyday life. Here, the intervention group trains statically on so-called fingerboards from the field of climbing sports. The control group receives dynamic training. The training devices are CE certified. All participants of both groups receive the regular rehabilitation measures in addition to these therapies. A single-center randomized controlled trial with 128 subjects will be conducted. Subjects will receive twelve therapy sessions in the respective groups over a maximum period of three weeks. Each therapy session will last 30 minutes and all twelve sessions must occur within four weeks. Furthermore, the joint application of the master's degree program in neurorehabilitation and the bachelor's degree program in physiotherapy makes it possible for the first time to tackle an interdisciplinary study, which will also be implemented in an SRH clinic. The interlocking of different departments within the SRH is demonstrated here and can be understood as a pilot project.

Course of studies: Physiotherapy, B. Sc.

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann

Cooperation partner: CoolInn GmbH

Duration: from WS20/21

Contact: Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann, bjoern.eichmann@srh.de

Funding: SRH Klinikum Dobel & Internal Research Funding

Project description: Back pain has a high rate of chronification and is also significantly responsible for high macroeconomic costs (Storm, 2018). "Back pain (ICD-M54)" was the reason for prescription for nearly one-third of physical therapy patients in 2018 (29.6 percent). This affected more than 1.3 million AOK-insured patients in 2018 (Waltersbacher, 2019, p. 21).

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with or resembling actual or potential tissue damage (IASP, 2017). Pain, specifically in chronic back pain patients, is not uniform and is perceived differently by the patient. It represents a complex, multidimensional phenomenon that, within the context of a biopsychosocial model, must favor psychological and social factors in addition to physical findings (Arnold et al, 2015; Kamper et al, 2015).

In the national care guideline non-specific low back pain of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF), there is currently no recommendation on cold therapy for back pain, as no conclusive studies are available (German Medical Association, 2017). The subject of this bachelor study is therefore a comprehensive pain history, with the help of the German pain questionnaire, so as to present the effect of whole-body cold therapy on the symptom of pain and its effects. It is clear that not everyone benefits equally from certain therapy options or needs all available therapy options.

The aim of this study is to show whether whole body cryotherapy can be part of a multimodal therapy for chronic back pain and whether the effects are promising compared to their effort.

Course of study: Logopaedics, B. Sc.

Project Leader: Annette Rustemeier-Holtwick

Duration: SS 19-SS21

Contact: Annette Rustemeier-Holtwick, annette.rustemeier-holtwick@srh.de

Funding: Internal research funding

Project description:The aim is to elicit what contribution digitally supported learning can make to the development of a learning care. A learning care is characterized by taking up new knowledge, reflection and productive use of it for the further development of the own practice and (...) quality of their actions. The acquisition of knowledge is understood as a natural part of professional action (Schaeffer 2006 p. 2). There is a need to find solutions to a common knowledge base, however, this process is complicated by an intensification of the theory-practice conflict with increasing academization (Greb 2010, Schaeffer 2006), barriers in the transfer of evidence into nursing practice (Meyer, Köpke 2012, Behrens, Langner 2006) and a limited effectiveness of continuing education related to knowledge transfer (Schaeffer 2006, Bensch 2015, Kaiser 2009). Specifically, the research project aims to clarify which means/methods can be used to support the learning process of knowledge acquisition, what are helpful forms of learning with regard to the further development of one's own professional practice, and what contributes to making learning a natural part of professional action. It is to be determined to what extent and under what conditions the format of digital learning can support the process of transferring scientific knowledge into practically relevant knowledge. It is also to be investigated to what extent this learning format is able to anchor individualized learning strategies and concepts and which competencies promoted by digital learning are helpful for the process of connecting the members of the profession. In order to capture the significance of digital supported learning formats for the development of learning nursing, a qualitatively oriented research design is used (Mayring 2007). Specifically, a qualitative experiment is combined with a subsequent expert interview (Mayring 2007, Kleining 1986, Burkart 2010, Gläser u. Laudel 2010, Brinkmann, Deeke, Völkel 1995). The advantage of combining these methods is that participants in the qualitative experiment actively engage in a learning process through the use of digitally supported learning formats and explore or reflect based on their individual learning experiences. The qualitative experiment is planned as a laboratory experiment in which two already tested micro-learning units are used as forms of digitally supported learning (Sieger et. al. 2015 p. 78 ff.). Titles of the micro-learning units are: Pathways to new knowledge - own inquiries to science using the example of dealing with MRSA and consultation as a method of decision-making. "Nurse, I have a question? ". The interpretations, views, and attitudes collected in the qualitative experiment will be explored in more depth in the subsequent expert interviews. The interview form chosen is the focused interview (Merton & Kendall 1984). The Theoretical Sampling consists of two groups: Group one consists of professionally experienced nurses who have undergone a digitally supported continuing education process with the goal of transferring evidence into nursing practice. Group two (comparison group) is composed of professionally experienced nurses who have also undergone systematic continuing education processes, but have little or varying experience with digitally supported learning. A total sample of n = 20 is planned.

Course of Studies: Logopaedics, B. Sc., Campus Düsseldorf and Bonn

Projects Leaders: Prof. Dr. Ablinger-Borowski, Prof. Dr. Katharina Dressel

Duration: since SS 19

Participating staff: Students of the study program Logopaedics

Contact: Prof. Dr. Katharina Dressel, katharina.dressel@srh.de; Prof. Dr. Ablinger-Borowski, irene.ablinger@srh.de

Funding: Internal research funding

Project description: Since the winter semester 2018/19, the project has been investigating the reading performance of people with Alzheimer's dementia at the word, sentence and text level through bachelor theses. Currently, the creation of reading texts for people with Alzheimer's dementia and the testing of a treatment approach to improve text reception in this group of people is taking place. Furthermore, detailed literature research on the topic area was conducted. The goal is a multicenter project application.

Research projects of the study programs

Course of studies: Interdisciplinary project

Project Leaders: Prof. Dr. Sabine Rehmer, Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann

Cooperation partner: Minax - Gesellschaft für junge Lebenswelten; THM Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen Duration: since 2018

Contact: Prof. Dr. Sabine Rehmer, sabine.rehmer@srh.de; Prof. Dr. Björn Eichmann bjoern.eichmann@srh.de

Funding: Barmer health insurance company

Project description: The SRH University of Applied Sciences for Health developed together with Minax (minax.de) and the THM (Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen) an online platform around the topic HEALTHY STUDY! Here a web page was developed which makes it possible for our students to inform themselves fast and concretely about learning blockades, examination stress or about the topic successful learning. In addition, the health portal clarifies the offers of the SRH at the different locations. The results of internal university research projects of students and lecturers are also included. Furthermore, information and self-tests on the topics of nutrition or exercise are available on the health portal.

Survey on experiences of day care centers for children aged 0-6 years in Italy and Germany.

Course of study: Inklusive Childhood Education (0-12 years), B. A.

Project Leaders: Prof. Dr. Anne Henning (SRH University of Applied Health Sciences), Prof. Dr. Daniela Bulgarelli (University of Turin, Italy)

Collaborator: Julia Bauer (Bachelor student, Education and Support in Childhood)

Cooperation partners: University of Turin (Italy, Prof. Dr. Paola Molina, Prof. Dr. Daniela Bulgarelli), Gruppo Nazionale Nidi e Infanzia (GNNI)

Duration: September 2020-July 2021

Contact: Prof. Dr. Anne Henning, anne.henning@srh.de

Funding: Visiting Prof. Dr. Daniela Bulgarelli funded by the University of Turin (Italy).

Background and aim: The current pandemic situation affects the everyday life in day care centers in many ways. In cooperation with the University of Turin and the Gruppo Nazionale Nidi e Infanzia in Italy, we would like to find out what experiences day care centers for children aged 0-6 years have had in relation to the pandemic situation and what adjustments they have made. Furthermore, we would like to compare the situation of day care centers in Germany with those in Italy. Method: By means of an online survey, pedagogical professionals will be asked about the staffing and organization of the groups before and after the lockdown in spring 2020, as well as about changes in the daily routine, in the use of indoor and outdoor spaces and in contact with parents, as well as about hygiene measures taken and participation in decision-making processes. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared by the Gruppo Nazionale Nidi e Infanzia (GNNI). A German-language version with adapted content was prepared (Anne Henning). Depending on the further course of the pandemic, one or more repeat surveys are planned. Current status (December 2020): Data collection in Italy is ongoing, the survey in Germany will start soon.

Program of study: Mental Health and Psychotherapy, M. Sc.

Project Leaders: Carolin Thiel, Prof. Dr. habil. Claudia Luck-Sikorski

Laufzeit: 01.10.2020-31.03.2021

Contact: Prof. Dr. habil. Claudia Luck-Sikorski, claudia.luck-sikorski@srh.de

Background: Since spring 2020, the coronavirus has also arrived in Germany and brought changes for most people. In addition to partly negative professional, financial or social effects, the concern about a possible infection and the associated health consequences is often present in everyday life. It is now believed that certain groups of people are at increased risk of severe disease progression as a result of infection. These include people with obesity (Gerlach et al., 2020). Especially in times of such a pandemic, there is a need for effective psychosocial care for people with severe obesity. However, this also requires a deeper understanding of how - especially in view of the increased risk factors - the pandemic is reflected in their experience and behavior.

In summary, currently available data show that people with obesity have a higher than average incidence of severe corona. At the time of the literature search, few studies were available showing how the Corona pandemic affects the experience and behavior of people with obesity. In addition, there is a lack of information on the individual challenges and coping strategies regarding the well-being of people with obesity. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the following questions:

1. what changes has the Corona Pandemic brought to the behavior and experience of people with obesity?

2. what individual challenges arise for people with obesity in times of Corona?

3. what coping strategies related to personal well-being are most effective for people with obesity in times of Corona?

This study is a qualitative investigation conducted as part of the qualitative methods module at the SRH University of Health. This research aims to record how people with obesity feel in times of Corona, what fears and worries they carry, as well as how these individuals can be helped. The aim of this work is to explore these and related issues with participation of experts.

Course of studies:: Medical Pedagoy B. A.

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Matthias Drossel

Cooperation partners: SRH Kliniken GmbH; SRH Fachschulen GmbH

Laufzeit: 01.09.2020-31.12.2021

Contact: Prof. Dr. Matthias Drossel, matthias.drossel@srh.de

Funding: SRH Kliniken GmbH

Overall project goal: Implementation of a competence-oriented curriculum with efficient management structures and high learning effectiveness of the (modern) lessons in theory and practice. Basis is the 3-way model according to Rolff

Vertical and horizontal integration into outpatient and primary care services

Studiengang: Physician Assistant, B. Sc., Study Center Heide

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Marcus Hoffmann

Cooperation partners: Medical Association Schleswig-Holstein (applicant), SRH University of Applied Sciences, Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Schleswig-Holstein, Ärztegenossenschaft Nord, Techniker Krankenkasse Landesvertretung Schleswig-Holstein, Westküstenkliniken Brunsbüttel und Heide, European Physician Assistant/Associate Collaboration

Duration: 01.09.2020-31.08.2023

Contact: Prof. Dr. Henrik Herrmann, henrik.herrmann@srh.de

Financing: Supply assurance fund of the state of Schleswig-Holstein (grant according to §44 LHO in connection with the guideline for the promotion of outpatient, inpatient and cross-sectoral offers), grant decision of 26.08.20 in the amount of 461.713,31 €.

Project description: Establishment as well as vertical and horizontal integration of the new job profile "Physician Assistant" with general medical, family doctor competence profile according to the specifications of the German Medical Association (BÄK) and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) into the care reality on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein. Basic medical care in rural areas is a major challenge. Particularly in the outpatient sector, innovative care models are needed to ensure targeted and interprofessional care, especially for primary care physicians. Another task is to network the existing sectors in order to leverage synergy effects. The occupational profile of the physician assistant, integrated into a team structure, is an approach to further developing the reality of care, especially in rural areas. As an academic, highly qualified health profession, the physician assistant can be deployed at the interface between inpatient and outpatient care. In addition to monitoring the content of the course over the course of the project, the legal framework is being reviewed with regard to services that can be delegated and modern teaching and learning formats are being integrated into the course. With our cross-sector approach, we are paying particular attention to the vertical and horizontal integration of the new professional profile into the existing healthcare landscape. To this end, a model curriculum already developed by a team of experts is being implemented in the PA program for in-depth specialist training in outpatient primary care. Medical assistants (MFA) but also, for example, VERAHs (care assistance in the family doctor's practice) or NÄPAs (non-physician practice assistance) should be given access to the study program. Recognition possibilities within the framework of the HSG Schleswig-Holstein and the accreditation of the PA study program are being reviewed.

Course of studies: interdisciplinary

Project Leaders: Marco Reining (WKG), Prof. Dr. Michael Kretzschmar

Collaborators: Prof. Dr. Dirk Winkler (Leipzig)

Cooperation partner: Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurosurgery of the University of Leipzig

Duration: 12/2018-12/2021

Contact: Prof. Dr. Michael Kretzschmar (michael.kretzschmar@srh.de)

Project description: Retrospective analysis of MRI examinations in patients with ongoing neurostimulation. Extensive questions about the safety of these examinations in these patients have not yet been answered. We have one of the largest patient cohorts worldwide in which MRIs in this constellation have been performed in recent years. The available data (including the technical parameters of the examinations) will be examined with regard to the occurrence of adverse events and complications.

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Michael Kretzschmar, Lucas Fuhrmann (Jena)

Collaborators: Prof. Dr. Dirk Winkler (Leipzig)

Cooperation partner: Clinic and Polyclinic for Neurosurgery of the University of Leipzig

Duration: 01/2019-12/2022

Contact: Prof. Dr. Michael Kretzschmar (michael.kretzschmar@srh.de)

Project description: Retrospective analysis of opioid consumption in patients with intrathecal opioid therapy. A cohort of patients with intrathecal long-term therapy of up to 12 years will be investigated. The increase in opioid dose in patients with and without additional intrathecal adjuvants over time will be tracked

Course of study: Logopaedics, B. Sc., Campus Heidelberg

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Juliane Klann

Collaborators: Ingrid Henriksson (PhD), Dr. Francesca Longoni (Gothenburg)

Cooperation partner: University of Gothenburg

Duration: since WS 2018/19

Contact: Prof. Dr. Juliane Klann, juliane.klann@srh.de

Project description: The project is an international collaboration of German and Swedish student groups, which alternate annually in an international online exchange, each working on a building block for the development of a multilingual aphasia test. The current focus of the project is the comparative analysis of single-language Swedish and German standard instruments for aphasia diagnostics. The aim is on the one hand to separate necessary from unnecessary differences and on the other hand to identify the impact of two fundamentally different health and language systems on the construction of standardized language tests. The new findings should help to create a new basis for the development of multilingual comparable instruments in the growing multilingual society. Such a test is not only clinically desirable, but also serves again to gain new scientific knowledge, as it allows to cleanly compare aphasias in multilingual patients (here: Swedish and German) in disorder pattern and course, which allows inferences on the processing of fundamentally different languages in the brain. At the same time, in addition to gaining scientific knowledge, students benefit from a first insight into international research and cooperation, nationally specific university structures and healthcare systems, as well as language-specific features in the diagnosis and therapy of neurological language disorders.

For patients after surgery on the cervical spine (DySc-Val)

Course of studies: Logopaedics, B. Sc., Campus Karlsruhe

Project Leaders: Prof. Dr. Stefanie Duchac, Prof. Dr. Tobias Pitzen (SRH Klinikum Karlsbad) & Christian Neuhäuser (SRH Klinikum Karlsbad)

Cooperation partner: SRH Klinikum Karlsbad

Duration: 2018-End still open

Contact: Prof. Dr. Stefanie Duchac, stefanie.duchac@srh.de

Funding: internal funding of the SRH Klinikum Karlsbad.

Background: After cervical spine (C-spine) surgery, transient dysphagia is a well-known complication. Often, these complaints are mild and temporary. However, there are also complicated and protracted courses in which the quality of life is significantly reduced. For example, dysphagia can not only lead to impaired daily food intake and thus malnutrition, but food and fluids entering the respiratory tract (aspiration) can potentially lead to pneumonia. Nevertheless, to date, there is no clinical swallowing screening that has been specifically reviewed for the cervical spine-operated patient population. Only through a reliable clinical assessment of aspiration risk and further complications, instrumental diagnostic procedures can be used quickly and specifically to initiate targeted swallow therapy interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify clinical factors that may lead to early clinical detection of dysphagia after cervical spine surgery (postoperative dysphagia). The study results will be used to reduce the complication rate and optimize the quality of care for affected patients.

Study procedure: All patients undergoing cervical spine surgery who meet the inclusion criteria are eligible to participate in the study. In order to identify possible swallowing problems, participants in the research project will receive a clinical logopedic examination (including water swallowing test and Test of Masticaltion and swallowing Solids - TOMASS) before and after surgery, study-related instrumental swallowing diagnostics (videofluoroscopy) as a reference standard, and a questionnaire for self-assessment and quality of life in relation to swallowing function. 

Other research-associated activities

Course of study: Logopaedics, B. Sc., Campus Heidelberg

Project Leaders: Prof. Dr. Juliane Klann

Collaborator: Dr. Gisela Fehrmann, Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn

Cooperation partners: Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn; Deaf and Sign Language Research Team DeafSign, RWTH Aachen University

Contact: Prof. Dr. Juliane Klann, juliane.klann@srh.de

Project description: In the late 1990s, a competence test was developed at RWTH Aachen University to assess sign language skills. In the current long-term project, this test will be adapted to the new research results from sign linguistics, transferred into a digital version and evaluated and standardized for different competence levels.

Course of studies: Social Work, B. A.

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Sandra Meusel

Cooperation partner: Jana Richter, SOS Children's Village Gera

Contact: Prof. Dr. Sandra Meusel, sandra.meusel@srh.de

Project description: The practical project is part of the module M06 Method and Action Competencies of Social Work II, Aesthetic-Medial Practice and Projects. Based on the cooperation with the SOS Children's Village and their residents in adolescence, the students deal with the topics of inpatient child and youth welfare and support of CareLeavers. They research the literature and compile material for joint events. They hold meetings with cooperation partners and practice supporting CareLeavers in the real working environment. The reflection of the experiences in the practical project takes place in report form.

(Daniela Bulgarelli, Anne Henning & Evelyn Bertin) für die 3. Ausgabe des The Handbook of Childhood Social Development (Herausgeber: Peter K. Smith & Craig Hart), 2021, Wiley-Blackwell.

Studiengang: Inklusive Childhood Education (0-12 years), B. A.

Authors: Prof. Dr. Daniela Bulgarelli (University of Turin), Prof. Dr. Anne Henning (SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit), PD Dr. Evelyn Bertin (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz)

Deadline: December 2020

Contact: Prof. Dr. Anne Henning, anne.henning@srh.de

Project description: Our chapter addresses current issues in social-cognitive development of children aged 3-11 years, i.e., between preschool age and late elementary school years. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the Theory of Mind, children's understanding of emotions, and the ability to take another person's perspective, as these aspects contribute notably to the adequate processing of information in interactions with others. In addition, we will discuss the major correlates that contribute to the development of these social cognitive skills, such as language development and communication skills, relationships and interactions with important caregivers (e.g., parents, siblings, or peers), and the maturation of executive functions and self-regulatory skills. Space permitting, practical implications for child care and school professionals and parents will be discussed so that children's social development can be adequately supported.

For an objective acoustic voice analysis.

Course of study: Logopaedics, B. Sc., Campus Heidelberg

Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Ben Barsties v. Latoszek (Düsseldorf)

Cooperation partner: Dr. Jörg Mayer (Lingphon and University of Stuttgart)

Duration: September 2020 to February 2021

Contact: Prof. Dr. Ben Barsties v. Latoszek, benjamin.barstiesvonlatoszek@srh.de

Background: Acoustics, along with four other measurement methods, is one of the fundamental pillars in voice diagnostics. Acoustic measurement procedures are used, for example, to assess voice quality. With regard to acoustically quantifiable voice quality measurements, this tool is intended to provide the clinician with an objective assessment of the extent to which hoarseness is present and in which sub-variation, according to the latest scientific knowledge on the most valid acoustic parameters and indices for voice quality analysis.

Goal: The use of a new clinical tool with an intuitive user interface for clinicians working with the disorder dysphonia (e.g. speech and language therapists, phoniatrists, ENT physicians) to diagnose, document and evaluate hoarseness with its subvariants of breathlessness and roughness more quickly, validly and effectively.

Member of the dbs Ethics Commission: Prof. Dr. Katharina Dressel, Supraregional Working Group on Dementia of the German Association for Speech Therapy (dbl).

Contact: Prof. Dr. Katharina Dressel, katharina.dressel@srh.de

Project description: Dementia can lead to impairments in speech and communication as well as nutrition and swallowing function. Therefore, affected persons and their relatives require specific logopedic care, both in diagnostics and therapy as well as with regard to their counseling and support. Committed speech therapists founded the national dementia working group in 2011. The primary goal of this working group was the discussion of the logopedic fields of action in the care of people with dementia, in order to come to a clear positioning from a professional-political point of view and to open this new field of action for the logopedically active colleagues. The members of the supra-regional working group come from research and teaching, from practices and clinics. One result of this working group is a position paper published in 2019, which formulates competence and activity fields of speech therapy on the basis of existing evidence and positions speech therapy in the care of people with dementia.