The Hans-Bredow-Institut carried out two partial studies within the framework of the Network of Competencies for Complementary Medicine in Oncology, a German-wide and multidisciplinary collaborative project supported by the Deutsche Krebshilfe [German Cancer Aid] from 2012 to 2015. In the first study, it investigated the extent, as well as the nature, of what is contained in representations of treatment regimes involving complementary medicine in oncology, as these are presented in various media sources, together with how patients perceive and evaluate them. Qualitative interviews with 50 (cancer) patients in various stages of illness were conducted alongside an extensive analysis of print, television and internet sources.
In the second partial study, the Institute developed a target-group-specific communication concept, which focuses on establishing an information platform online on the issue of complementary medicine. A pilot version of the information platform for patients and their relatives could be implemented and evaluated in the first funding phase.
The Network of Competencies for Complementary Medicine in Oncology was supported by the Deutsche Krebshilfe [German Cancer Aid] from 2012 to 2015 as a collaborative multidisciplinary joint research project. Within the framework of this patient-oriented joint project, the institute established, among other things, a comprehensive knowledge database for complementary medicine, developed and evaluated concepts for consulting and training and determined the needs for information of both patients and doctors. The Institute was involved with two partial studies: on the one hand, it examined the presentation of complementary medicine in media; on the other hand, it analysed the target-group-specific communication concept, as well as a pilot version for an information platform. The collaborative project was coordinated by Dr. M. Horneber (Nuremburg Hospital). You can find further information about the Network of Competencies for Complementary Medicine in Oncology at www.kompetenznetz-kokon.de.
What information needs exist on the topic of complementary medicine in cancer medicine and how can evidence-based knowledge be shared? Within the framework of the Network of Competencies for Complementary Medicine in Oncology, the Institute developed a target-group-specific communication concept and a pilot version of the information platform for patients and their relatives. To impart scientific, medical, evidence-based information poses a big challenge.
In the second partial study, the Institute developed a target-group-specific communication concept based on the information needs of patients and medical staff, which focuses on establishing an information platform online on the issue of complementary medicine. A pilot version of the information platform for patients and their relatives could be implemented and evaluated within the first funding phase. Based on studies on the needs for information of both cancer patients and doctors, the institute developed a target-group-specific communication concept to contribute to a better access to information and transparency of information on treatment methods in complementary medicine in oncology. The core of the concept is a comprehensive online platform that provides information in a structured way, which can also be easily understood by laypersons. Within this project, a pilot version of an information platform was established that provides information on typical symptoms concerning cancer as well as information on common treatments in complementary medicine. It will also provide information for cancer patients on how they can do something good for themselves during their illness. Additional to the text-based contents, the platform provides audio-visual contents to offer patients and their relatives an alternative access to information. Checklists, questionnaires as well as the categorisation of treatments according to the state of research and application context offer laypersons further possibilities to understand treatments in complementary medicine and discuss the right treatment for their health requirements with their doctor and find the right contact person.
A pilot version of the online platform has been evaluated and reviewed in a qualitative study with 20 patients and two experts regarding its navigation, structure, preparation as well as the comprehensibility of the content. Since August 2016, the pilot version of the information platform www.kokoninfo.de is available online.
Duration: 2012-2015
Research programme:
RP3 - Knowledge for the Media Society
Dr. Claudia Lampert •
Michael Grimm, M. A. •
Stefanie Wahl, M. A.
Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI)
Rothenbaumchaussee 36
20148 Hamburg
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