What we do
As the German Foundation for the Chronically Ill, we work on national and international projects to improve care processes for people with chronic illnesses. We are also in constant dialogue with partners and various stakeholders in the healthcare system to develop new solutions and initiate new projects.
Here you can find our ongoing and completed projects.
Ongoing projects in Germany
HI-Netzwerk NORD
The HI-Netzwerk NORD* is an initiative of the Medical Clinic II of the University Heart Centre at the UKSH, Lübeck Campus. The aim is to establish a heart failure network NORD for Schleswig-Holstein to improve cross-sector collaboration between specialist practices, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and GP practices as well as patients. By ensuring structured, coordinated and guideline-compliant care process, quality of care for patients will be improved. For this, HI-Netzwerk NORD relies on a specialist cardiological online video consultation, specially trained heart failure specialists (HI-Nurse) and connection of cooperating players to the telematics infrastructure. Funding is provided by the state of Schleswig-Holstein; duration: 2023-2024.
*HI-Netzwerk NORD: Implementation of a heart failure network in Schleswig-Holstein
As part of the HI-Netzwerk NORD study, the FCI is analyzing the perceived effects of closer networking in the heart failure network from the patients' perspective, particularly with regard to their quality of care and quality of life. The FCI is also conducting a qualitative study to assess the acceptance and benefits of closer networking by patients and other network participants.
Contact person: Dr Anne Neumann
The HI-Netzwerk NORD project is ongoing and we will publish our findings shortly.
Here you can access the HI-Netzwerk NORD website.
The HI-Netzwerk NORD project is carried out by the foundation together with the Universitäres Herzzentrum Lübeck, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH).
WATCH
The aim of WATCH* is to optimize care for post-COVID patients in need of treatment. A mobile post-COVID outpatient clinic (PoCO bus) will combine a local examination of those affected with comprehensive telemedical care across all symptoms. For a total of twelve weeks, those affected will complete training sessions on concentration and attention (BRAIN module), graduated rehabilitation sports programs (BODY module) and behavioral therapy (SOUL module). The aim is to achieve improved physical and (neuro-)psychological health and thus greater participation in social and working life. WATCH is funded by the innovation fund of the Federal Joint Committee GB-A; duration: 2023-2026.
*WATCH: Intersectoral therapy for post-COVID-19 in Thuringia
As a consortium partner, we are conducting an analysis of user behavior and adherence in WATCH. To map the patients' perspective within WATCH, including telemedical elements, explorative, qualitative interviews on usage behavior, adherence, acceptance, and needs are planned over the entire course of the project. The interview study will look at changes in usage and health behavior over time as well as requirements for long-term adherence.
Contact person: Dr Anna Renz
The WATCH project is ongoing and we will publish our findings shortly.
We will redirect you to the project website as soon as it has been finalized.
WATCH is organized by the foundation together with the following partners:
- Universitätsklinikum Jena
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
- AOK PLUS – Die Gesundheitskasse für Sachsen und Thüringen
- BARMER
- Techniker Krankenkasse
- Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Thüringen
HI-PLUS
The HI-PLUS* project aims to provide needs-optimized care for patients with chronic heart failure. Specially trained heart failure specialists (HI-MFA) and an e-health platform will ensure that patients receive intensive care. The aim is to improve the quality of care, reduce hospitalizations and promote cross-sector networking between all stakeholders. HI-PLUS is funded as part of the innovation fund of the Federal Joint Committee GB-A; duration: 2022-2025.
*HI-PLUS: Demand-optimized care for patients with chronic heart failure through intensive care by non-medical staff and an e-health platformAs part of the HI-PLUS project, the FCI surveys patients on perceived quality of care and conducts interviews with doctors, medical assistants and patients on the introduction and acceptance of the care concept.
Contact person: Yannick Maaser
You can find a flyer on the HI-PLUS project here.
All previous publications within the HI-PLUS project are listed below:
- Schutzmeier, M., Widmann, J., Rücker, V., Papior, P., Kimmelmann, L., Kerwagen, F., et al. (2024): The HI-PLUS trial pilot phase: A cluster-randomised intervention trial to improve the care of heart failure patients through implementation of non-medical specialised staff and an eHealth platform. 69. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie e.V. (GMDS). Dresden, 08.09.-13.09.2024. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House. https://dx.doi.org/10.3205/24gmds642
Here you can access the HI-PLUS website.
HI-PLUS is organized by FCI with the following partners:
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herzinsuffizienz Würzburg (DZHI), Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
- Institut für Klinische Epidemiologie und Biometrie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- Lehrstuhl für BWL, Controlling und Interne Unternehmensrechnung, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH
CAEHR
The CAEHR* project is one of the six Digital Health Hubs funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim of CAEHR is to optimize the healthcare of patients with various cardiovascular diseases by providing relevant health information and intelligent data-driven services along the entire care pathway in a timely manner. CAEHR demonstrates this at several points in the care process using three use cases as examples: (A) Emergency care for strokes, (B) Rehabilitation after heart surgery, (C) Outpatient care for people with coronary heart disease and heart failure. In Use Case C Outpatient care, appropriate IT solutions aim to enable the exchange of digital data between clinics and doctors treating outpatients, thereby preventing information losses. One aim is to examine whether this data exchange can contribute to better monitoring of the course of the disease. CAEHR is part of the German government's Medizininformatik funding program; duration: 2021-2025.
*CAEHR: Cardiovascular diseases - Enhancing Healthcare through cross-Sectoral Routine data integration
As an active partner in Use Case C Outpatient care, we analyze patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care and processes before and after implementation of the interfaces for automatic and structured data exchange between inpatient care providers and community-based doctors.
Contact person: Dr Bianca Steiner
A brochure with background and objectives of CAEHR can be found here.
The CAEHR project is ongoing and we will publish our findings shortly.
Here you can access the CAEHR website.
A total of 28 partners are involved in the CAEHR project. The funded partners include:
- HiGHmed e.V.
- Universitätsmedizin Göttingen und Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
- Hochschule Osnabrück
- Vitasystems GmbH
- AOK Niedersachsen
- System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH
PräVaNet
The aim of PräVaNet* is an optimized and personalized, guideline- and needs-based, interdisciplinary, multimodal prevention strategy to counteract a deterioration in condition of patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim is to identify cardiovascular risks and incorporate them into treatment at an early stage. There are three elements to close existing gaps in care: close-meshed patient care by specially trained specialists ("PräVaNet-Nurses"), a prevention strategy coordinated between specialists and the use of digital monitoring and treatment strategies ("ePrävention"). PräVaNet is financed by the innovation fund of the Federal Joint Committee GB-A; duration: 2021-2025.
*PräVaNet: Structured, intersectoral, multiprofessional, digitalized program for optimizing cardiovascular prevention
In the PräVaNet project, we use surveys to identify perceived changes in the physical, mental and social health reported by patients, using PROMs (Patient Reported Outcome Measures), as well as perceived quality of care for people with chronic illnesses from the perspective of the medical practices and patients. Additionally, we survey participating medical practices about the processes in PräVaNet, their experiences and the acceptance of the care concept.
Contact person: Yannick Maaser
You can find a flyer on the PräVaNet project for patients here.
All previous publications within PräVaNet are listed below:
- Pelz, Y., Neumann, A., Hubert, K., Weinhold, I., Faß, E., Leitsmann, M., et al. (2024): Erwartungen an digitale Versorgungsprogramme für die Prävention von Folgeerkrankungen und Herausforderungen bei der Umsetzung aus Sicht der Praxis – eine qualitative Interviewstudie im Projekt PräVaNet. In: Die Innere Medizin, 65 (Suppl 1), S. 21–22.
- Pelz, Y., Neumann, A., Hubert, A., Weinhold, I., Faß, E., Leitsmann, M., et al. (2023): Status quo der Versorgung chronisch Kranker in Deutschland. 129. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM). Wiesbaden, 22.-25.04.2023. (Poster)
Here you can access the PräVaNet website.
PräVaNet is organised by FCI with the following partners:
- Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie & Intensivmedizin
- aQua – Institut für angewandte Qualitätsförderung und Forschung im Gesundheitswesen GmbH
- WIG2 – Wissenschaftliches Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Gesundheitssystemforschung GmbH
- AOK Nordost – Die Gesundheitskasse
- Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Berlin
- iAtros GmbH
- miils.com
Ongoing international projects
PRE-DETECT-HF
With PRE-DETECT-HF*, an innovative healthcare solution for early and more precise detection of decompensation in people with heart failure (HF) based on vital parameters, speech analyses and symptoms is to be validated in a clinical study. It is not necessary to take blood samples or read out an implant. The innovative solution is based on a language-based machine-learning model. This model makes it possible to predict HI-related decompensation early and accurately, several days before traditional indicators show decompensation. PRE-DETECT will also prepare for a European market launch. PRE-DETECT-HF is being funded as part of the European Union's EIT Health Flagship Call; duration: 2024-2026.
*PRE-DETECT-HF: Pre-Symptomatic Detection of Impending Decompensation in Heart Failure from Wearable and Voice Data
As part of PRE-DETECT-HF, we are conducting a quantitative study and using questionnaires to assess the user-friendliness of the digital health solution, acceptance, barriers to use, social influences and experiences of use from the patient's perspective. The questionnaire survey will be conducted at various points in time.
Contact person: Dr Anne Neumann
The PRE-DETECT-HF project is ongoing and we will publish our findings shortly.
You will be redirected to the project website as soon as it has been finalized.
The PRE-DETECT-HF project is being implemented by the foundation together with the following partners:
- Noah Labs (DE)
- Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum (NL)
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (E)
- DKV Spain (E)
- Institute for Policy Evaluation (DE)
- Product Life Group (F)
iCARE4CVD
The aim of iCARE4CVD* is to create validated prognostic models for better, earlier diagnosis, risk stratification to determine the urgency of intervention and prediction of treatment success in cardiovascular disease. These will be used to create new treatment pathways for the entire spectrum of cardiovascular diseases - from early risk to advanced heart failure. Various biomarkers, predictive algorithms and AI models will be used to assess changes in risk and to stratify patients according to individualised response to therapy. The prognostic models developed will ultimately be incorporated into the development of a decision support system that provides both doctors and patients with immediate feedback on (their) therapy decisions. Funding for iCARE4CVD is provided by iHi Europe; duration: 2023-2028.
*iCARE4CVD: Individualised care from early risk of cardiovascular disease to established heart failure
Within iCARE4CVD, we are responsible for ensuring that CVD patients and their relatives as well as various healthcare professionals are involved in the development process of the prognostic models and the decision support system. To this end, we support the formation of a Patient Advisory Board (PAB) to be involved in various work packages of the project. Further, we identify and analyze relevant Patient Reported Outcome and Experience Measures (PROMs and PREMs) for all CVD stages for clinical validation. We are also developing a motivational model to empower/motivate patients to engage in positive health behaviour and adequate treatment adherence. This model will be adapted to the needs and preferences of those providing treatment.
Contact person: Dr Bianca Steiner
You can find a video about the iCARE4CVD project here.
You can find a flyer on the iCARE4CVD project here.
All previous publications within iCARE4CVD are listed below:
- Steiner, B., Verket, M., Baldewijns, K., Murphy, M., McNulty, A., Schwertfeger, M., et al. (2024): Partizipation durch internationale Patienten-Panel: Ein innovativer Ansatz für Forschungs- und Innovationsvorhaben am Beispiel von iCARE4CVD. DGK Herztage 2024. Hamburg, 26.-28.09.2024.
- Steiner, B., Azizi, Y., Verket, M., Tyl, B., Zippel-Schultz, B. (2024): Patient-Reported Experience Measures to Evaluate Digitally Supported Care Processes for Heart Failure: A Scoping Review. In: Stud Health Technol Inform. https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI240872
Here you can access the iCARE4CVD website.
The iCARE4CVD project is being implemented by the foundation together with 33 European partners. The funded partners include, among others:
- Universität Maastricht (NL)
- Novo Nordisk Pharma GmbH (DK)
- JDRF International (USA)
- Universitätsklinikum Aaachen (DE)
- Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin (DE)
- Huawei Technologies France (FRA)
- WIG2 GmbH (DE)
- University College Dublin (IRL)
- Catalyze B.V. (NL)
A complete overview of the partners in the iCARE4CVD project can be found here.
Completed projects
PASSION-HF
The aim of PASSION-HF* is the development and initial testing of a digital, guideline-based decision support system for people with heart failure: DoctorME - Caring Together 24/7. PASSION-HF is an EU-funded project (Interreg NWE 702) and is jointly implemented by experts from north-west Europe.
Development of DoctorME is in response to the rapidly growing number of people with heart failure in north-west Europe. Alternative solutions are needed to maintain the high quality of care in the future.
DoctorME will include a self-learning decision support system that helps patients to take more responsibility for their own health at home and on the move. Thus, placing patients at the center of their care. In addition, visits to GPs or specialists will only be necessary if high level decisions need to be made for further treatment. Further to this, DoctorME aims to prevent avoidable hospitalizations. The quality of the doctor@home's decisions is continuously monitored in PASSION-HF by a panel of clinical experts. PASSION-HF is funded by Interreg (NWE 702); duration: 2018-2023.*PASSION-HF: PAtientSelf-care uSIng eHealth in chrONic Heart Failure
As part of PASSION-HF, we are surveying acceptance, needs and expectations of DoctorME from the perspective of patients and their relatives as well as healthcare experts (e.g. GPs, cardiologists, HF nurses), as well as perceived changes in patients' disease management after using the digital application. Secondly, the user-friendliness of DoctorME from the patient's perspective will also be tested in practice. These results will be incorporated into the revision of the concept. Additionally, we have prepared a theoretical overview of the challenges of heart failure care in partner countries and examined these extensively with the respective experts from the PASSION-HF consortium.
Contact person: Dr Bianca Steiner
You can find a flyer on the PASSION-HF project here.
You can find a flyer on DoctorME for patients here.
You can find a flyer on DoctorME for experts here.
You can find a video about DoctorME here.
All previous publications within the PASSION-HF project are listed below:
- Neumann, A., Steiner, B., Verket, M., Dinesh Kanna, N.D., Hill, L., McNulty, A., et al. (2024): Patients’ expectations and experiences with the usage of a self-care application for heart failure: A qualitative interview study. In: Digit Health, 10:20552076241299649. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241299649
- Steiner, B., Neumann, A., Boyne, J.J.J., Dinesh Kanna, N.D., Hill, L., Murphy, M., et al. (2024): Self-management app usage and expectations by patients with heart failure: results of a qualitative study. In: European Heart Journal, 45, Issue Supplement_1, ehae666.3560. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae666.3560.
- Neumann, A., Steiner, B., Boyne, J.J., Dinesh Kanna, N.D., Hill, L., Murphy, M., et al. (2024): DoctorME 1.0: Caring together 24/7 – experiences and improvement opportunities from the perspective of relatives of patients with heart failure using a decision support system. 69. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie e.V. (GMDS). Dresden, 08.09.-13.09.2024. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House. https://dx.doi.org/10.3205/24gmds060
- Steiner, B., Neumann, A., Boyne, J.J., Dinesh Kanna, N.D., Murphy, M., Verket, B., et al. (2024): Awareness of and attitudes towards digital solutions in medicine among different healthcare professionals. In: Eur J Heart Fail, 26, Suppl. S2, S. 606–607.
- Steiner, B., Boyne, J.J., Dinesh Kanna, N.D., Hill, L., Murphy, M., Verket, M., et al. (2023): Usability-Test einer patientenorientierten Selbstmanagement-App für Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz. DGK Herztage 2023. Bonn, 05.10.-07.10.2023.
- Steiner, B., Neumann, A., Pelz, Y., F. Ski, C., Hill, L., Thompson, D.R., et al. (2023): Challenges in heart failure care in four European countries: a comparative study. In: Eur J Public Health. https:/doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckad059.
- Steiner, B., Neumann, A., Pelz, Y., Windle, K., Ski, C.F., Hill, L., et al. (2022): Primäre und sekundäre Herzinsuffizienzversorgung im europäischen Vergleich. DGK Herztage 2022. Bonn, 29.09.-01.10.2022. (Poster)
- Steiner, B., Gingele, A.J., Ski, C.F., Brandts, J., Barrett, M., Watson, C., et al. (2022): Ein holistisches Medizinisches Outcome Modell von patientenrelevanten und Surrogat-Endpunkten in der Herzinsuffizienzversorgung: Ein erster Überblick. DGK Herztage 2022. Bonn, 29.09.-01.10.2022. (Poster)
- Steiner, B., Gingele, A.J., Ski, C.F., Brandts, J., Barrett, M., Thompson, D.R., et al. (2022): Towards a Medical Outcome Model Representing Appropriate Endpoints in Heart Failure Management. 67. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie e. V. (GMDS). 21.-25.08.2022. https://doi.org/10.3205/22GMDS040.
- Zippel-Schultz, B., Ski, C.F., Brandts, J., Furtado Da Luz Brzychcyk, E., Barrett, M., Thompson, et al. (2022): Die Rolle von Angehörigen und Potenziale einer virtuellen Ärztin in der Versorgung von Patient*innen mit Herzinsuffizienz: Ergebnisse einer Interviewstudie im Projekt PASSION-HF. 128. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM). Wiesbaden, 30.04.-03.05.2023. (Poster)
- Zippel-Schultz, B., Palant, A., Eurlings, C., F Ski, C., Hill, L., Thompson, D. R., et al. (2021): Determinants of acceptance of patients with heart failure and their informal caregivers regarding an interactive decision-making system: a qualitative study. In: BMJ Open, 11(6): e046160.
- Ski, C.F., Zippel-Schultz, B., De Maesschalk, L., Hoedemakers, T., Schuett, K., Thompson, D.R., et al. (2021): COVID-19 shapes the future for management of patients with chronic cardiac conditions. In: Digital Health, Vol. 7. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2055207621991711.
- Palant, A., Zippel-Schultz, B., Johnson, V., Leistner, D., Helms, T.M. (2021): Digitale Hilfe für Herzpatienten. In: Cardio News, S. 46.
- Barrett, M., Boyne, J.J., Brandts, J., Brunner-La Rocca, H.P., De Maesschalck, L., De Wit, K., et al. (2019): Artificial intelligence supported patient self-care in chronic heart failure: a paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive and personalised care. In: EPMA J, 10(4), S. 445-464. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13167-019-00188-9.
PASSION-HF is coordinated by FCI together with the following partners:
- Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum (NL)
- Queen’s University Belfast (UK)
- Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen (DE)
- St. Vincent’s University Group Dublin (IE)
- Sananet Care B.V. (NL)
- Mobilab – Thomas More Kempen vzw (BE)
- Exploris Health AG (S)
- Nurogames GmbH (DE)
ACHT
The ACHT project aims to ensure long-term therapeutic success after bariatric- metabolic surgery. To achieve this goal, a structured, cross-disciplinary and cross-sector care concept for these patients will be established together with obesity centres, general practitioners and specialists in private practice. Networking between patients, centres and general practitioners takes place via a digital case file. ACHT is financed by the innovation fund of the Federal Joint Committee GB-A; duration: 2019-2023.
*Adipositas Care & Health TherapyAs the consortium leader, FCI manages the project from an organizational and administrative perspective. We are also shaping the content of the care concept together with our partners.
Contact person: Dr Anna Renz
You can find a flyer on the ACHT project for patients here.
All previous publications within ACHT are listed below:
- Zippel Schultz, B., Neumann, A., Stark, R., Renz, A., Koschker, A.C., Haas, C., et al. (2024): Wirksamkeit und Akzeptanz eines strukturierten, sektorenübergreifenden, IT-gestützten Versorgungsprogramms für Patientinnen und Patienten mit Adipositas nach bariatrisch-metabolischer Operation. 23. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung (DKVF). Potsdam, 25.-27.09.2024. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2024. https://doi.org/10.3205/24dkvf421
- Stark, R., Zippel-Schultz, B., Neumann, A., Renz, A., Koschker, A.C., Haas, C., et al. (2024): Effects of an outpatient structured care program for patients after bariatric surgery: First results of the ACHT-study. 16. dggö Jahrestagung 2024
- Koschker, A.C., Stark, R., Renz, A., Haas, C., Neumann, A., Son, M.-S., et al. (2024): Wirksamkeit eines strukturierten, sektorenübergreifenden, IT-gestützten Versorgungsprogramms für Adipositaspatient*innen nach bariatrisch-metabolischer Operation. In: Die Innere Medizin, 65 (Suppl 1), S. 32.
- Stark, R., Renz, A., Hanselmann, M., Haas, C., Neumann, A., Martini, O., et al. (2024): Adipositas Care and Health Therapy (ACHT) after Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery: A Prospective, Non-Randomized Intervention Study. In: Obes Facts. https://doi.org/10.1159/000538264
- Stark, R., Renz, A., Zippel-Schultz, B., Martini, O., Haas, C., Koschker, A.-C. (2022): Digitale Vernetzung in der Versorgung von Patient*innen nach metabolisch-bariatrischer Operation: Konzept zur Evaluation des ACHT – Versorgungsprogramms. In: Lux, T., Köberlein-Neu, J., Müller-Mielitz, S., (Hrsg.): E-Heath-Ökonomie II. Evaluation und Implementierung, Springer Gabler, ISBN: 978-3-658-35690-3, S. 199-216.
- Zippel-Schultz, B., Koschker, A.-C., Stier, C., Renz, A., Haar, C., Dietrich, R., et al. (2020): Erarbeitung eines disziplinen- und sektorenübergreifenden Versorgungspfades für Patienten*innen nach einer bariatrisch-metabolischen Operation – erste Ergebnisse des ACHT-Projektes. BMC-Kongress 2020. Berlin, 21.-22.01.2020. (Poster)
Here you can access the ACHT website.
The ACHT project is implemented by the foundation together with the following partners:
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
- Dr. Lubos Kliniken - München-Bogenhausen
- AMC – Wolfart Klinik, München-Gräfelfing
- Klinikum Memmingen
- Klinikum Nürnberg
- Klinikum Passau
- Technische Universität München
- vitagroup AG
- AOK Bayern - Die Gesundheitskasse
- Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung Bayerns
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie e.V.
SimPat
The aim of the SimPat* project was to develop, implement and evaluate a digital case management system for multimorbid patients with dementia following a fall-related fracture. The digital case management system CASEPLUS-SimPat was developed to improve networking between dementia patients, caring relatives, professional caregivers and doctors. The networking of all stakeholders involved will assist with overcoming communication barriers and creating a standardized information base, as well as empowering patients and (caregiving) relatives. SimPat was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF); duration: 2015-2019.
CASEPLUS-SimPat acts as a secondary system that obtains relevant data from the AGAPLESION ELISABETHENSTIFT hospital information system via a series of HL7 interfaces. Access is via a web browser. As part of the provision of information, relevant information is made available promptly to all those involved in a patient's care in order to support the early planning of aftercare processes, among other things. The treatment file contains relevant data and information on the current treatment case as well as an overview of the care process. In addition to the patient's master data, the basic data on the treatment case and the social history, care-relevant documents such as the doctor's letter or care transfer form can be imported or stored. In addition, a portal for relatives allows relatives to be more closely involved in the care process.
*SimPat: Development of an IT-supported service concept for multimorbid patient with dementia
As part of the SimPat project, FCI and other partners carried out a comprehensive requirements analysis. As part of the associated system and process analysis, various stakeholders involved in the care process, such as inpatient and outpatient carers, social workers and doctors in private practice, were interviewed. In addition, the challenges and needs of the patients and (caring) relatives were surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Together with various stakeholders involved in the treatment, solutions to specific questions from the previous analyses were developed in a workshop.
In addition, we carried out usability tests and supported the evaluation in live operation.
Contact person: Dr Bettina Zippel-Schultz
A flyer on the background and aims of SimPat can be found here.
You can find a flyer on the SimPat project for patients here.
The following are some publications from the SimPat project:
- Steiner, B., Möller, C., Zippel-Schultz, B., Popa, A., Birkenbihl, P., Augustin, U., et al. (2021): Sicherung intersektoraler Versorgung durch ein IT-gestütztes Dienstleistungskonzept für multimorbide Patienten mit Demenz. In: Beverungen, D., Schumann, J.H., Stich, V., Strina, G. (Hrsg.): Dienstleistungsinnovationen durch Digitalisierung. Band 1: Geschäftsmodelle – Methoden – Umsetzungsbeispiele, Springer Gabler, ISBN: 3662621436, S. 559-609.
- Steiner, B., Zippel-Schultz, B., Popa, A., Hellrung, N., Szczesny, S., Möller, C., et al. (2020): CASEPLUS-SimPat: An Intersectoral Web-Based Case Management System for Multimorbid Dementia Patients. In: J Med Syst, 44(63):e39-e48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-020-1533-9.
- Popa, A., Steiner, B., Zippel-Schultz, B., Augustin, U., Schultz, C. (2019): Demenz digital - Chancen Digitalisierung und Demenz. In: Horneber, M., Püllen, R., Hübner, J. (Hrsg.): Das demenzsensible Krankenhaus: Grundlagen und Praxis einer patientenorientierten Betreuung und Versorgung, W. Kohlhammer, ISBN: 3170334352, S. 376–386.
- Oppermann, B., Zippel-Schultz, B., Augustin, U., Popa, A., Schultz, C., Haux, R. (2017): Information and Communication Gaps in Intersectoral Healthcare Processes for Dementia Patients. In: Gundlapalli, A.V., Jaulent, M.C., Zhao, D. (Hrsg.): MEDINFO 2017: Precision Healthcare Through Informatics. Proceedings of the 16th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics, IOS Press , S. 788–792. https://doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-830-3-788.
- Steiner, B., Szczesny, S., Schmidt, V., Hellrung, N., Möller, C., Haux, R. (2018): CASEPLUS-SimPat: Digitales Fallmanagement für die Versorgung multimorbider Patienten mit Demenz. 63. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie e.V. (GMDS). Osnabrück, 02.-06.09.2018. https://dx.doi.org/10.3205/18gmds163.
- Popa, A., Möller, C., Steiner, B., Pfisterer, M., Augustin, U., Szczesny, S., et al. (2018): Digitalisierung für Angehörige: Das Projekt SimPat zeigt wie es funktionieren kann. 10. Kongress der Deutschen Alzheimer Gesellschaft. Weimar, 18.-20.10.2018.
The project website has been closed.
In the SimPat project, we worked together with the following partners:
- AGAPLESION gAG
- AGAPLESION ELISABETHENSTIFT gGmbH
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel Institut für Innovationsforschung
- Sector5 GmbH
E.He.R. und EHeR•versorgt
The aim of E.He.R.and EHeR-versorgt* was to establish care networks with accompanying telemedical care. The care network was intended to relieve and support general practitioners and specialists. In addition to the personal care provided by the doctors, people with heart failure were offered telemedical care around the clock. E.He.R. was offered to those affected in the West Palatinate region around the West Palatinate Clinic. EHeR-versorgt was able to draw on the positive results of E.He.R. and make care available to patients in the Eifel district of Bitburg-Prüm. Both projects were funded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour, Health and Demography as part of the "Health and Care" initiative; duration: 2012-2014, 2015-2017.
The evaluation of EHeR-versorgt has shown, among other things, that the quality of life of those affected, their physical resilience and their ability to take good care of themselves have improved compared to the start of care. The participants perceived telemedicine as a valuable addition to their treatment.
*E.He.R.: Establishment of a care concept for patients with chronic heart failure and/or cardiac arrhythmia in Rhineland-PalatinateFCI led both projects as consortium leader.
Contact person: Dr Bettina Zippel-Schultz
You can find a flyer on the E.He.R. project here.
You can find a flyer on the EHER-versorgt project here.
A brochure with the background, the concept and the evaluation results of E.He.R. can be found here.
Listed below are some of the publications that have been released as part of the E.He.R and EHER-versorgt projects:
- Zippel-Schultz, B., Albashiti, F., Schoene, A., Steinbach, S., Luiz, T., Schmid, W., et al. (2014): "E.He.R." erkannt, E.He.R. versorgt – Vernetzung und Telemedizin unterstützen die Versorgung der Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz und Herzrhythmusstörungen. In: Duesberg, F. (Hrsg.): e-Health 2014, medical future verlag, ISBN: 978-3-9814005-5-7, S. 199-201.
- Augustin, U., Zippel-Schultz, B., Henschke, C., Steinbach, S., Helms T.M. (2016): Struktur-, Prozess- und Kostenparameter sektorenübergreifender, telemedizinisch gestützter Versorgungskonzepte für herzinsuffiziente Patienten – ein modulares Referenzmodell. In: Müller-Mielitz, S., Lux, T. (Hrsg.): E-Health-Ökonomie, Springer Gabler, S. 439-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-10788-8_23.
- Steinbach, S., Jung, J., Luiz, T., Zippel-Schultz, B., Helms, T.M., Wenzelburger, F., et al. (2016): EHeR•versorgt – gemeinsam eine neue Region gewinnen. Konzept zur regionalen Ausweitung eines erfolgreichen Telemonitoring-Versorgungsansatzes für Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz. In: Duesberg, F. (Hrsg.): e-Health 2016medical future verlag, ISBN: 3981709721.
- Zippel-Schultz, B., Steinbach, S., Kürwitz, S.A. (2015): Gut versorgt auf dem Land. F&w führen und wirtschaften im Krankenhaus, 6/15, S. 466-469.
- Zippel-Schultz, B., Steinbach, S., Jung, J., Wenzelburger, F. Schneider, F., Erchinger, R., et al. (2015): „E.He.R. erkannt, besser versorgt – Effekte der telemedizinisch unterstützten Versorgung von Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz und Herzrhythmusstörungen in der Westpfalz. In: Duesberg, F. (Hrsg.): e-Health 2015, medical future verlag, ISBN: 978-3-9814005-9-5, S. 210-213.
The project website has been closed.
In the E.He.R. and EHeR-versorgt projects, we worked together with the following partners:
- Westpfalz-Klinikum GmbH
- Marienhaus Klinikum Eifel Bitburg
- Fraunhofer Institut für Experimentelles Software Engineering (IESE)
- vitaphone GmbH
Merge-IT
The Merge-IT project aimed to improve the care of patients with chronic heart failure and cardiac implants through a strong network of institutions and doctors as well as patient training. In order to create a common information base, treatment information was made accessible via a shared electronic patient file and telemedically transmitted implant data was included in the file. Merge-IT was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention; duration: 2014-2016.
The project website has been closed.
In the Merge-IT project, we worked together with the following partners:
- Krankenhaus Landshut-Achdorf
- Internistische Gemeinschaftspraxis Steiner Thor
- Klinikum Landshut
- Klinik Bogen
- Klinikum Passau
EViVa
As part of the EViVa* pilot project, a video-based communication system for the interactive telemedical care of ventilated patients was introduced and evaluated. The video visualization with medical professionals will allow an assessment of the physical and mental health of the patient as well as real-time anamnesis and instruction of relatives. This should improve the quality of life of both the patient and their relatives, as well as increase the job satisfaction of the carers. EViVa was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention and the AOK Bayern; duration: 2012-2014.
*EViVa - Influence of video-visits on the stability of care for out-of-hospital ventilated patients
The FCI managed the project as consortium leader.
Contact person: Dr Bettina Zippel-Schultz
You can find a flyer on the EViVa project here.
The project website has been closed.
In the EViVa project, we worked together with Asklepios Fachkliniken München-Gauting.
SmartSenior
The focus of SmartSenior* was on a good standard of living for senior citizens. The aim was to create and guarantee health-promoting living conditions, promote and enable active participation in social life and maintain or improve the mobility, safety and independence of senior citizens. To this end, age-appropriate communication options were developed and trialed, an emergency recognition system was established, and existing and new services were integrated. Acceptance, benefits, costs and sustainability were evaluated at the same time. SmartSenior was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF; duration: 2009-2012.
*SmartSenior: Intelligent Services for SeniorsThe aim of the FCI sub-project was to develop and establish a telemedical service center based on a newly developed telemedical service platform collaboratively with partners. As part of the sub-project, the FCI was responsible for defining success factors from the perspective of outpatient service providers and payers as well as designing and evaluating business models for smart senior services. In addition, the FCI acted as a neutral mediator, structuring and coordinating joint efforts to develop and disseminate viable smart senior business models and monitor them in terms of quality management.
Contact person: Dr Bettina Zippel-Schultz
A flyer on SmartSenior's objectives and research priorities can be found here.
A brochure with the background and concept of SmartSenior can be found here.
A report on the evaluation results from the SmartSenior project can be found here.
The following is an example of a publication that was published as part of the SmartSenior project:
- Balasch, M. C., Budych K., Bußer J.-U., Carius-Düssel, C., Cornils, M., Downes, R., et al. (2012): SmartSenior – Intelligente Dienste und Dienstleistungen für Senioren. In: Jahrbuch Telemedizin 2011/2012.
Here you can access the SmartSenior website.
The SmartSenior project was implemented by the foundation with 28 partners. Sponsored partners include, among others:
- Alcatel-Lucent Deutschland AG
- BMW Group Forschung und Technik
- Charité, Telemedizin-Centrum + FG Geriatrie
- ClinPath GmbH
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Rechnerarchitektur und Softwaretechnik
- Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH
- Nuromedia GmbH
- Technische Universität Berlin
- Vivantes
A complete overview of partners in the SmartSenior project can be found here.
EiVE
EiVE* focused on the difficulties encountered in the care of people affected by a rare disease. Specifically, the question of what steps need to be taken to improve their care was analyzed. Identification of the care needs for people with rare diseases took center stage. Opportunities and barriers to care were highlighted. Caring for patients with rare diseases means not only providing services to those affected, but also planning and implementing procedures with those affected. Due to the high number of different diseases and the diversity of different clinical pictures, a pronounced exchange of knowledge is required, at the center of which the affected person is not only the person with the disease, but often also the holder of expert knowledge. The lack of standardized procedures for rare diseases and the difficult accessibility of relevant knowledge about rare diseases requires increased innovation from all stakeholders. EiVE was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the period 2009-2012.
*EiVE: Innovative care concepts for rare diseases
In its sub-project, the FCI analyzed communication patterns and role structures in interdisciplinary care teams of people with rare diseases. Through an improved understanding of possible role conflicts in this environment characterized by uncertainties, the aim was to contribute to optimized patient care.
Contact person: Dr Bettina Zippel-Schultz
The brochure with the results of the EiVE project can be found here.
The following are some of the publications that have been released as part of the EiVE project:
- Budych, K., Helms, T.M., Schultz, C. (2012): How do patients with rare diseases experience the medical encounter? Exploring role behavior and its impact on patient-physician interaction. In: Health Policy, 105(2-3), S. 154-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.02.018.
- Koczula, G., Budych, K., Helms, T.M. , Schultz, C. (2012): Herausforderungen in der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit bei der Versorgung seltener Erkrankungen. In: Das Gesundheitswesen, 74(12), S. 822-828. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1299777.
- Hannemann-Weber, H., Kessel, M., Budych, K., Schultz, C. (2011): Shared communication processes within health care teams for rare diseases and their influence on health care professionals' innovative behavior and patient satisfaction. In: Implementation Science, Vol. 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-6-40.
The project website has been closed.
In the EiVE project, we worked with the following partners:
- Technische Universität Berlin, Lehrstuhl für Technologie- und Innovationsmanagement
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München
- Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
- Institut für Arbeit und Technik der Fachhochschule Gelsenkirchen
- The network of self-help organisations ACHSE e.V. (Alliance for Chronic Rare Diseases) supported the project as a cooperation partner.
SITE
SITE* aimed to empirically determine barriers to the development and introduction of telemedicine services, and to systematically analyze the status quo of existing support services. The focus was on the joint development of a test and evaluation platform to intensify the exchange between science, industry and users in telemedicine. SITE was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF); duration: 2010-2012.
* Creation of an Innovation Environment for Telemedicine
The FCI's tasks in the SITE project included identifying relevant key qualifications for the establishment of telemedicine, defining the current and future qualification requirements of telemedicine assistants (non-medical staff) and developing, implementing and evaluating a "Telemedicine Assistance" curriculum.
Contact person: Dr Bettina Zippel-Schultz
You can find a flyer on the SITE project here.
The following are some of the publications that have been released as part of the SITE project:
- Budych, K., Pelleter, J., Schultz, C., Helms, T.M. (2010): Qualifikationskonzept Telemedizin-Assistent - Ein Szenario zur Professionalisierung der Telemedizin. In: EHEALTH.COM, Vol. 4, S. 52-54.
- Lee, S.-Y., Budych, K., Schultz, C., Helms, T.M. (2010): Zwischen Vision und Realität. In: E-HEALTH.COM, Vol. 4, S. 24-27.
- Becks, T., Budych, K., Carius-Düssel, C., Dehm, J., Hahn, C., Helms, T.M., et al. (2010): Innovationsarbeit im Telemonitoring zur Überwindung von Barrieren. In: Jakobsen, H., Schallock, B. (Hrsg.): Innovationsstrategien jenseits traditionellen Managements - Beiträge zur Ersten Tagung des Förderschwerpunkts des BMBF; 8.-9. Oktober 2009, Berlin, Fraunhofer Verlag, ISBN: 978-3-8396-0141-9, S. 90-97.
- Müller, A., Neuzner, J., Oeff, M., Pfeiffer, D., Sack, S., Zugck, C., Mitglieder des Nukleus der Arbeitsgruppe „Telemonitoring“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie, Herz- und Kreislaufforschung: VDE / DGK Thesenpapier „TeleMonitoring- Systeme in der Kardiologie“, Erscheinungsort Frankfurt, Selbstverlag
- Carius-Düssel, C., Lee, S.-Y., Schultz, C., Schultz, M., Pelleter, J., Becks, T., et al. (2009): S.I.T.E. – Das Innovationsmilieu für Telemedizin stärken. In: Jäckel, A. (Hrsg.): Telemedizinführer Deutschland 2009, Medizin Forum AG, ISBN: 978-3-937948-10-2, S. 50-52.
- Müller, A., Schweizer, J., Helms, T.M. (2008): Kardiologische Betreuungsmodelle. In: Präv Gesundheitsf, Vol. 3, S. 259-265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11553-008-0140-2.
- Hilbel, T., Helms, T.M., Mikus, G., Katus, H.A., Zugck, C. (2008): Telemetrie - Szenarien im klinischen Umfeld. In: Herzschrittmachertherapie und Elektrophysiologie, 19(3), S. 146-154. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00399-008-0017-2.
The project website has been closed.
In the SITE project, we worked with the following partners:
- Telemedizincentrum Charité Berlin
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Biomedizinische Technik
- Technische Universität Berlin
- Akademie der Gesundheit Berlin/Brandenburg e.V.
Active for the healthcare sector
DOQUVIDE
With DOQUVIDE - Quality documentation of remote monitoring in patients with cardiac implants – the Geman Foundation for the Chronically Ill offers a project to record the reality and quality of care for outpatients with implanted devices undergoing telecardiological care.
More and more cardiac units are transmitting various technical and clinically relevant parameters wirelessly as telemedical devices, without doctor-patient contact. Cardiological events can also be reported telemedically. With the further development of telemedical structures at a technical, organizational and political level in the German healthcare system, they are becoming increasingly important in order to guarantee outpatient, seamless and needs-based care. However, there is currently a lack of adequate quality assurance measures for the procedure following event reporting to ensure that knowledge gained from cardiac units is effectively integrated into clinical practice.
More about DOQUVIDE and the annual quality reports here.
The DOQUVIDE quality assurance measure aims to promote transparency in telecardiology. DOQUVIDE records and analyses cardiac events and vital parameters via telemedicine in patients who are fitted with telemedicine-capable implanted pacemakers/ICD/CRT-P/CRT-D devices and event recorders. To improve patient safety and quality of care, the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is also documented using standardized forms - event forms - following event reporting.
Contact person: Dr Bianca Steiner
You can find a handout for DOQUVIDE here.
Below you will find all previous publications as part of the DOQUVIDE quality assurance programme:
- Steiner, B., Zippel-Schultz, B., Thoden, E., Geller, C.J., Klingenheben, T., Köttinger, A., et al. (2024): Telemedizinische Versorgung von Patienten mit kardialen Implantaten. In: Herzschrittmachertherapie + Elektrophysiologie. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00399-024-01020-2
- Steiner, B., Zippel-Schultz, B., Thoden, E., Geller, C.J., Klingenheben, T., Kröttinger, A., Leonhardt, V.G., Placke, J., Helms, T.M. (2023): Ein Einblick in die ambulante telemedizinische Versorgung von Patienten mit kardialen Implantaten in Deutschland. 89. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (DGK). Mannheim, 12.04.-15.04.2023. (Poster, Abstract)
The data collected on course of treatment is analyzed by a scientific advisory board under the direction of the FCI and published in annual reports on our website. This should not only be an incentive for service providers to optimize the quality of treatment, but also contribute to confirming the importance of outpatient care.
Here you can access the quality reports of the individual practices and medical facilities participating in DOQUVIDE.Supporting physician networks
With this funding, the FCI is striving to support the establishment of regional, IT-supported physician networks with the help of start-up funding over a one year period. The establishment of care networks aims to help overcoming barriers between disciplines and sectors and ensure a structured, coordinated and guideline-compliant care process.
The partners in a care network aim to develop joint treatment concepts so that the diagnostic and treatment steps build on each other in a coherent and coordinated manner.
The following projects received support to set up a regional network of doctors between 2018 and 2019:
- Heartfailure-Network-Altmark, Stendal
- Analyse des Effekts qualifizierter pflegerischer Schulung, Lingen
- Herzinsuffizienznetzwerk Berlin-Südwest-Brandenburg, Berlin
- Herzinsuffizienz auf dem Lande, Wittenberg
The following projects received support to set up a regional network of doctors in the 2019-2020 funding period:
- ASV Pulmonale Hypertonie Papenburg, Papenburg
- Versorgungsnetz Cardiopure, Bad Bevensen
- Heartfailure-Network-WESTPFALZ-KLINIKUM, Kaiserslautern
- Telemonitoring Rheinland-Pfalz, Koblenz
- Discharge HI Nurse im HI Netzwerk Würzburger Weg, Würzburg
- HeartFailure-Network-München Klinik Neuperlach, München
- IT gestütztes Arztnetzwerk für die Versorgung von Patient*innen mit Herzinsuffizienz, Cardiologicum Hamburg
- Cardionet MV – Die Herzbefundautobahn, PLUM Medical Solutions, Rostock
- Überregionales kardiologisches Arztnetzwerk Ostthüringen, Kardiologische Praxis Dr. Langel, Gera
- Herzinsuffizienznetzwerk München, Klinikum recht der Isar
- Herzinsuffizienz-Netzwerk Ostbayern, Universitäres Herzzentrum Regensburg
- Regionales Arztnetzwerk Rothenburg, Angiomed Klinik Rothenburg o.d. Tauber
- Telemedizinische Behandlung der Herzinsuffizienz im regionalen Versorgungsnetzwerk, Kardiologische Praxis Steiner Thor
- Regionales Herzinsuffizienznetzwerk Bremerhaven, Kardiologische Gemeinschaftspraxis Bremerhaven
There is currently no new tender.
