The “Collaborative Care for Advanced Breast Cancer” project (Gesi-BK) is a collaboration between the Osnabrück University (Department of Nursing Science, Prof. Dr. M. Hülsken-Giesler), Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr. Sara Marquard), and Hannover Medical School (Dr. Regina Schmeer-Oetjen). Technical implementation is carried out by aQua – Institute for Applied Quality Improvement and Research in Healthcare GmbH. The Gesi-BK project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) for the period 2022–2026.
“For family and friends who care for people with advanced breast cancer, the disease itself often poses a major burden,” says Prof. Dr. Manfred Hülsken-Giesler, project leader at the Osnabrück University. “However, reliable information and counseling services are hard to find.”
The platform gemeinsamsorgen.de aims to change that: Based on surveys of patients and their relatives, as well as research into technical support options, a concept was developed that focuses not only on information about the disease but also on the everyday challenges faced by caregivers and on individualized counseling services. This approach addresses not only the needs of family members but also the concerns of the broader support network—for example, supportive neighbors, coworkers, self-help groups, and healthcare professionals.
The support platform is free to use. After registering, interested users gain access to personalized counseling, recommendations for websites with additional information, as well as articles, videos, and audio recordings covering topics such as daily life, support, relationships, self-care, and grief.
“In addition, the platform already offers the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with others facing similar challenges,” says Prof. Dr. Sara Marquard, project leader at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. The platform is now set to be further developed in the coming months. “Through a voluntary evaluation, we will assess the usefulness of the information and counseling provided and adapt our services accordingly,” Marquard continues. The team also plans to examine whether the service can be expanded to other contexts and target groups.
Further information and access to the platform can be found on this website.
Additional information for the media:
Jennifer Maue, Osnabrück University
Institute for Health Research and Education
