The importance of a professionally and practically appropriate healthcare system for people with chronic illnesses—especially those with multiple chronic conditions—is undeniable in light of demographic changes and the increasing number of older adults with limited everyday competence. Although the German Enquete Commission on "Demographic Change" identified requirements and proposed solutions as far back as thirty years ago, there are still significant gaps in both scientific research and practical healthcare provision. This handbook aims to help close these gaps. It brings together various professional perspectives, highlights the interfaces and tools for collaboration among the different professional groups and healthcare institutions involved in care, and presents methods for care planning and development across diverse care settings and arrangements.
Therefore, the handbook is suitable for practitioners involved in direct patient care as well as for those engaged in healthcare planning. At the same time, it is intended for students, researchers, and educators in the field of Chronic Care Sciences and related disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, therapy sciences, social sciences, and social work.
Daniela Schmitz is a junior professor for Innovative and Digital Teaching and Learning Methods in Multiprofessional Healthcare at the University of Witten/Herdecke. Her work and research focus on multiprofessional teaching and learning, strategies for building a shared knowledge base, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the possibilities and limitations of digital learning in interdisciplinary learning groups.
Manfred Fiedler is a research associate at University Witten/Herdecke. He holds a diploma in social sciences and has been involved for many years with issues related to health management, integrated care, community and public health care, as well as health and social law.
Heike Becker is a pharmaceutical-technical assistant (PTA), has a diploma in social pedagogy (University of Applied Sciences), and holds a Master of Arts degree. She is doctoral student at the University of Witten/Herdecke and works as a research associate at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf. Her research focuses on care situations involving people with dementia and chronic illnesses—particularly those who have experienced displacement, violence, and trauma.
Simone Hatebur is a research associate and is engaged in the topics of healthcare research and interprofessional collaboration in the healthcare system.
Jan-Hendrik Ortloff is researcher, author and site manager of a special residential facility for people with mental illness. He is currently completing his doctorate at the University of Witten/Herdecke on the topic of the didactic anchoring of interprofessional teaching in health science courses. His focus in health-practice is on promoting resilience, empowerment, and health literacy for people with chronic diseases.
