Residents of the German state of Thuringia are invited to participate in DigiHero, a survey platform set up by the University Medicine Halle, developed to be a digital health research tool. Researchers can receive quick feedback on current medical topics and to carry out long-term observations. Via DigiHero, residents will have an opportunity to actively communicate about health and care issues and to participate directly in the medical research, IDW reports (link in German).
“We would like to invite the residents of Thuringia to do science for the region with us,” says Professor Andre Scherag, the epidemiologist of the University Hospital Jena (UKJ). The online survey portal initially set up by the University Medicine Halle for corona surveys has grown into a Germany-wide study. “Using digital methods, it is possible to communicate with each other quickly and across regions. The broader the participation, the better we can also look at regional differences in the health situation of the population.”
Currently, the study team is examining the burden of long-COVID symptoms, the other running survey focuses on vaccinations. Surveys are also planned on topics such as health behavior, use of healthcare services, physical and mental well-being. In addition to surveys, the use of new, digital methods is planned, such as wrist watches to measure movement and heart rate. Relatives of patients are to be included as well, to provide perspectives on family issues. The general aim of the cohort study, which is gradually expanding, is to investigate risk factors for the development of chronic diseases.