Participatory health research at university departments of medical facilities in Germany: An online survey on expectations, challenges, and needs Partizipative Gesundheitsforschung an universitären allgemeinmedizinischen Einrichtungen in Deutschland: Eine Online-Umfrage zu Erwartungen, Herausforderungen und Bedarfen

Stark S, Gehrmann J, Rink L, Eck S, Teusen C, Heckel M (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag

Abstract

Participatory health research (PHR) is playing an increasingly important role in general medicine research, aiming to make research more practice oriented. This online survey examines the extent to which general medical research institutions in Germany apply PHR, what expectations exist and what challenges arise. Of the 31 institutions contacted, 20 participated in this survey of which 19 already implement participatory approaches, primarily involving patients, members of the public (citizens) and general practitioners. Participation often takes place in fixed groups, particularly in the development of survey instruments and research methods. Expectations of PHR include greater transparency, improved research quality and more practice-oriented outcomes. The main challenges lie in the limited time, personnel and financial resources. Respondents express a need for more training, opportunities for exchange and structural support, particularly from funding bodies. Many institutions follow existing models, yet rarely reach higher levels of involvement, such as joint decision-making or self-organization. The findings highlight the need to further strengthen participatory structures in general medical research to make studies more sustainable and relevant to primary care.

Authors with CRIS profile

Stefanie Stark Institute of General Practice Laura Rink Institute of General Practice Maria Heckel Department of Palliative Medicine

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM)

Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Stark, S., Gehrmann, J., Rink, L., Eck, S., Teusen, C., & Heckel, M. (2025). Participatory health research at university departments of medical facilities in Germany: An online survey on expectations, challenges, and needs Partizipative Gesundheitsforschung an universitären allgemeinmedizinischen Einrichtungen in Deutschland: Eine Online-Umfrage zu Erwartungen, Herausforderungen und Bedarfen. Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44266-025-00438-2

MLA:

Stark, Stefanie, et al. "Participatory health research at university departments of medical facilities in Germany: An online survey on expectations, challenges, and needs Partizipative Gesundheitsforschung an universitären allgemeinmedizinischen Einrichtungen in Deutschland: Eine Online-Umfrage zu Erwartungen, Herausforderungen und Bedarfen." Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin (2025).

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