Research

Our research on complementary and integrative health has a focus on digital health. 

We address research questions on complementary and integrative therapies across various phases of the research cycle, applying methods from clinical research, implementation science, and evidence synthesis. Our research focuses on non-pharmacological interventions that offer preventive and/or therapeutic potential. Mind Body Medicine plays a particularly important role, as it specifically targets the interaction between mind and body. In the context of Integrative Oncology, we evaluate the potential of selected Mind Body Medicine interventions. In addition, we examine how these approaches can be integrated safely and effectively into existing healthcare systems.

We also investigate treatment outcome expectations within the framework of placebo and nocebo effects. Furthermore, we contribute to the advancement of research methodology by developing recommendations and assessment tools.

Since 2014, we have conducted extensive research in the field of digital health and have carried out numerous studies on digital health interventions. Our work examines not only the effectiveness but also the acceptability and usability of digital applications—from web-based programs to mobile health interventions. In our current research, we take this work a step further by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) methods into evidence synthesis. Our aim is to evaluate whether and how systematic reviews can be made more efficient, thereby accelerating research processes in a sustainable way.

We involve patients and other key stakeholders through a participatory research approach. This engagement not only enhances the relevance and acceptance of our work but also helps ensure that innovations in healthcare are developed in a realistic and user-centered manner.