Community Medicine
Healthy children and adolescents through science – for a better life
Community Medicine
Healthy children and adolescents through science – for a better life
Background
Children and adolescents with chronic illnesses face not only health challenges in childhood and later in adulthood, but also numerous social difficulties in addition to developmental and health-related obstacles. A child’s individual health status can significantly impact their physical functioning, mental health, ability to manage daily activities, quality of life, and social participation, which in turn can negatively influence their ability to cope with and manage their illness. Early access to preventive services and appropriate support for children and young people with health conditions is therefore essential.
Key aspects of research
Despite Germany’s generally high standard of healthcare, gaps remain in the availability and use of healthcare and preventive services, even though their benefits have been scientifically validated. Access is particularly limited for vulnerable groups, such as children from families with low socioeconomic status, those under psychosocial stress, with a migration or refugee background, or those living in rural areas. Systemic barriers also exist, such as a lack of defined care pathways, integrated care models, inadequate service funding, and a shortage of healthcare specialists. Additionally, insufficient collaboration between healthcare providers and community institutions (e.g., schools, municipal facilities), financial barriers, stigmatization, and lack of support and information for parents and other caregivers (e.g., teachers) further limit effective access to care.
Objectives
Community Medicine is essential to DZKJ’s effectiveness in serving the community by building networks within and beyond the healthcare system. Key objectives include developing strategies for implementing innovations in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; assessing the effectiveness of these innovations in real-world healthcare settings; addressing issues related to equity and access; examining patient-reported outcomes and experiences; and exploring psychosocial dimensions.
