RE-CARE is a young research collaboration, founded in June 2024. In this initial phase, we are focused on identifying shared areas of interest within a broad scientific discourse on crises, health, and technology. We understand crises as both acute and enduring phenomena, deeply embedded in social contexts and shaped by the culture and history of societies. To assess the impact of crises and explore the potential of health technology, we are centering our interdisciplinary exchanges on five key areas.
Theoretical approaches to crises and health technologies
Theories provide comprehensive frameworks that can deepen our understanding of crises within their societal and cultural contexts. A key objective of the RE-CARE network is to foster interdisciplinary exchange on theoretical approaches that examine the role and potential of technology in various crises. Through this dialogue, we aim to explore how technology and crises influence individuals, and how individuals, in turn, respond to technology. Additionally, we seek to investigate the underlying logics of crises and technologies, taking into account the distinct cultural histories of technology and crisis in Japan and Germany.
Recent publications
- Bartl G (2024) Social and Ethical Implications of Digital Crisis Technologies: Case Study of Pandemic Simulation Models During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In: Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR).
- Bartl G (2023) Governance between ignorance and evidence. TA in the context of pandemic crisis management. In: Journal for Technology Assessment in Theory and Practice.
- Haltaufderheide J, Krämer D, D’Angelo I, Brachem E, Vollmann J (2023) Solidarity as an Empirial-Ethical Framework for the Analysis of Contact Tracing Apps – A Novell Approach. Philosophy & Technology.
- Bohlmann M (2022) Technologien der Krise im Distanzunterricht. Perspektiven der Critical Theory of Technology und Postphenomenology. In: Technologien der Krise.
- Brucksch S, Wiggert K (2021) Theoretical Reflections on Medical Devices and the Sociocultural Context in the Locale of Japan. In: Humans and Devices in Medical Contexts.
Emerging health technologies
Technology possesses an inherently dual nature, with the capacity to both mitigate and intensify crises. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, the growing use of drones for tasks such as reconnaissance and drug delivery, and the proliferation of autonomous and interactive machines like smart cars and robots are driving a period of significant technological transformation. Our aim is to critically reflect on these technological developments, explore specific areas of application, and evaluate the potential of health technologies to enhance both individual and societal resilience.
Recent publications
- Haltaufderheide J, Janisch R (2024) The ethics of ChatGPT in medicine and healthcare: A systematic review on Large Language Models (LLMs). In: Npj Digital Medicine.
- Müller R, Ranisch R et al (2024) “That’s just Future Medicine”—A qualitative study on users’ experiences of symptom checker apps. In: BMC Medical Ethics.
- Krämer D, Haltaufderheide J, Vollmann J (2023) The Present and Future of Pandemic Technologies (Special Issue). In: Journal of medical Internet research.
- Krämer D, Brachem E, Schneider-Reuter L, D’Angelo I, Vollmann J, Haltaufderheide J (2023) Smartphone Apps for Containing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Qualitative Interview Study with Experts Based on Grounded Theory. In: Journal of medical Internet research.
- Bushuven S, Ranisch R et al. (2023) “ChatGPT, Can You Help Me Save My Child’s Life?”—Diagnostic Accuracy and Supportive Capabilities to Lay Rescuers by ChatGPT in Prehospital Basic Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support Cases – An In-silico Analysis. In: Journal of Medical Systems.
- Brucksch S (2020) Sustaining Healthcare in Japan’s Regions: The Introduction of Telehealth Networks. In: Japan’s New Ruralities: Coping with Decline in the Periphery.
Gender in crises
Crises not only introduce new gender challenges but also exacerbate existing inequalities. Globally, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by poverty, violence, and limited access to health and education, which heightens their vulnerability during crises. They are often responsible for caregiving and managing household needs. At the same time, men are frequently expected to engage in armed conflicts, often leaving their families behind and, in the most tragic cases, sacrificing their lives. Our goal is to explore these dynamics through a transcultural gender lens, examining both differences and commonalities.
Recent publications
Psychosocial impact of crises
In crisis scenarios such as pandemics, famines, wars, and earthquakes, individuals confront a range of emotional challenges, including fear, grief, loneliness, and stress. These circumstances can destabilize the social fabric, resulting in heightened aggression, isolation, and stigmatization. Conversely, the availability of support services, regular communication, physical activity, and social connections can foster and strengthen resilience. This research area focuses on the psychosocial dynamics of crises and investigates how technologies can enhance resilience at both individual and collective levels.
Recent publications
- Kohake K, Henning L, Dahl S, Neuber N, Dreiskämper D (2024) Associations between Physical Activity and Health-Related Factors in Childhood and Adolescence During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sport Science (forthcoming).
- Dreiskämper D, Burrmann U, Kehne M, Neuber N, Rulofs B, Süßenbach J, Voigts G, Henning L (2023) Sport und mentale Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen – Ausgewählte Ergebnisse aus dem Move For Health Projekt. DOSB.
- Wettstein M, Nowossadeck S, Vogel C (2022) Well-Being Trajectories of Middle-Aged and Older Adults and the Corona Pandemic: No “COVID-19 Effect” on Life Satisfaction, But Increase in Depressive Symptoms. In: Psychology and Aging.
- Wahl HW, Wettstein M, Tseng HY, Schlomann A, Schmidt L, Diehl M (2022) Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Older Adults’ Personal and General Views on Aging? Evidence for Losses and Gains. In: Developmental Psychology.
- Wettstein M, Wahl HW, Schlomann A (2022) The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trajectories of Well-Being of Middle-Aged and older Adults: A Multidimensional and Multidirectional Perspective. In: Journal of Happiness Studies.
- Wettstein M, Spuling SM, Wünsche J, Henning G (2023) Middle-Aged and Older Adults’ Psychosocial Functioning Trajectories Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence for Multidirectional Trends. In: Psychology and Aging. Advanced online publication.
- Hajek A et al. (2022) Depression and anxiety in later COVID-19 waves across Europe: New evidence from the European COvid Survey (ECOS). Psychiatry Res. 2022 Nov;317:114902
Impact of crises on society and healthcare
Crises have a profound impact on societies and health systems. During economic, political, or health crises, social inequalities are often magnified. Low-income and vulnerable populations are particularly affected, as they have reduced access to resources and suffer more acutely from the consequences. In the health sector, crises frequently result in infrastructure overload due to increased demand for medical services. Shortages of staff and equipment can further exacerbate the situation, leading to a decline in the quality of care. However, crises can also drive innovation and reform, as new solutions are needed to address emerging challenges. This research area seeks to examine the complex developments associated with crises.
Recent publications
- Bartl G et al. (2024) Rethinking Governance in Times of Multiple Crises. In: Vigoni Paper 5/2023.
- Krämer D et al. (2024) The Role of Transparency in Digital Contact Tracing during COVID-19: Insights from an Expert Survey. In: Health Care Analysis.
- Ehlen S, Henning L, Rehaag R, Dreiskämper D (2023) Kindergesundheit in sozioökonomisch benachteiligten Stadtquartieren–eine Strukturgleichungsmodellierung. In: Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung.
- Hajek A et al. (2023) Neighbourhood cohesion, loneliness and perceived social isolation prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longitudinal evidence from the German Ageing Survey. In: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2023 Sep;58(9):1411-1420.
This project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The information contained on this website does not necessarily reflect the official position of the DFG.