RE-CARE is a young research collaboration founded in June 2024. In this initial phase, we are focusing on identifying shared areas of interest within a broad scientific discourse on crises, health, and technology. We view crises as both acute and enduring phenomena, deeply embedded in social contexts and shaped by a society’s culture and history. To assess their impact and explore the potential of technology, we are centering our interdisciplinary exchanges on five key areas.
Theoretical approaches to crises and health technologies
Theories offer insightful explanations that deepen our understanding of crises within their broader social and cultural contexts. One of the RE-CARE network’s key aims is to promote interdisciplinary dialogue on theoretical approaches that investigate the role and potential of technology in various crises. Through this exchange, we seek to examine how technology and crises shape individual experiences, as well as how individuals respond to technological developments. Moreover, we aim to explore 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 has an inherently dual nature, capable of both mitigating and exacerbating crises. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the expanding use of drones for reconnaissance and medical supply delivery, and the proliferation of autonomous and interactive machines (e.g., smart cars and robots) are propelling a substantial wave of technological transformation. Our goal is to critically examine these developments, investigate their specific fields of application, and evaluate the potential of health technologies to bolster 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-specific challenges but also intensify pre-existing inequalities. Worldwide, women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, and limited access to healthcare and education, exacerbating their vulnerability in times of crisis. They often bear primary responsibility for caregiving and household management. Meanwhile, men are frequently expected to engage in armed conflicts, often leaving their families behind and, in the most tragic cases, sacrificing their lives. Our objective is to examine these dynamics through a transcultural gender lens, highlighting both divergences and commonalities.
Recent publications
Psychosocial impact of crises
In crisis scenarios such as pandemics, famines, wars, and earthquakes, individuals encounter various emotional challenges, including fear, grief, loneliness, and stress. These conditions can destabilize the social fabric, leading to increased aggression, isolation, and stigmatization. At the same time, the availability of support services, consistent communication, opportunities for physical activity, and robust social networks can foster and reinforce resilience. This research area focuses on the psychosocial dimensions of crises and investigates how technology 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
During economic, political, or health crises, social inequalities often become more pronounced. Low-income and marginalized populations are disproportionately affected, as they typically have limited access to resources and consequently experience the most severe repercussions. In the health sector, crises frequently overburden infrastructure due to an intensified demand for medical services, while shortages of personnel and equipment can exacerbate these pressures and compromise the quality of care. Simultaneously, crises can spur innovation and reform, necessitating new solutions to address emerging challenges. This research area aims to investigate the complex developments associated with such 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.