In conversation with Toni Heese, graduate of IB Hochschule's Health Care Education programme

From 24 to 27 September 2024, the 23rd German Congress for Care Research took place in Potsdam. The event this year was under the motto "Implementation knowledge creates innovative care". In more than 500 scientific contributions, it was discussed how transfer of insights from care research into everyday care can succeed better.

A special participant this year was Ms Heese, alumna of IB Hochschule für Gesundheit und Soziales, who presented her Bachelor's thesis within a scientific poster. Ms Heese recently successfully completed her studies in the Bachelor programme Health Education (B.A.) and now had the opportunity at the congress to present her research results together with Prof. Dr. Silke Brenne before a specialist audience.

Ms Heese, can you briefly tell us how you came to your programme at IB Hochschule? – In 2020/21 I began the part-time programme Health Care Education / Health Education at IB Hochschule in Berlin. I consciously decided on this university as it offers a familial learning atmosphere where you know each other personally. The practitioners from different specialist directions in our cohort enabled us to learn comprehensively from each other and think holistically. At that time I was not yet aware that this constellation would form the basis for my Bachelor's thesis. Together with two former fellow students I am now studying Management in Healthcare.

What motivated you to study Health Education and which goals do you pursue? – I am interested in care research, in particular the care of people with multimorbid diseases who live in rural regions. Since I originally come from nursing, the care of this patient group is particularly close to my heart. During my training I cared for an older lady in a small village near Potsdam, and even back then I had first ideas how care processes both in outpatient and inpatient care could be improved.

What was your Bachelor's thesis about? – The thesis focuses on the design of interprofessional and cross-sector cooperation in inpatient care. Based on an exemplary case study, an ideal discharge process from hospital to nursing facility as well as regular interprofessional cooperation in the nursing facility was discussed. The focus group consisted of a doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist, a chiropodist and a social worker. Concrete recommendations for action emerged, e.g. that a nurse with case management competences can steer interprofessional and cross-sector cooperation through coordinating activities.

How was it to be represented at the German Congress for Care Research? – The congress was very exciting and excellently organised. I had the opportunity to exchange with other participants and find out which topics are currently particularly relevant. After holding my short talk on my Bachelor's thesis, I became aware that it is not only about the results of this study, but rather about the different approaches and study designs from which others could potentially benefit. I received positive feedback on the approach, connected with the recommendation to survey larger groups in the future. Overall it was an all-round successful day. Thanks to Prof. Dr. Silke Brenne and Sarah Wernicke for the support.

We thank you, Ms Heese, for the exciting conversation and insights into your Bachelor's thesis. Your commitment to improving healthcare is impressive, and we wish you much success for your further studies and professional plans.