Attributes Characterizing Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests That Influence Preferences of Individuals Eligible for Screening in Germany: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: This qualitative study is part of the SIGMO study, which evaluates general populations' preferences for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Germany using a discrete choice experiment. Attribute identification and selection are essential in the construction of choice tasks and should be evidence-based ensuring that attributes are relevant to potential beneficiaries and contribute to overall utility. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to identify relevant attributes characterizing CRC screening tests from the perspective of those eligible for screening in Germany.

Quality of life and fear of disease progression are associated with aspects of health literacy in men with prostate cancer from Germany.

Purpose: Our research aimed to identify whether specific aspects of health literacy (HL) are associated with quality of life (QOL) and fear of progression (FOP) in men with prostate cancer (PC).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Regarding HL, we surveyed communication skills, guideline awareness, and knowledge in several domains: PC, health care system, own physical condition, dealing with health problems.

[Participation in self-help groups: impact on self-management and knowledge].

Background: Self-help groups (SHGs) are an inherent part of patient involvement and play an important role in the healthcare system. Until now, however, there has been a lack of systematic investigations and quantitative data about the individual impact of self-help for patients and relatives.

Objectives: This study presents the results of a comparison between members of SHGs and non-members.

Participation in a prostate cancer support group and health literacy.

Background: To cope with prostate cancer (PC) and its consequences and to be certain about therapeutic alternatives, some patients seek mutual help in prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs), where they share information and find social support. Our study was intended to assess whether group participation is associated with health literacy (HL).

Methods: We compared PCSG members (n = 441) with PC patients without support group experiences (n = 135) in a cross-sectional design.

Ethics Literacy and "Ethics University": Two Intertwined Models for Public Involvement and Empowerment in Bioethics.

Background: Informing lay citizens about complex health-related issues and their related ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) is one important component of democratic health care/research governance. Public information activities may be especially valuable when they are used in multi-staged processes that also include elements of information and deliberation.

Objectives: This paper presents a new model for a public involvement activity on ELSA (Ethics University) and evaluation data for a pilot event.

Communicating the benefits and harms of colorectal cancer screening needed for an informed choice: a systematic evaluation of leaflets and booklets.

Objective: Evidence-based health information (EBHI) can support informed choice regarding whether or not to attend colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The present study aimed to assess if German leaflets and booklets appropriately inform consumers on the benefits and harms of CRC screening.

Methods: A systematic search for print media on CRC screening was performed via email enquiry and internet search.

Evidence-based health information from the users' perspective--a qualitative analysis.

Background: Evidence-based information is a precondition for informed decision-making and participation in health. There are several recommendations and definitions available on the generation and assessment of so called evidence-based health information for patients and consumers (EBHI). They stress the importance of objectively informing people about benefits and harms and any uncertainties in health-related procedures.

Development of a comprehensive list of criteria for evaluating consumer education materials on colorectal cancer screening.

Background: Appropriate patient information materials may support the consumer's decision to attend or not to attend colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests (fecal occult blood test and screening colonoscopy). The aim of this study was to develop a list of criteria to assess whether written health information materials on CRC screening provide balanced, unbiased, quantified, understandable, and evidence-based health information (EBHI) about CRC and CRC screening.

Methods: The list of criteria was developed based on recommendations and assessment tools for health information in the following steps: (1) Systematic literature search in 13 electronic databases (search period: 2000-2010) and completed by an Internet search (2) Extraction of identified criteria (3) Grouping of criteria into categories and domains (4) Compilation of a manual of adequate answers derived from systematic reviews and S3 guidelines (5) Review by external experts (6) Modification (7) Final discussion with external experts.

How do patients expect the mental health service system to act? Testing the WHO responsiveness concept for its appropriateness in mental health care.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) concept of responsiveness has been defined as a measure of how well the health system responds to the population's legitimate expectations of non-health aspects of health care provision. It comprises eight domains: dignity, prompt attention, autonomy, choice of health care provider, clear communication, confidentiality, quality of basic amenities, and access to social support networks. The concept is of particular relevance to mental health care systems because of the specific dependency and vulnerability of their users.

The federal government commissioner for patient issues in Germany: initial analysis of the user inquiries.

Background: The political objective in many countries worldwide is to give better consideration to the interests of patients within the health system. The establishment of a federal government commissioner for the issues of patients in the health system in Germany in 2004 is part of these endeavours. The structure and field of activities of this institution has been unique so far.

[Patient and consumer information centres according to 65b Social Security Code V--means for high-quality information exchange and counselling].

Counsellors of Independent Health Information Centres according to 65b Social Security Code V provide the public with comprehensive information on health and disease-related themes, as well as on their financial, service, and legal aspects; they also provide extensive counselling and psychosocial support. The counsellors mostly have a university background in educational, social, medical, or legal disciplines; they usually have long-term experience in counselling as well as additional professional qualifications. In addition to the provision of information, independent health information centres must also be active in assuring and promoting their own quality control.