Original article

Placebo and nocebo effects: Research findings and practical implications for healthcare provision

Expectations influence health – both positively and negatively. Scientific studies show that positive expectations not only trigger placebo effects but can also activate physiological healing processes and increase the effectiveness of treatments. Negative expectations – so-called nocebo effects – can, on the other hand, exacerbate symptoms, cause side effects, or reduce therapeutic success. For the healthcare sector, this means that every form of health communication – whether in personal consultations, nursing care, therapeutic settings, pharmacies, via digital services, or through media coverage – can shape expectations and thus influence the course of an illness. This knowledge is relevant not only for medical professionals but also for stakeholders in healthcare provision, patient information, self-help groups, prevention, and health policy.

05.10.2025

Organizational floristry and happiness management in healthcare

A key factor in employee intrinsic motivation is the meaning and purpose of their work. For example, if a company primarily aims to create social value and this purpose aligns with the personal purpose of its employees, this positively influences work motivation. However, if the company pursues a purpose that does not align with that of its employees—for instance, if the company is intended to increase the owners' wealth and the service provided is merely a means to an end—this has a dampening effect on motivation. (Dinos et al., 2016; Teichmann & Hüning, 2018) A purpose-driven company is one that aligns all decisions and activities with achieving its purpose. The private interests of the owners take a back seat to achieving the purpose, a principle so firmly enshrined in the articles of association that it cannot be changed by the owners alone. (Hoffmann, 2024; Hoffmann & Schumacher, 2023; Rey, Velasco & Almandoz, 2019)

05.10.2025

Intelligent data use to combat supply shortages

Ensuring the continuous availability of medicines is crucial in healthcare, and supply shortages are a growing problem [1]. These are caused by global supply chain disruptions, production problems, and increasing demand [2], which can lead to significant supply problems and jeopardize patient care. Established inventory management and forecasting methods often reach their limits. According to the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), a supply shortage is defined as "an interruption of delivery at the usual level lasting longer than two weeks or a significantly increased demand that cannot be adequately met" [1]. For patients, this becomes relevant when the prescribed medicine or an alternative medicine is not in stock and cannot be ordered from wholesalers in a timely manner. This would constitute a supply shortage. Legislation already addresses this problem in the Pharmacy Operations Ordinance, which stipulates: „[E]very pharmacy must keep in stock medicinal products and pharmacy-only medical devices sufficient to meet at least the average demand for one week“ (§ 15 ApBetrO). Furthermore, § 52b (1) of the German Medicines Act (AMG) states: „Pharmaceutical companies and operators of pharmaceutical wholesalers [...] shall ensure an adequate and continuous supply of the medicinal product so that the needs of patients within the scope of this Act are met.“

05.10.2025

What is important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes?

Health preference research plays a crucial role in supporting patients and physicians in shared decision-making. Such studies reveal what is important to patients in their treatment, thereby enabling recommendations that better meet their needs – improving individualized care, promoting treatment adherence, and potentially reducing complications (Cramer 2004). The presented study investigated the value of treatments by assessing patient preferences. The aim was to gain scientifically sound insights into the preferences of people with type 2 diabetes. In particular, the study examined which aspects are important to patients when choosing medications for combination therapy.

05.10.2025

Molecular testing in cholangiocarcinoma diagnostics

Findings from a systematic survey of outpatient reimbursement structures and a hospital survey

05.10.2025

Evaluation of digital health solutions from the perspective of healthcare practice

NADI (Value and Acceptance of Digital Health) is a research project funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) and conducted by a consortium of Hannover Medical School, the Technical University of Berlin, and Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences. The project aims to systematically analyze the opportunities and challenges of digital health solutions and to develop an evaluation framework tailored to healthcare practice. As part of the project, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences is conducting a large-scale preference survey among healthcare professionals.