Background and objectives

OriGes II is based on the knowledge and products gained during OriGes I. The project aims to provide orientation for users and to support them in navigating through the digital health care system by means of a service tailored to their needs. In addition to the evaluation and further development of the websites for adolescents and adults devised in the course of OriGes I, these orientation and support services will also be made available to other relevant user groups. The further development of the existing sites particularly aims to provide orientation for groups with special needs and to support them in their search for information (health information guide) and, keeping consumer-friendliness in mind, to increase transparency regarding structures, facilities and services of the German health system (health system navigation guide). OriGes II pursues the following overall objectives: (1) going live, maintaining and updating the existing websites; (2) developing and implementing a (communications) strategy to promote the sites; (3) evaluating usage and impact of the orientation aids; (4) developing further the contents, modules and tools available on the websites; and (5) expanding the offer for groups with special needs.

Project design

The present research project is based on a theory-based multi-method study design. The project is based on a resource-oriented approach; starting from individual resources of different groups, the aim is to strengthen the ability of people with the most varied needs to independently assess whether online health information is relevant and of high quality. Qualitative, ethnographic and collaborative/participative research approaches are particularly suitable for this purpose, in order to ensure that the user’s perspective is taken into account in the development of an orientation aid and thus to ensure the practical relevance of the findings obtained. Specifically, this project aims to (a) develop a version of the two websites in plain language; (b) ensure accessibility; and (c) realise a cultural opening of the sites.