Health Literacy

Strengthening patient competence: Breast cancer patients' information and training needs (The PIAT Study)

Duration : 3/2012–3/2015
Project Board
  • Jun.-Prof. Dr. Nicole Ernstmann
  • Dr. Christoph Kowalski
Project Team

The German Cancer Society (DKG)
The Women's Self-Help After Cancer Organization (FSH)

Funding Institution: BMG

Federal Ministry of Health

Project Objectives

The aim of the PIAT Study is to analyze breast cancer patients’ needs for information and training measures which increase patient competence. In order to assess these needs, the prospective cohort study will involve a written survey of breast cancer center patients and directors conducted in three waves.

The data collection instrument used for the survey will be developed based on a review of the literature and on focus groups conducted with patients and health care providing institutions.

In a prospective cohort study, patients from breast cancer centres and breast cancer centre managers are to be surveyed in writing at three measurement points to determine the need for information and training.

In addition to a literature review, focus groups with patients and care providers will be conducted to develop the survey instrument.