Research knowledge for patients
The Lung Information Service provides information on major lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as treatment options and ways to manage symptoms in everyday life. In addition to its online health portal, the service offers videos and digital events. Its online patient forums give people affected by lung diseases the opportunity to speak directly with experts and ask their questions.
The information portal attracts more than two million visitors each year. The format “Patients Ask – Experts Answer” is also very popular: people affected by lung diseases regularly submit more than 150 questions in advance, which are then answered by specialists.
Close collaboration with the DZL
The DZL and the Lung Information Service have worked closely together since the research center was established. Scientists and physicians at DZL sites support the editorial team and provide expert advice in response to individual patient inquiries. In this way, the Lung Information Service helps communicate findings from lung research to the public in an accessible and reliable manner.
Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger, Chairman of the Board and Spokesperson of the DZL, emphasizes the importance of this knowledge transfer: “Translational research does not end with bringing scientific findings from the laboratory into clinical practice. It is equally important to communicate this knowledge clearly and reliably to the people for whom it is ultimately intended. For 15 years, the Lung Information Service has been a key part of this knowledge transfer, supporting the DZL since its foundation in its efforts to bring findings from lung research to society.” Seeger extends his warm congratulations to the Lung Information Service on its anniversary and wishes the team continued success in this important mission.
Dialogue with patients is also valuable for research. Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Martin Hrabě de Angelis, Scientific Managing Director and Acting Spokesperson of the Executive Management at Helmholtz Munich, explains: “Direct dialogue with patients is also valuable for us as a research center. We need to listen to their expectations of research and understand the problems they face in everyday life. The work of the Lung Information Service helps us align our research more closely with the needs of people affected by lung diseases.”
Find out more about the anniversary and upcoming events: 15 Years of the Lung Information Service
