Research project DMDEmpower

DMDEmpower: understanding patient empowerment in Parkinson’s disease in the digital health context  

The project at a glance

  • Start date:
    01 Jan 2026
  • Duration in months:
    12
  • Funding:
    FNR
  • Principal Investigator(s):
    Jochen KLUCKEN

About the study

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term condition that requires people to take an active role in managing their health. Digital health technologies, such as wearable devices, apps, or online tools, can help people living with chronic diseases feel more in control of their health, stay informed and improve their self-confidence and independence.

However, not everyone benefits from these technologies equally. Personal, social, and environmental factors like age, symptom severity, digital skills, access to digital technologies, or support from caregivers or healthcare professionals can influence how useful these technologies are in everyday life.

Our new study explores how people with PD use digital technologies to feel in control of their health and the factors that supports or hinders them in doing so. By focusing on the experience, expectations and priorities of people with PD, we aim to understand what matters most to them when it comes to using current or future digital health technologies to feel more in control of their health and care.

The stories and preferences will ensure that digital health technologies are more useful, meaningful and relevant. The inputs will guide our research, ensuring that developed solutions reflect what people with PD find valuable and practical in everyday life. 

Project team

  • Jochen KLUCKEN, PI
  • Messaline FOMO FODOM, Project member
  • Liyousew BORGA, Project member
  • Gelani ZELIMKHANOV, Project member
  • Isabel SCHWANINGER, Project member

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