Science and Patient Communication
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The working group's remit is the development and investigation of innovative communication formats at the intersection of science, medicine and society. The emphasis is on the effective communication of complex medical content, particularly in relation to chronic inflammatory diseases, through playful and interactive approaches. The objective of this initiative is threefold: firstly, to enhance public comprehension of these conditions; secondly, to empower patients to assume an active role in their own healthcare; and thirdly, to cultivate trust among all relevant stakeholders.
Our approach: Using gamification to bridge the gap between knowledge and impact
It is hypothesised that the 'homo ludens', or playful side of human nature, is the key to sustainable knowledge transfer. It is hypothesised that a playful learning approach motivates, fosters trust, and engenders enduring learning outcomes. It is for this reason that the development of interactive, gamified formats is undertaken, with the objective of rendering scientific content accessible and tangible. The translation of molecular mechanisms and modern therapeutic concepts into experiential learning environments is facilitated by the use of virtual reality, serious games and other digital applications.
The composition of the team is interdisciplinary, with members drawn from the fields of medicine, communication science, game design and patient involvement. The objective of these applications is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but rather the specific enhancement of self-efficacy, particularly among individuals afflicted with chronic inflammatory diseases.
In the present study, the impact of gamified communication on motivation, health literacy and participatory decision-making is analysed. The objective is threefold: to inform patients, to empower them, and to encourage them to make informed decisions, adopt a healthy lifestyle and take an active role in managing their own condition.
Doctor-patient communication: CARSLE VR App – Fighting Lupus
CARSLE VR – Fighting Lupus is an innovative educational tool that conveys knowledge on CAR T-cell therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), polymyositis, and systemic sclerosis. The virtual reality (VR) application guides users on an immersive journey through the human body, making complex disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies tangible and easy to understand.
In addition to a medically supervised mode, the platform includes a standalone single-player version, making it well suited for use in educational settings. An ongoing clinical study evaluates the potential of immersive learning to enhance patient education, support doctor–patient communication, and strengthen patients’ confidence in informed decision-making.
INFLAMMANIA 3D on Roblox
Inflammania 3D – The Inflammation Game is an interactive 3D platform built on the widely used Roblox engine, designed to translate current research in inflammation into engaging digital experiences. In the immersive environment Catch me if you can - The CAR T cell Solution", users become part of the immune system and apply innovative CAR T-cell therapies to eliminate autoreactive B cells, illustrating therapeutic principles in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Play the game “Catch me if you can - The CAR T cell Solution”
The platform is based on a prototype originally developed within the Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 1181 „Schaltstellen zur Auflösung von Entzündung“ (2015–2024) and is currently being further expanded and refined within the SFB 1755 CASCAID in collaboration with the Chair of Business Information Systems at the University of Bamberg. This ongoing development focuses on scaling immersive learning experiences and enhancing their educational and scientific impact.
A second game, “SteamScavenger: Empower macrophages" , allows players to take on the role of macrophages, making strategic decisions to regulate inflammatory processes. The game exemplifies how complex biological mechanisms can be conveyed in an accessible and motivating way. Play the game “SteamScavenger - Empower Macrophages”
Together, these applications demonstrate the potential of gamified, immersive formats to communicate sophisticated immunological concepts effectively to younger audiences and the broader public.
INFLAMMANIA - The Inflammation Game - Fight to Cure
Inflammania is a digital tower defence game that provides an engaging and educational experience by introducing players to the complexities of the immune system. In the event of a gout attack, it is recommended that neutrophils are deployed to combat uric acid crystals. In addition, further information on the role of antibodies in regulating asthma and chronic inflammation, including rheumatism and Crohn's disease, is available. The game offers an engaging and informative way to understand complex molecular processes and emphasises the significance of early diagnosis. www.inflammania.de
INFLAMMANIA 2 - The Inflammation Game - Fight to Cure
Inflammania 2 is a game similar to Plants vs. Zombies, in which players learn how the body defends itself against bacterial, parasitic and COVID-19 infections. Employ targeted defence mechanisms to combat bacteria, hookworms and the coronavirus, while acquiring knowledge on the functionality of mRNA vaccines. The game is an ideal resource for individuals with an interest in medicine, offering a clear explanation of the development of chronic inflammation, the mechanisms of action of medicines, and the influence of lifestyle changes on disease activity. www.inflammania.de
| Jeleazcov | Sandra | Media scientist / Head |
| Bachl | Jule | Physician |
| Dreißigacker | Katja | Coordinator events |
| Kreismann | Alexander | Student graphic designer |
| Koch | Karina | Student patient communication |
- Wie Gamification kranken Menschen helfen kann. BR Rundfunk. www.ardmediathek.de/video/frankenschau-aktuell/wie-gamification-kranken-menschen-helfen-kann/br/Y3JpZDovL2JyLmRlL2Jyb2FkY2FzdFNjaGVkdWxlU2xvd
C80MTA2MDY5ODE4MTNfRjIwMjNXTzAxMDU1NEEwL3NlY3Rpb24vMTNlNmEzN2MtNDhkNy00YjgwLThjZWItODc2NGFmMmRmM2M0 - FAU Magazin. Zwei gegen Wolf – Spielerisch über schwere Krankheiten aufklären und neue Wege in der Patientenkommunikation eröffnen: Das kann die App „Fighting Lupus“, die von Sandra Jeleazcov und Benedikt Morschheuser entwickelt wurde. 2024. www.fau.de/2024/11/magazine/fau-magazin-2024/innovation-2024/zwei-gegen-wolf/
- Jeleazcov S. INFLAMMANIA - Fight to Cure: Neue Wege der Wissenschaftskommunikation. Lecture / Webinar. Lange Nacht der Wissenschaft. Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie. 2023. youtu.be/FSMCTacL8Js. Erlangen, Germany
- Greiner R, Merk S, Reiß S, Stief J, Wüllner C, Morschheuser B, Jeleazcov S. Inflammania 3D: Exploring the Use of the Metaverse Platform Roblox for Science Communication. Poster presentation at 7th Annual International GamiFIN Conference 2023, Lapland, FI. https://open.fau.de/handle/openfau/23201
- Jeleazcov S, Bogdan C, Morschheuser B. (2022) Körper in Flammen – spielend gegen Entzündungen. Video. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. youtu.be/u2whMu_RAq4
- Jeleazcov S, Scherbel C, Rauner M. Osteoimmunologie – revisited: Neue Einblicke in das Wechselspiel von Immunsystem und Knochen. Osteologie. 2014. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1622020.
- Siggelkow H, Jeleazcov S. Osteoporose? Chronische Krankheiten im Fokus der Gendermedizin-spezifischen Betrachtung. In Kloepfer M., Kloepfer A., Kurscheid C (Hrsg): Jahrbuch Gendergesundheit 2014. ISBN 978-3-86216-149-2.
| Jahr | Preis | Kategorie | Ausgezeichnet |
| 2024 | FAU Innovator | Sandra Jeleazcov / Benedikt Morschheuser | |
| 2024 | Galaxy Award - Bronze | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus | |
| 2024 | ICE24 Event Award United Kingdom - Silber | Best Customer Experience | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | ICE24 Event Award Germany - Bronze | Best Creative Innovation & Discovery | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | Deutscher Digital Award - Silber | Digital Transformation, Product & Corporate Transformation | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | Deutscher Preis für Online Kommunikation - Gold | Social & Health | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | BrandEx Award - Gold | Best Digital Event | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2023 | BEA World Award - Bronze | Digital Event | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2022 | German Children Software Award TOMMI - Bronze | App | INFLAMMANIA 2 - The Inflammation Game |
| 2018 | German Children Software Award TOMMI - Silber | PC Spiele | INFLAMMANIA 1 - The Inflammation Game |
Nominierungen
| Jahr | Preis | Kategorie | Ausgezeichnet |
| 2024 | Comprix | Digital-Learning | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | Comprix | Digitale Medien | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | Comprix | Patienten-Support-Programme | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | Festival der Zukunft München | n.a. | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | Golden Award of Montreaux | Best use of Digital Media | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2024 | XRC Award | Interactive Education | CARSLE VR App - Fighting Lupus |
| 2019 | Goldener Spatz | Contest Digital | INFLAMMANIA 1 - The Inflammation Game |



