From May to November 2025, a research alliance between the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin and the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Berlin under the joint leadership of Prof. Dr. Rita Hansjürgens and Prof. Dr. Rebekka Streck conducted the project "Wi:Nu:K - Impact and utilization research on the care of opioid-dependent persons with unclear health insurance status". This was dedicated to a particularly vulnerable group of people and examined care services for opioid-using, homeless people without secure health insurance cover in Berlin.
Methodologically, the research project was based on a mixed-methods design with ethnographic surveys, interviews with those affected and specialists in low-threshold drug help and the participatory development of an impact model.
The results of the final report, which has now been published, show that Berlin has a well-developed but precariously financed, fragmented help system. Complex life situations as well as mobility, language and access barriers make it difficult to use services and often lead to dropouts. Low-threshold, relationship-oriented services stabilize, but reach their limits when it comes to opioid substitution therapy. Housing, medical care and employment are also crucial for sustainable stabilization. Effective support is particularly successful with good accessibility, coordinated transitions and continuous support.
In addition to the final report, the impact model developed together with experts is also available on aliceOpen, which depicts key interdependencies in care and provides impetus for practice and policy.
The research project was funded by the Senate Department for Science, Health and Care.
Prof. Dr. Rita Hansjürgens is Professor of Theories of Action and Methods of Social Work and General Pedagogy at ASH Berlin.
