Sara Bartels
Postdoctoral researcher
My current work focusses on the development, evaluation, and implementation of a digital behavioural health treatment for individuals with chronic pain.
About me
I am originally from Germany and moved abroad in 2016 to study in the Netherlands and the UK. My interest in human health motivated me to study (neuro-)psychology, gain experience in clinical practice through internships in care facilities and hospitals, and work in academia since 2017.
During my PhD trajectory, I was part of 'INDUCT', a European, inter-sectorial training network, and my research focussed on technology and dementia (for details see link below).
Since September 2020, I work as a postdoctoral researcher for Karolinska Institutet (80%) and Maastricht University (20%). Through international collaborations, we work on the development, evaluation, and implementation of digital interventions and process-based treatment approaches for individuals with chronic pain and caregivers of people with dementia.
Research description
My research interests include:
- Momentary assessments, the experience sampling method, and other forms of (digital) self-monitoring and digital diaries to understand daily patterns and improve self-management
- eHealth approaches (e.g. web-based programs, smartphone apps etc. to promote health)
- Health as a holistic concept, including physical, emotional and social aspects
- Management of chronic pain in everyday life
- Complex interventions, behavioural changes mechanisms, effectiveness and implementation
- Older adults with and without cognitive impairments (e.g. MCI, dementia, caregivers)
Teaching portfolio
Tutoring courses based on the Problem-Based Learning approach at Maastricht University
Education
Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Medical School Hamburg, D
Master of Science, Neuropsychology; Maastricht University, NL
PhD; Maastricht University, NL
Academic honours, awards and prizes
Marie Curie Alumni