FORSCHUNG
Research in the field of Digital Health is so much more than technological progress – it is a key driver of modern, accessible and patient-centred healthcare. At a time when populations are ageing, chronic diseases are on the rise and medical staff are in short supply in many places around the globe, digitalisation offers the opportunity to radically transform the healthcare system. Scientific findings provide the necessary foundation for this: they ensure that digital applications are not only innovative, but also effective, safe, and ethically sound. Research ensures that cutting-edge technologies, management and communication approaches can be developed in a targeted manner, critically evaluated and integrated into existing preventive care and healthcare structures in a purposeful way. And thus, it forms the foundation for adaptive and forward-looking medical science, where people can benefit from a greater awareness of preventive care, better diagnoses and individualised therapies.
The area of research strength ‘Digital Health’ focuses on three pillars, with Medical Data as an intersecting theme: Medical data needs to be collected, stored, processed and analysed – utilising new sensor technologies among others. This requires shared data infrastructures that can support as many people working with the data as is feasible. Examples of projects in this area include new search technologies that facilitate searching and evaluating thousands of videos of endoscopic operations. Other projects are venturing into using artificial intelligence to help surgical robots better assess their own positioning. All these systems involve high cybersecurity requirements.
The three pillars upon which the area of research strength ‘Digital Health’ will focus are:
- Empowerment of patients
Within the scope of this pillar, researchers conduct cross-disciplinary research into support systems, prevention programmes and health communication measures to empower patients to take responsibility for their own well-being through a health-conscious lifestyle. This area also has a strong focus on mental health (with an emphasis on the health of young people). - Interprofessional communication
A wide range of professions work across various institutions in the healthcare sector. In the interests of integrated care, this pillar aims to improve the exchange of medical information between different professions and within and between institutions. - Efficient administration
Administrative and organisational processes in healthcare are complex – with far-reaching implications for people’s health and economic consequences for operators, institutions and, ultimately, the state. In the framework of this pillar, researchers focus on studying structures holistically and developing technological and organisational solutions to make processes more efficient and effective. Researchers working in this area are developing new systems to improve quality management in terms of patient safety in institutions, as well as addressing issues relating to hospital management and organisational development in healthcare facilities.
Cooperation partners
The area of research strength ‘Digital Health’ builds on a large number of collaborative projects. The main areas of focus were developed together with external stakeholders:
State Hospital Operating Company, Carinthian Health Fund, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Medical University of Graz, Private Foundation of the Carinthian Savings Bank, Fraunhofer Austria, Silicon Austria Labs, Joanneum Research, Infineon, Carinthian Economic Development Fund
Improving magnetic resonance imaging with mathematics
Online trainer corrects individually tailored movements
Installing apps and navigating the internet safely: project aims to facilitate access to the digital world for people with learning difficulties
From handwritten file cards to electronic health records: how widely accepted are electronic health records?
Fitness influencers help followers to improve their fitness and boost sports brand sales
Governance by and through testing: What values, rationales and expectations influence the use of testing?
The evolving office: new project examines media discourse on the introduction of digital media into our offices
Study shows: the pandemic acted as a catalyst for digitalisation in public administration
The Dunning-Kruger effect and the muesli bar: Those who know the least tend to believe they are highly competent
Supporting the mental health of adolescents in Eastern Europe
Intelligent surgical robots are validated in cooperation with KABEG
Life-saving knowledge: New technology sifts through surgical videos
Coordinators
