Department of

Health Sciences

Competences & research for the healthcare sector.

In our teaching and research, we are dedicated to the future-oriented, needs-based development of health promotion, prevention, healthcare provision, rehabilitation and long-term care.

Health in digital transformation.

Contact.

Meet the department’s team here.

Contact

Prof.ⁱⁿ (FH) Mag.^a Dr.ⁱⁿ Karin Waldherr

Head of Department

Mission Statement

In its teaching and research, the Department of Health Sciences is dedicated to the future-oriented, needs-based development of health promotion, prevention, healthcare provision, rehabilitation and long-term care.

Our focus areas are the opportunities and risks of the digital transformation, the promotion of health and health equity across the lifespan and mental health.

The degree programmes Aging Services Management (bachelor) and Digital Health Management (master) bring together insights from various disciplines and teach competences for improving the quality of life of the older generation and for shaping the digital transformation in the healthcare sector, respectively.

Interdisciplinarity and a practical focus characterise the department’s work in general. The team brings together a range of backgrounds and is distinguished by health and social science expertise from psychology, sociology, nursing science, education and sports science. Together with the other departments of FERNFH and partners from technical sciences, business administration and many other disciplines, the department’s team members work towards the continuous development of applied health sciences and the healthcare sector.

R&D focus areas

Our R&D focus areas lie at the intersection of mental health, health equity and digital transformation. We develop interventions to promote health and health literacy, as well as for the prevention and management of illness.

We research implementation strategies to achieve high acceptance among target groups and real effectiveness. Our focus is on the use of digital technologies in the field of mental health and on assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

Our research is interdisciplinary and is carried out in close collaboration with the other departments of FERNFH as well as national and international partner organisations and companies. Our findings continuously feed into teaching and practice.

Digital Transformation

As part of FERNFH’s institution-wide research focus Digital Transformation, we concentrate on the strategic, technological and social conditions needed to make the best possible use of the potential of digitalisation in the healthcare sector and to meet the needs of all stakeholders – from patients and healthcare professionals to decision-makers.

The aim is to show how digital innovations in healthcare can be designed to be not only technically feasible but also socially accepted, ethically sound and sustainably effective. In this, we work closely in teaching and research with the Department of Information Technology & Business Informatics.

Embedded in teaching: digital health
In our teaching, we develop competences in the use of technical solutions (eHealth and assistive technologies) for a forward-looking health and social care sector, and in the bachelor degree programme in Aging Services Management particularly in the context of ageing.

In the master degree programme in Digital Health Management, we specifically develop competences in Digital Workplace Health Management and in what is known as Twin Transformation – managing digital and sustainable transformation at the same time.

This includes, among other things, the critical analysis of digital health technologies, the development of sustainable digital strategies and reflection on their impact on the world of work and society – with the aim of preparing future subject specialists and managers to help shape digital change in the health sector responsibly.
Embedded in research: technology-based interventions
Our research focuses in particular on technology-based interventions in the fields of health promotion, prevention and mental health.

At the heart of our research activities are digital and hybrid interventions that can help strengthen health literacy, prevent and manage illness, and promote (mental) well-being in the long term. These include mobile health applications (mHealth), web-based self-help programmes and interactive platforms for individual support. We are increasingly collaborating with the Department of Information Technology & Business Informatics on potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

We research how these technologies can be developed, implemented and evaluated on an evidence basis in order to achieve high effectiveness and acceptance among different target groups – from young people and older adults to specific risk groups.

A particular focus is on integrating new digital approaches into existing care structures and on the question of how digital health interventions can be designed to be low-threshold, accessible and sustainable. We also address ethical, data protection and social aspects of using technology-based interventions.

The aim of our research is to contribute to the development of innovative, user-centred solutions that strengthen health and make an effective contribution to health promotion as well as the prevention and management of illness in the digital age.

Knowledge transfer / transfer activities

Publishing in renowned journals – in academic journals as well as in practice-oriented journals relevant to subject specialists and professional groups. An overview of current publications is available.

Participation in academic and professional conferences – to present research findings and discuss them with the international research community and practitioners. An overview of presentations is available.

Memberships in academic societies and practice-oriented networks that foster active exchange and collaboration.

Memberships in scientific advisory boards for national organisations and international projects.

(Co-)editorships and peer reviews for academic journals, as our contribution to good academic practice.

Transferring research into teaching and practice

Through research-led, practice-oriented teaching and active networking with practitioners and the international academic community, the Department of Health Sciences contributes to the further development of health promotion, prevention, healthcare provision, rehabilitation and long-term care.

We welcome exchange with interested partners from academia, practice and society. Whether through joint projects, networking activities or guest lectures – we are open to new ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration. If you are interested in working with us or have ideas for joint initiatives, please get in touch.