Institute for

Health Sciences

Expertise & Research for the Healthcare Sector.

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

Health Care in the Digital Age.

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

Institute Leadership

Mission Statement

The Institute for Health Sciencesis dedicated to the future-oriented and needs-based advancement of health promotion, prevention, health care, rehabilitation, and long-term care through teaching and research.

The focus is on the opportunities and risks of digital transformation, promoting health and health equity across the life span, and mental health.

The Aging Services Management (Bachelor’s) and Digital Health Management (Master’s) degree programs draw on insights from various academic disciplines and equip students with the skills needed to enhance the quality of life for older adults and to shape the digital transformation in the healthcare sector, respectively.

Interdisciplinarity and a practical focus generally characterize the Institute’s work. The team brings together diverse professional backgrounds and is distinguished by its expertise in health and social sciences, including psychology, sociology, nursing, education, and sports science. Together with the other institutes at FERNFH and partners from the technical sciences, business administration, and many other disciplines, the institute’s team members work toward the continuous advancement of applied health sciences and the health sector.

R&D Priorities

Our R&D efforts focus on the intersection of mental health, health equity, and digital transformation. We develop interventions to promote health and health literacy, as well as those related to disease prevention and management.

We are researching implementation strategies to achieve high levels of acceptance among target groups and ensure effectiveness. Our focus is on the use of digital technologies in the field of mental health, as well as assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

Our research is interdisciplinary in nature and is conducted in close collaboration with the other institutes at FERNFH, as well as with national and international partner organizations and companies. Our findings are continuously incorporated into teaching and professional practice.

Ongoing Projects

Evaluation of Phase II of the “Be Smart – Eat Healthy” Project by the Vienna Health Promotion Agency

Body Project Austria

PSYGESKOM

Digital Transformation

As part of FERNFH’s university-wide research focus on digital transformation, we are focusing on the strategic, technological, and social prerequisites necessary to make the best possible use of the potential of digitalization in the healthcare sector and to meet the needs of all stakeholders—from patients to healthcare professionals to decision-makers.

The goal is to identify ways in which digital innovations in the healthcare sector can be designed not only to be technically feasible, but also socially acceptable, ethically sound, and sustainably effective. To this end, we collaborate closely with the Institute for Information Technology and Business Informatics in both teaching and research.

Integration into the Curriculum: Digital Health
In our courses, we teach students the skills needed to apply technical solutions (eHealth and assistive technologies) to advance the health and social services sectors; in the bachelor’s program in Aging Services Management, this is done specifically in the context of aging.

In the master’s program in Digital Health Management, we provide targeted training in digital workplace health management and what is known as “twin transformation” —that is, the simultaneous management of digital and sustainable transformations.

This includes, among other things, the critical analysis of digital health technologies, the development of sustainable digital strategies, and reflection on the impacts on the world of work and society—with the goal of preparing future professionals and leaders to play a responsible role in shaping the digital transformation in the healthcare sector.
Research-Based Approach: Technology-Based Interventions
Our research focuses in particular on technology-based interventions in the areas of health promotion, prevention, and mental health

Our research activities focus on digital and hybrid interventions that can help strengthen health literacy, prevent and manage diseases, and promote (mental) well-being in the long term. These include, among other things, mobile health applications (mHealth), web-based self-help programs, and interactive platforms for individualized support. We are increasingly collaborating with the Institute for Information Technology and Business Informatics on potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector.

We are researching how these technologies can be developed, implemented, and evaluated in an evidence-based manner to achieve high effectiveness and acceptance among various target groups—from adolescents to older adults to specific at-risk groups.

We place a special focus on integrating new digital approaches into existing healthcare systems, as well as on the question of how digital health interventions can be designed to be accessible, barrier-free, and sustainable. In addition, we address ethical, data protection, and social aspects related to the use of technology-based interventions.

The goal of our research is to contribute to the development of innovative, user-centered solutions that promote health and make an effective contribution to health promotion, as well as to the prevention and management of diseases in the digital age.

Knowledge Transfer / Transfer Services

Publications in renowned journals— including both academic journals and journals with practical relevance for professional and occupational groups. An overview of current publications is available.

Participation in scientific 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 scientific societies and practice-oriented networks that promote active exchange and collaboration.

Memberships on scientific advisory boards for national organizations and international projects.

(Co-)editorship and peer review for academic journals, as part of our commitment to good scientific practice.

Transfer of Research into Teaching and Practice

Through research-based, practice-oriented teaching and active collaboration with the professional community and the international scientific community, the Institute for Health Sciences contributes to the advancement of health promotion, prevention, health care, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

We look forward to engaging with interested partners from academia, the professional world, and civil society. Whether through joint projects, networking activities, or guest lectures— we are open to new ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration. If you are interested in collaborating with us or have suggestions for joint initiatives, please feel free to contact us.