Current research projects
Completed research and development projects
- Strategies for financing community-supported agriculture harvest shares for socio-economically disadvantaged households in Austria
Client: internal/FERNFH
Aim: The aim of this internally funded research project was to examine the potential of community-supported agriculture (CSA) in Austria and Germany among people on lower incomes and to identify national differences. It also sought to find out which pricing models and subsidy schemes are most attractive and acceptable to this target group. This involved determining willingness to take part in a CO-CSA programme, the acceptable price for harvest shares and the preferred forms of subsidy (e.g. public funding, donations from members, income-based pricing). The research aims to understand the specific barriers to and motivations for participating in CSAs among economically disadvantaged population groups and, ultimately, to develop concepts that enable broader participation in this sustainable system and offer both environmental and health benefits.
Duration: 10/2023 to 03/2025
Project lead: Birgit Teufer
Project team: Vivien Marx
- Evaluation of the project “Implementing the focus on collective patient participation through self-help organisations”
Client: Fonds Gesundes Österreich, a business unit of Gesundheit Österreich GmbH
Aim: Internal quality assurance of the work of the Austrian Competence and Service Centre for Self-Help (ÖKUSS)
Duration: 11/2021-04/2023
Project lead: Karin Waldherr
Project team: Ursula Prinz; Martina Nitsch (until April 2022)
Project partners:
- ÖKUSS – Austrian Competence and Service Centre for Self-Help
- Fonds Gesundes Österreich
- Immersive Learning | 360° – Augmented & Virtual Reality in Online Teaching
Funded by: Province of Lower Austria (K3-F-834/001-2018)
Aim: Development, testing and further development of the use of immersive technologies in the degree programmes and continuing education programmes at FERNFH; research into how their optimal integration into a didactic concept can ensure a positive effect on learning.
Duration: 11/2018-11/2021
Project lead: Barbara Wimmer
Project team: Katharina Pichler, Markus Millendorfer
Accompanying research/evaluation: Ingrid Wahl, Stefanie Kuso, Martina Nitsch, Anahid Aghamanoukjan
Publications and conference contributions:
Wahl, Ingrid, Kuso, Stefanie & Wimmer, Barbara (2022). An Assessment of Learners’ Needs Regarding Learning Videos and Immersive Learning Environments. Digital Psychology, 3(2), 27–35. [online]Wimmer, Barbara, Lukács, Bence, Kuso, Stefanie & Wahl, Ingrid (2019). Closing the distance: Project on creating immersive environments for remote learning. 18th European Conference on e-Learning, Copenhagen, Denmark, 7th – 8th November, 2019. [Poster]
Aghamanoukjan, Anahid, Nitsch, Martina, Millendorfer, Markus, Pichler, Katharina & Wimmer, Barbara (2020). QUALITORIAL – Anleitung für Sozialforschung. 19th E-Learning Tag 2020, Graz, Austria, 23 September 2020. [online]
Kuso, Stefanie & Wahl, Ingrid (2020). Evaluation des Entwicklungsprozesses immersiver Lernumgebungen. 19th E-Learning Tag 2020, Graz, Austria, 23 September 2020. [online]
Millendorfer, Markus, Wimmer, Barbara, Pichler, Kathrin (2020). What WebXR means for eLearning. ECEL 2020 – 19th European Conference on eLearning, 29–30 October 2020, Berlin (online meeting).
- Evaluation of the project “Health Literacy and Quality of Communication (GuG)”
Client: Wiener Gesundheitsförderung GmbH – WiG
Aim: Evaluation of WiG’s project “Health Literacy and Quality of Communication”
Duration: 09/2018-07/2021
Project lead: Karin Waldherr
Project team: Martina Nitsch, Anahid Aghamanoukjan, Stefanie Kuso, Marion Mitter, Corinna Vollert, Larissa Breitenegger, Natalie Waldherr, Sandra Vögl
Project partners:
- Vienna Alliance for Health Promotion in Healthcare Institutions (6 provider organisations with 10 pilot departments)
- BDO Health Care Consultancy GmbH (process support)
- Vienna Patient and Nursing Care Advocacy Office (WPPA)
- Communication trainers & actors
- @Migration Spotlight – Migrant and Refugee Support for Cultivating Inter-cultural Competences
Funded by: Erasmus+ (Grant No. 2018-1-BG01-KA204-047941)
Aim: Fostering intercultural competence among people who work with refugees and people with a migration background through the development and use of innovative and creative teaching/learning activities and materials; development and implementation of a train-the-trainer programme using innovative teaching and learning materials.
Duration: 11/2018-07/2021
Project lead: Daniela Wolf; parental leave cover: Karin Waldherr
Project team: Martina Nitsch, Marion Mitter
Project partners:
- ALEF – Center for Jewish-Bulgarian Cooperation (Bulgaria)
- Chamber of Chalkidiki (Greece)
- University of Nicosia (Cyprus)
- University Colleges Leuven-Limburg (Belgium)
- ICare – Integrating Technology into Mental Health Care Delivery in Europe
Funded by: European Union through the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
Objective: To establish a comprehensive care model for promoting mental health in the form of an online platform offering interventions for the prevention, early detection and treatment of common mental health disorders.
Duration: 09/2015-08/2019
Website: www.icare-online.eu
Coordination: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Corinna Jacobi (TU Dresden)
Project leader at FERNFH: Karin Waldherr
Project staff: Tanja Adamcik, Stefanie Kuso, Martina Nitsch
Project partners: Technische Universität Dresden, Universitat de Valencia, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Bern, Universitat Jaume I de Castellon, Stichting VU-VUMC, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Medical University of Vienna, University of Zurich, King’s College London, Minddistrict Development, University of Münster (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster)
Publications (as of 15 July 2021):
- Jacobi Corinna, Waldherr Karin, Klesges Lisa M., Dorner Thomas E., Taylor C. Barr, on behalf of the ICare consortium. Introduction to the EJPH Supplement “E-Mental-Health: exploring the evidence base and stakeholders perspectives on Internet-based interventions for the prevention of mental health conditions”. Eur J Public Health 2021;31(Suppl.1): i1–i2. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Nacke Barbara, Zeiler Michael, Kuso Stefanie, Klesges Lisa M., Jacobi Corinna, & Waldherr Karin. A systematic review of reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance of internet-based interventions to prevent eating disorders in adults. Eur J Public Health 2021;31(Suppl.1):i29–i37. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Nitsch Martina, Waldherr Karin, Zeiler Michael, Klesges Lisa, Jacobi Corinna. Stakeholder consultation to facilitate implementation of interventions for prevention and promotion in mental health in Europe: introducing the ICare Stakeholder Survey. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31(Suppl.1):i48–i54. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Kuso Stefanie, Nitsch Martina, Zeiler Michael, Simek Monika, Adamcik Tanja, Dey Michelle, Berger Thomas, Krieger Tobias, Weisel Kiona K., Zarski Anna-Carlotta, Ebert David D., Schaub Michael P., Moser Christian T., Botella Christina, Baños Rosa, Herrero Rocio, Etchemendy Ernestina, Nacke Barbara, Beintner Ina, Vollert Bianka, Schmidt-Hantke Juliane, Hütter Kristian, Jacobi Corinna, & Karin Waldherr. Stakeholders’ views on online interventions to prevent common mental health disorders in adults implemented into existing healthcare systems in Europe. Eur J Public Health 2021;31(Suppl.1):i55–i63. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Zeiler Michael, Kuso Stefanie, Nitsch Martina, Simek Monika, Adamcik Tanja, Herrero Rocio, Etchemendy Ernestina, Mira Adriana, Oliver Elia, Jones Bell Megan, Karwautz Andreas, Wagner Gudrun, Baños Rivera Rosa Maria, Botella Cristina, & Waldherr Karin. Online interventions to prevent mental health problems implemented in school settings: the perspectives from key stakeholders in Austria and Spain. Eur J Public Health 2021;31(Suppl.1):i71–i79. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Irish Madeleine, Kuso Stefanie, Simek Monika, Zeiler Michael, Potterton Rachel, Musiat Peter, Nitsch Martina, Wagner Gudrun, Karwautz Andreas, Bolinski Felix, Karyotaki Eirini, Rovira Carla Soler, Etchemendy Ernestina, Herrero Rocio, Mira Adriana, Cormo Giulia, Baños Rosa, Garcia-Palacios Azucena, Ebert David D., Franke Marvin, Zarski Anna-Carlotta, Weisel Kiona, Berger Thomas, Dey Michelle, Schaub Michael P., Jacobi Corinna, Botella Cristina, Oliver Elia, Gordon Gemma, Spencer Lucy, Waldherr Karin, & Schmidt Ulrike. Online prevention programmes for university students: stakeholder perspectives from six European countries. Eur J Public Health 2021;31(Suppl.1):i64–i70. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Schmidt-Hantke Juliane, Vollert Bianka, Hagner Franziska, Beintner Ina, Hütter Kristian, Nitsch Martina, Jacobi Corinna, & Karin Waldherr. Stakeholders’ perspectives on online interventions to improve mental health in eating disorder patients and carers in Germany. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31(Suppl.1):i80–i87. https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/31/Supplement_1
- Irish Madeleine, Zeiler Michael, Kuso Stefanie, Musiat Peter, Potterton Rachel, Wagner Gudrun, Karwautz Andreas, Waldherr Karin, & Schmidt Ulrike (2020). Students‘ perceptions of an online mental health intervention: a qualitative interview study. Neuropsychiatrie (published online first 28 December 2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40211-020-00383-5
- Taylor C. Barr, Graham Andrea K., Flatt Rachel A., Waldherr Karin, & Fitzsimmons-Craft, Ellen E. (2020) Current state of scientific evidence on Internet-based interventions for the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. European Journal of Public Health, ckz208. (published online 11 September 2020). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckz208
- Zeiler Michael, Kuso Stefanie, Nacke Barbara, Klesges Lisa M., & Waldherr Karin (2019). Evaluating reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance of Internet-based interventions to prevent eating disorders in adolescents: a systematic review. European Journal of Public Health, ckz130, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckz130 (published online 13 August 2019)
- Nitsch Martina, Adamcik Tanja, Kuso Stefanie, Zeiler Michael, & Waldherr Karin (2019). Usability and Engagement Evaluation of an Unguided Online Program for Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle and Reducing the Risk for Eating Disorders and Obesity in the School Setting. Nutrients, 11(4), 713, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040713 (published online 27 March 2019).
- Beecham Jenny, Bonin Eva-Maria, Görlich Dennis, Baños Rosa, Beintner Ina, Buntrock Claudia, Bolinski Felix, Botella Cristina, Ebert David D., Herrero Rocio, Potterton Rachel, Schmidt Ulrike, Waldherr Karin, Weisel Kiona, Zarski Anna-Carlotta, Zeiler Michael, & Jacobi Corinna (2019). Assessing the costs and cost-effectiveness of ICare internet-based interventions (protocol). Internet Interventions, 19, 12-19. doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2018.02.009 (available online 27 February 2018).
- Beintner Ina, Görlich Dennis, Berger Thomas, Ebert David D., Zeiler Michael, Herrero Camarano Rocio, Waldherr Karin, Jacobi Corinna, & ICare Consortium (2019). Interrelations between participant and intervention characteristics, process variables and outcomes in online interventions: A protocol for overarching analyses within and across seven trials in ICare. Internet Interventions, 16, 86-97. doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2018.05.001 (available online 01 June 2018).
- Jones Bell Megan, Zeiler Michael, Herrero Rocio, Kuso Stefanie, Nitsch Martina, Etchemendy Ernestina, Fonseca-Baeza Sara, Oliver Elia, Adamcik Tanja, Karwautz Andreas, Wagner Gudrun, Baños Rosa, Botella Cristina, Görlich Dennis, Jacobi Corinna, & Waldherr Karin (2019). Healthy Teens @ School: Evaluating and disseminating transdiagnostic preventive interventions for eating disorders and obesity for adolescents in school settings. Internet Interventions, 16, 69-75. doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2018.02.007 (available online 27 February 2018).
- Musiat Peter, Potterton Rachel, Gordon Gemma, Spencer Lucy, Zeiler Michael, Waldherr Karin, Kuso Stefanie, Nitsch Martina, Adamcik Tanja, Wagner Gudrun, Karwautz Andreas, Ebert David D., Dodd Alyson, Dooley Barbara, Harrison Amy, Whitt Emma, Haselgrove Mark, Sharpe Helen, Smith Jo, Tressler Rosie, Troop Nicholas, Vinyard Chantal, Görlich Dennis, Beecham Jenny, Bonin Eva, Jacobi Corinna, & Schmidt Ulrike (2019). Web-based indicated prevention of common mental disorders in university students in four European countries – Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Internet Inerventions, 16, 35-42. doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2018.02.004 (available online 15 March 2018).
- Evaluation of the “Vienna School Fruit Programme”
Client: Wiener Gesundheitsförderung GmbH – WiG
Objective: Evaluation of the Vienna School Fruit Programme, which taught children in Vienna about the importance of healthy, regional food in order to spark their enjoyment of fruit and vegetables and shape their eating habits for the long term.
Period: 09/2018-09/2019
Project leaders at FERNFH: Karin Waldherr, Martina Nitsch
Cooperation partners: Gesundheit Österreich GmbH, Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Outcomes Research
Further information: Vienna School Fruit Programme
- Evaluation of the “Generationen Bewegen” (Moving Generations) project
Client: Wiener Gesundheitsförderung GmbH – WiG
Objective: Accompanying evaluation of the project “Generationen bewegen” (Moving Generations). The project, initiated by Wiener Gesundheitsförderung (Vienna Health Promotion), focused on “intergenerationality” – an innovative approach that brings nursery school children and older adults together for joint physical activity.
Period: 09/2014-12/2016
Project leader at FERNFH: Karin Waldherr
Cooperation partners: Medical University of Vienna, Institute for Outcomes Research; FH Campus Wien, Health Assisting Engineering degree programme
Further information: Final brochure
Publications:
Mosor Erika, Waldherr Karin, Kjeken Ingvild, Omara Maissa, Ritschl Valentin, Pinter-Theiss Veronika, Smolen Josef, Hübel Ursula., & Stamm Tanja. (2019). An intergenerational program based on psycho-motor activity promotes well-being and interaction between preschool children and older adults: results of a process and outcome evaluation study in Austria. BMC Public Health, 19:254. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6572-0
Pinter-Theiss Veronika, Zak Thesi, Hübel Ursula, Mosor Erika, Stamm Tanja, Waldherr Karin (2017). Generationen bewegen. Gesundheitsförderung durch psychomotorische Entwicklungsbegleitung für Jung und Alt. Ein Projektbericht. motorik, 40, 167-172. DOI. 10.2378/motorik2017.art270
Hübel Ursula, Oehlinger Martina, Pinter-Theiss Veronika, Zak Thesi, Waldherr Karin Mosor Erika, Stamm Tanja (2016). Moving Generations – Building bridges between children and older adults by means of psychomotricity. European Journal of Public Health, 26, suppl. 1 (EUPHA 2016 abstract supplement). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckw175.019. First published online: 4 November 2016.
- Compilation of data, facts and evaluation results on FGÖ project funding and capacity building since 1998, with a focus on 2015–2017
Client: Fonds Gesundes Österreich (FGÖ)
Objective: To mark its 20th anniversary, the FGÖ wanted to take stock and commissioned a systematic compilation of data and facts on project funding and capacity building since 1998, with a focus on the years 2015 to 2017.
Period: 03/2018-08/2018
Project leader: Karin Waldherr
Project staff: Judith Hofmarcher, Marion Mitter, Ursula Pfeiffer, Natalie Waldherr