HACK-IT-NET Enabling an Alpine region Health And Care Knowledge and Innovation Transfer NETwork

Healthcare is facing major challenges, particularly due to the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare sector. This problem requires innovative solutions to ensure that communities outside of metropolitan areas continue to receive adequate medical care. In this context, the planned research project proposes cooperation with urban communities to make healthcare in neighborhoods and remote settlements sustainable.

The main goal of this project is to develop strategies for future healthcare outside of metropolitan areas by investigating how mobile services and digitalization can be used effectively. Specifically, a model is to be developed that supports communities in planning the introduction of mobile health services in the age of digitalization and in deciding when this investment makes sense.

The following approaches are used for this:

• Needs analysis: In cooperation with communities, the current challenges and needs in the field of healthcare in areas outside of metropolitan areas are identified. This includes a comprehensive analysis of the available resources, the shortage of skilled workers and the needs of the population.

• Identification of solutions: Based on the results of the needs analysis, possible solutions are developed that include the use of mobile services and digital tools. This can include the development of telemedicine, mobile health stations or other innovative approaches, such as the distribution of digital tools for home use.

• Development of an evaluation model: An evaluation model is developed that helps communities determine whether and when the introduction of mobile health services makes economic and practical sense. This model takes into account factors such as population density, geographical location, infrastructure, availability of digital solutions and financial resources.

Cooperation with urban communities opens up a unique opportunity to make health care in areas outside of metropolitan areas sustainable. Through the targeted use of mobile services and digitalization, the challenges of the shortage of skilled workers can be addressed and high-quality care for all citizens can be sought.