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Projects

Ongoing projects

PflegeKIonTour – AI-supported process digitalisation and automation in wound management in home and residential care through the TI Messenger and interoperability standards

Project details

  • Project period: 1 May 2026 – 31 October 2027
  • Funding programme: DATIpilot – Community Innovative Pflege (CIP)
  • Partners: Hof University of Applied Sciences; Caritas Association for the District of Kronach; Awesome Technologies Innovationslabor GmbH; vAudience.AI GmbH; C&S Computer und Software GmbH
  • Keywords: AI, wound management, interoperability, TI Messenger, evaluation
  • Research areas: AI-supported assistance systems in nursing; interoperability and health data; telematics infrastructure (TI / TI 2.0); evaluation, user acceptance and implementation

Contacts:

  • Yvonne Großmann (ygrossmann2@hof-university.de), project lead, research associate
  • Joanna Michalska (jmichalska@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Velangan Gorantla, student research assistant

Background and challenge

The growing demand for care, severe staff shortages and increasing documentation requirements pose major challenges for the nursing sector. Nursing staff spend a substantial proportion of their working time on administrative tasks, while digital technologies and artificial intelligence offer considerable potential to reduce workload and improve quality. However, many care organisations still lack sufficient opportunities to explore and test innovative technologies in practical settings and to integrate them sustainably into existing processes.

Objectives

PflegeKIonTour addresses this need: an interdisciplinary consortium comprising care practitioners, nursing researchers, software developers, and AI and telematics-infrastructure experts is developing and testing an interoperable, AI-supported communication and assistance system to optimise wound management in home and residential care. Particular emphasis is placed on practical testing of AI-supported applications and on establishing standardised, interoperable digital processes in nursing. Care professionals and organisations are to be enabled to assess the opportunities and limitations of AI technologies competently and to help shape their use.

Approach

The project combines a certified TI Messenger with AI-supported assistance functions for automated wound-report generation and standardised cross-sector communication. The solutions are being implemented in home-care and residential-care settings and accompanied by scientific evaluation. The project also develops standards, guidance and best practices for the responsible, transparent and GDPR-compliant use of AI in nursing. Key scientific and technical objectives include: developing an interoperable communication and assistance system for digital wound management; integrating the TI Messenger, primary care systems and AI agents; developing AI-supported assistance functions for automated wound reporting and process support; standardising digital processes in everyday home and residential care; promoting interoperable data and communication structures for future AI applications; evaluating user acceptance, nursing effectiveness and economic impact; developing guidance, training concepts and best practices for collaboration between care professionals and AI systems; and transferring results to the Community Innovative Pflege (CIP), while developing scalable solutions for other care processes.

Expected results

PflegeKIonTour aims to create not only technological solutions but also a sustainable transfer and innovation structure for the digital transformation of nursing. Combining scientific expertise, practical testing and broad knowledge transfer will establish a model that contributes to the long-term modernisation and future readiness of the nursing sector. Hof University of Applied Sciences will focus in particular on standardising the wound-care process; developing evaluation standards for user acceptance, interoperability, nursing effectiveness and economic impact; providing scientific support for pilot implementation and transfer into care practice; and supporting the sustainable scaling of digital and AI-supported care processes.

Contribution to the research group

PflegeKIonTour brings together several research areas of the Innovative Healthcare Research Group (FG IGV): AI-supported assistance systems, interoperability and health data, telematics infrastructure, and evaluation and implementation. The project strengthens the interface between care practice, AI development and telematics-infrastructure expertise and provides evidence for future AI applications in care delivery.

DaKILP – Data-based AI solutions for nursing care

Project details

  • Project period: 1 January 2026 – 31 March 2027
  • Funding programme: DATIpilot – Community Innovative Pflege (CIP)
  • Partners: Hof University of Applied Sciences; Diaconal Work of the Evangelical Church in Baden, including Diakonie ambulant Schwarzwald-Baar e.V.; connext Vivendi; Data Science Institute (DSI); VdDD (Association of Diaconal Employers); FINSOZ e.V.
  • Keywords: AI, nursing data, medication administration, research data foundation, GDPR
  • Research areas: AI-supported assistance systems in nursing; interoperability and health data

Contacts:

  • Nele Stock (nstock.3@hof-university.de), project lead, research associate
  • Joanna Michalska (jmichalska@hof-university.de), research associate

Background and challenge

Demographic change poses major challenges for Germany’s healthcare system. Nursing staff are working at their limits, and documentation takes up valuable time that could otherwise be devoted to direct patient care. At the same time, large amounts of data are generated in nursing every day, most of which remain unused.

Objectives

DaKILP addresses this situation by developing AI-supported assistance systems that sustainably reduce the workload of nursing staff and improve quality of care through the targeted use of artificial intelligence in everyday nursing practice. A particular focus is the development of an interoperable research data foundation that takes national and European standards into account and enables the sustainable use of data in future research and development projects. Data protection and governance concepts will also be developed to ensure that sensitive health data are handled responsibly and in compliance with the GDPR.

Approach

Key interim objectives include building an interoperable nursing data foundation by standardising nursing data in line with national initiatives and EU standards for future AI applications; developing AI-based assistance systems, initially focusing on medication administration and monitoring, with potential extensions to basic care and fall prevention; testing prototype AI applications in everyday care at Diakonie ambulant Schwarzwald-Baar e.V.; and building a community for sustainable further development by bringing together data, knowledge and innovation to continuously develop and responsibly shape AI applications in nursing practice.

Expected results

DaKILP aims to create not only a technological solution but also a sustainable ecosystem for AI in nursing. Combining scientific expertise, practical testing and broad transfer will establish a model that extends beyond the project and supports the long-term digital transformation of the nursing sector.

Contribution to the research group

DaKILP is a flagship project for the research areas of AI-supported assistance systems in nursing and interoperability and health data. It strengthens FG IGV’s position at the interface of AI development, nursing-data standardisation and data-protection governance, and provides valuable foundations for future research and funding applications in this field.

Interreg Europe – HUMAN: Shaping regional change with Healthcare 5.0

Project details

  • Project period: 1 May 2025 – 31 July 2029
  • Funding programme: Interreg Europe
  • Partners: Eight European regions; policy instrument led by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention, together with twelve other project partners
  • Keywords: Healthcare 5.0, Europe, strategy, digital inequality, regions
  • Research areas: digital transformation and skills development in the social economy; evaluation, user acceptance and implementation

Contacts:

  • Désirée Neeb (dneeb@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Katrin Müller (kmueller4@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Project website: HUMAN – Healthcare 5.0 supporting the transformative shift of regions | Interreg Europe

Background and challenge

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises the central importance of digital health technologies for comprehensive, efficient and accessible healthcare. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many countries and regions are not yet able to digitalise their healthcare systems comprehensively. Without targeted action to address existing inequalities in access to digital solutions, these disparities may widen further, particularly to the detriment of structurally weaker and rural areas. Inspired by the concept of Industry 5.0, Healthcare 5.0 uses advanced technologies to rethink healthcare, with the aim of improving patient care and creating a more holistic, people-centred healthcare system.

Objectives

Funded by Interreg Europe, HUMAN supports European regions in developing Healthcare 5.0 strategies and using digital innovation to deliver inclusive, affordable and patient-centred healthcare. Its overarching objective is to promote more accessible, equitable and resilient healthcare systems in eight European regions through the introduction of Healthcare 5.0 solutions supported by improved policy instruments. Hof University of Applied Sciences addresses the policy instrument “Healthcare BY Your Side”, led by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention.

Approach

Eight European regions work together through Interreg Europe HUMAN to develop, exchange and improve Healthcare 5.0 strategies and policy instruments. The approach combines interregional policy dialogue, the exchange of good practices and the further development of regional action plans. Hof University of Applied Sciences contributes an applied-research and digital-healthcare perspective and supports the Bavarian State Ministry in further developing the “Healthcare BY Your Side” instrument. Studies, stakeholder workshops and policy dialogues are also conducted.

Expected results

Expected results include improved policy instruments and regional Healthcare 5.0 strategies in eight European regions; stronger regional capabilities among policymakers and relevant stakeholders; and a measurable reduction in digital inequalities. Professionals, patients and users will be equipped with the digital skills and tools they need. In Bavaria, the “Healthcare BY Your Side” instrument will be further developed, generating insights that can be transferred to other regions.

Contribution to the research group

HUMAN gives FG IGV a strong international dimension and positions the group in the European strategic dialogue on digital healthcare. The project advances research on digital transformation and skills development, as well as evaluation, user acceptance and implementation. It also gives the group access to European networks, good practices and collaboration opportunities, while strengthening its links with Bavarian health policy.

pulsnetz.de – People and Technology in the Community (pulsnetz MuTiG)

Project details

  • Project period: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2026
  • Funding programme: Future Centres (BMAS / ESF Plus)
  • Partners: AOK Baden-Württemberg; German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Health and Welfare Services (BGW); Contec GmbH; Diaconal Work of Baden-Württemberg; FINSOZ e.V.; IAT – Institute for Work Science and Technology Management; Association for Digitalisation in the Social Economy (vediso e.V.)
  • Keywords: digitalisation, elderly care, Digitalisation Trucks, training, market studies
  • Research areas: digital transformation and skills development in the social economy; evaluation, user acceptance and implementation

Contacts:

  • Désirée Neeb (dneeb@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Yvonne Großmann (ygrossmann2@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Celine Stumpf (cstumpf.4@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Hanna Köhler (hkoehler.3@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Sven Barten – project lead for Baden-Württemberg
  • Project website: Projects – FINSOZ e.V. | Digitalisation for the Social Economy

Background and challenge

Digitalisation in healthcare and social services is progressing, but residential and home-care organisations in particular continue to face considerable apprehension, untapped potential and a substantial need for skills development. Managers and employees often have few opportunities to experience digital technologies on site, assess their opportunities and risks on an informed basis, and develop their own perspectives. There is also a lack of accessible advisory services to support organisations in designing and implementing their first digitalisation projects.

Objectives

pulsnetz MuTiG is the mobile and virtual Future Centre for healthcare and social services in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. It aims to advance digitalisation, particularly in home and residential elderly care, through accessible opportunities to experience technology, practical advice, innovative training and scientifically grounded market studies. The “Digitalisation Trucks” (TruDi) bring digital technologies directly to care organisations.

Approach

Through TruDi, employees and managers can experience digital technologies in their own organisations, understand their opportunities and risks, and gain initial hands-on experience. Advisory services help organisations design, launch and implement their own digitalisation projects, with support from the consortium on technical, organisational, business and professional issues. Innovative training concepts also build key digital skills. This work is complemented by scientifically grounded market studies on technologies such as virtual reality and voice control.

Expected results

Expected results include reduced apprehension about digital technologies; stronger digital skills among managers and employees in healthcare and social services; the launch of initial digitalisation projects in participating organisations; and scientifically grounded market studies on key technologies. The established advisory and training services are intended to benefit a broad range of care providers beyond the project period.

Contribution to the research group

pulsnetz MuTiG is a central project for the research area “Digital Transformation and Skills Development in the Social Economy”. Through TruDi, FG IGV has a distinctive instrument for hands-on knowledge transfer that can also be used in other projects. The consortium of health insurers, associations and companies significantly strengthens the research group’s network.

TruDi on tour – roadshow and workshops

Discover and try out new technologies – free of charge. The TruDi roadshow offers staff in social services the opportunity to explore modern technologies for everyday work in a practical, hands-on way at their own organisations. The offer is aimed at employees in the social economy in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia. Our advisers for Bavaria and research associates at iisys try out the technologies together with care professionals, educators and social counsellors and help them develop ideas for a healthier working life. If you work in elderly care, childcare or social counselling, get in touch with us.

Which technologies does TruDi carry?

Assistance systems; health apps; exoskeletons; telemedicine technologies; VR and AR headsets; fall-detection and emergency-call technologies; robots; software (e.g. staff scheduling or route planning). A list of all technologies carried by TruDi is available at https://www.pulsnetz.de/ki-projekt/trudi/inventarliste/.

Completed projects

ErnTeBayLa-S – Piloting telecare in a rural region of Bavaria (residential care)

Project details

  • Project period: May 2024 – July 2025
  • Funding programme: Telecare Model Programme under Section 125a of Book XI of the German Social Code (SGB XI)
  • Partners: Hof University of Applied Sciences; Awesome Technologies; Caritas Association for the District of Kronach (St. Elisabeth Residential Care Home, Wallenfels); Prognos
  • Keywords: telecare, family members, communication, residential care, processes
  • Research areas: telecare and digital communication; evaluation and user acceptance
  • Contact: Nele Stock (nstock.3@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Project website: https://go.hof-university.de/hjmatp

Background and challenge

The decision to move a person in need of care into a residential care facility often presents family members with emotional and organisational challenges. They frequently lack insight into everyday care, including changes in health, medication and daily routines. Nevertheless, they must make important decisions, often without sufficient information. Physical distance, particularly in rural areas, further limits their active involvement in the care process. Existing procedures are often not transparent, and digital communication has the potential to improve them.

Objectives

ErnTeBayLa-S aimed to strengthen transparency and trust in everyday care, improve collaboration between care professionals, family members and other stakeholders, and reduce the burden on all involved—care professionals, residents and family members alike. Telecare was used to involve relatives and other close contacts more directly in residential care.

Approach

The project was implemented with Awesome Technologies GmbH and the Caritas Association for the District of Kronach at St. Elisabeth Residential Care Home in Wallenfels. The certified Caritas Messenger provided synchronous communication (e.g. video calls) and asynchronous channels (e.g. text messages and images), enabling family members living at a distance to participate actively in the care process. Existing, often non-transparent workflows were analysed, optimised target processes for telecare were designed and implemented using the Caritas Messenger. The project was part of the telecare model programme under Section 125a SGB XI and was scientifically supported and evaluated by Prognos.

Results achieved

Optimised target processes for telecare in residential care were implemented, transparency and trust in everyday care were strengthened, and family members living at a distance were more actively involved. Prognos’s evaluation generated findings that support recommendations for telecare in residential care that can be transferred nationwide.

Contribution to the research group

ErnTeBayLa-S was a reference project for the research area of telecare and digital communication and provided FG IGV with evaluated evidence on digital communication in residential care. It strengthened collaboration with the Caritas Association for the District of Kronach and Awesome Technologies and produced transferable recommendations that can also inform ongoing projects.

pulsnetz.de – Healthy Work (pulsnetz KI)

Project details

  • Project period: 1 April 2021 – 31 December 2022
  • Funding programme: Future Centres AI (BMAS)
  • Partners: Diaconal Work of Baden (lead) and nine other organisations
  • Keywords: AI, skills development, SMEs, nursing care, social economy
  • Research areas: digital transformation and skills development in the social economy; AI-supported assistance systems in nursing

Contacts:

  • Désirée Neeb (dneeb@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Yvonne Großmann (ygrossmann2@hof-university.de), research associate
  • Project website: www.pulsnetz.de/ki-projekt

Background and challenge

Employees and managers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in nursing and the social economy face the challenge of identifying, using and helping shape digital and AI-based technologies in their daily work. Many lack the time, resources and specialist knowledge needed to assess the potential of AI-supported solutions for their own practice and put them to use. At the same time, AI technologies offer new opportunities to sustainably reduce the workload of care professionals and improve quality of care—provided the necessary skills are in place.

Objectives

Employees and managers in SMEs in nursing and the social economy develop the skills needed to identify, use and, where appropriate, co-create digital and/or AI-based technologies. This is intended to provide sustainable support and empowerment at both organisational and individual levels. The pulsnetz KI Future Centre establishes a digital hub that informs, inspires and motivates, complemented by mobile, in-person services such as TruDi.

Approach

The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) under the “Future Centres AI” programme. Led by the Diaconal Work of Baden, ten organisations collaborated to implement the project. The pulsnetz KI Future Centre is a digital hub, with www.pulsnetz.de/ki-projekt serving as a central point of contact that informs, inspires and motivates visitors. The project also offered mobile, in-person services through TruDi, the Digitalisation Truck.

Results achieved

The project strengthened digital skills among employees and managers in SMEs in nursing and the social economy, established a digital point of contact (www.pulsnetz.de/ki-projekt), and made AI technologies accessible for hands-on experience through TruDi. It laid the foundation for the follow-up project pulsnetz MuTiG and consolidated the TruDi roadshow as an established knowledge-transfer instrument for FG IGV.

Contribution to the research group

pulsnetz KI laid the foundations for the research area of digital transformation and skills development in the social economy and established the TruDi roadshow as a core knowledge-transfer instrument for FG IGV. The project strengthened collaboration with the Diaconal Work of Baden and other partner organisations and formed the basis for ongoing funding through pulsnetz MuTiG.