In October 2019, a new Ludwig Boltzmann Institute (LBI) ‘Digital Health and Prevention’ began its work in Salzburg. For the first time, a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) is also involved as a partner in the renowned research institute.
Vision
Research is primarily focussed on diseases that are still the most common cause of death worldwide: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The LBI wants to find out how these patients can be supported in a sustainable and long-term way by means of digital technologies to maintain a healthier lifestyle. This is an area that harbours enormous scientific and health potential.
Digital health in transformation
Based on the enormous amounts of data already available on personal behaviour, the researchers want to identify the triggers that prevent patients from implementing good intentions despite everything - the cornerstone for a change in behaviour. ‘What are the triggers that trigger old behaviour or make new behaviour possible? Technology gives us the opportunity to find these triggers and use them more effectively,’ explains Stütz.
Which digital technologies can improve lifestyle changes and thus reduce the risk of illness, for example? The aim is to develop products that can support everyone in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The LBI pursues an open approach in the development of its products. Research is conducted according to the principles of open innovation in science. This has the advantage that many interested patients and citizens can be involved in the project. In addition to the open approach, regional collaborations and partnerships as well as international experts, institutes and companies will contribute their expertise to the LBI.
As open as the LBI's approach is, new digital technologies are likely to develop in the coming years and will be applied in the researchers' work. In this respect, too, the LBI's research is at the cutting edge of the digital age.