• Project number: F 2622
• Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
• Status: Ongoing Project
• Planned end: 2028-08-31

Description:

In recent years, the federal government has promoted the digitisation of the healthcare system through various laws. These developments also affect homecare and are leading to changes in the organisation of work and working conditions in care services.

Against this backdrop, the research project is investigating the introduction and use of digital technologies in homecare in Germany. The aim is to compile a nationwide assessment for the year 2026. The project closes a key research gap by systematically analysing which digital technologies are used in homecare services, what experiences homecare service managers and nurses have with them, and what effects the use of technology has on work organisation, work demands, and social interactions.

The digitisation of healthcare and the resultant changes to working conditions in nursing care are areas of research interest for the BAuA. The safe and health-promoting design of processes for introducing and using digital technologies is an important starting point in this regard, as digitisation changes both work demands and work resources. Digital technologies can facilitate work processes, for example through improved care documentation or more efficient information flows. At the same time, however, they can also bring new stresses, for example when efficiency gains lead to a further intensification of work.

Methodologically, the project combines a nationwide standardised survey of homecare service providers with in-depth interviews with homecare service managers and nurses. On this basis, practical examples are identified that show how digitisation processes in homecare can be designed to promote health of employees. The results are compiled in a practical guide to support homecare services in the introduction and use of digital technologies.