Paracelsus Medical University (PMU)

Institute of Nursing Science and Practice
Research

Symbolbild für Forschung

The institute's nursing science research focuses on health care research, with a particular emphasis on theory-practice transfer.

Far-reaching systemic changes are needed to ensure citizen-centered care. Our research encompasses preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative approaches to improve healthcare holistically.

We generate new knowledge through both discipline-specific and interprofessional research, ensuring that this knowledge is effectively translated into practice.

The goal of our research is to optimize patient care quality based on scientific evidence.

Our research profile

This research profile conveys an overarching understanding of how research in nursing and health sciences is pursued at the Institute of Nursing Science and Practice. It depicts five research priorities (RP), which frame the institute’s activities in research, practice, and teaching. Against this background, the institute’s nursing and health services related research draws on up-to-date quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods theories and methodologies. This research profile, with its priorities, serves as a guiding framework with both a national and international long-term focus.

Developing professional nursing, implementing and evaluating advanced nursing practice, and supporting the next generation of nurses

Research within this field acknowledges and enhances contemporary evidence-based knowledge in nursing education and advanced nursing practice in health systems. By integrating natural, human, and social sciences, research recognizes and seeks to further explore the interplay between patient factors and nursing practice, which may lead to a shift in dynamics as nursing roles expand and develop. These activities consider health outcomes, quality of care, patient safety, and the impact of various nursing roles and skill levels. 

Fostering inter- and intra-professional collaboration and strengthening continuity and cross-sectoral care across diverse health systems

Research in this area focuses on the integration of nursing practice within multidisciplinary teams to improve health outcomes across health sectors. This includes aligning the goals of nursing science and practice with those of other professions by supporting and contributing to inter- and intra-professional education and transdisciplinary cooperation. Additionally, this research seeks to enhance the potential of individuals as change agents, making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Promoting health and disease prevention management through health services research

Research objectives include improving health outcomes related to pain management and age-associated or work-related diseases and enhancing cross-sectoral care by utilizing the most appropriate interventions and evaluation processes. Public health research spans from local to global contexts, encompassing prevalence, biostatistics, and the prevention of both communicable and non-communicable diseases across populations. Promoting health as a human right and addressing all determinants of health are central objectives, with a focus on improving public health, health literacy, and overall well-being. 

Advancing patient safety and organizational outcomes, and leading sustainable change in health care

Research in this area focuses on the experiences of those individuals who depend on nursing care and support. Vital issues are addressed relating to acute, critical, chronic care needs. The application of clinical and system leadership supports health care organizations in enhancing the quality of nurses’ professional lives and reinforcing a culture of patient safety. By employing various theoretical approaches, our research promotes the efficiency and efficacy of health care delivery and advocates for patient-centred interventions. Adopting a humanistic and reflexive perspective, this research improves health and organizational outcomes whilst encouraging the active involvement of patients and their relatives. It considers both the importance of delivering high quality, safe patient care and the need to set organizational priorities and critical standards.

Enhancing innovations in nursing science and clinical practice 

This research priority is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging the implementation of new ideas and the novel application of existing concepts. Adopting the view that every nurse is a change agent, pioneer, and facilitator, this research sustains an inclusive and reflexive approach to enhance the quality and safety of patient care and health outcomes. Research activities in this area include the development, implementation, and evaluation of contemporary nursing concepts, digital health care solutions, assistive technology, and AI-based applications.

Contact persons

Patrick
Ass.-Prof. Dr. Patrick Kutschar //
Institute of Nursing Science and Practice
Research Coordination and Management
Jürgen
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Osterbrink //
Institute of Nursing Science and Practice
Director of the Institute, Director WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Patient Safety, Director WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Patient Safety
Further