Potential Supervisor: Alessia Nowak

Level: Bachelor / Master / both

Strategic Orientation: Socio-economical Evaluation

Background

The ongoing digital transformation poses significant structural, technical, and organizational challenges for hospitals. With the introduction of the German Hospital Future Act (Krankenhauszukunftsgesetz, KHZG), a national funding framework was established to accelerate digital innovation and strengthen the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Many hospitals, including Charité, are currently investing in modern IT infrastructures, electronic patient records, and clinical decision support systems. While the technical implementation of these projects is often at the forefront, questions regarding their economic value have become increasingly important. It remains unclear to what extent digital technologies generate measurable cost savings, streamline clinical processes, or create indirect efficiency gains.

A systematic assessment of both the potential savings and the broader economic impact is therefore crucial. Such evaluations support evidence-based decision-making, help prioritize investments, and contribute to the development of sustainable digitalization strategies within the healthcare sector.

Research Directions

This research project examines the economic impact of digitalization initiatives funded under the German Hospital Future Act (KHZG). Potential research questions include:

• What cost-saving potentials arise from selected KHZG measures implemented at Charité?
• How can the economic viability of these digitalization projects be evaluated using cost-benefit analysis?

The objectives are to identify relevant benefit components, develop an appropriate evaluation framework, and derive strategic recommendations if applicable.

Methodology

Methodologically, the project may combine:

• A systematic literature review
• Qualitative interviews with project stakeholders
• An economic modelling approach (e.g., cost-benefit analysis)

Potential Data Sources

• Internal project reports and cost calculations related to KHZG-funded initiatives at Charité
• Qualitative interviews (e.g., IT management, project managers, clinical staff)
• Survey data
• Literature on digital health evaluations

Access to internal data depends on approval and confidentiality requirements. Interviews need to be arranged by the student; contacts for interviews can be provided.

Project Context

The topic constitutes a standalone research project while remaining closely interconnected with the broader KHZG project initiatives. Although independently designed, it aligns with ongoing digitalization efforts and benefits from insights, structures, and stakeholders involved in the KHZG implementation.

Requirements and Administration (optional)

Desired qualifications include an interest in health economics, technology evaluation, and qualitative research methods. Analytical thinking and a strong interest in digitalization processes within the healthcare sector are advantageous.

References

Goodacre, S., & McCabe, C. (2002). An introduction to economic evaluation. Emergency Medicine Journal, 19(3), 198.

Vogel, J., Hollenbach, J., Haering, A., Ehlig, D., & Geissler, A. (2025). Correction to: Digital Maturity Data: Extracting Insights for Health System Management. In Digital Maturity in Hospitals: Strategies, Frameworks, and Global Case Studies to Shape Future Healthcare (pp. C1–C1). Springer Nature Switzerland.

German Federal Ministry of Health. (2020). Krankenhauszukunftsgesetz (KHZG).