Healthcare professionals working in hospitals are facing increasing pressure. Heavy workloads, time constraints and emotional challenges affect not only staff well-being but also, in the long term, the quality of patient care. This is where the EU-funded research project KEEPCARING (Future-Proofing Health and Care Systems: Safeguarding Healthcare Workers in Hospital Settings) comes in. The project aims to prevent burnout and sustainably strengthen the resilience and well-being of healthcare professionals. Prof. (FH) Mag. (FH) Dr Manfred Pferzinger, Head of the Institute Health Management and Programme director of the degree programme Mangagement von Gesundheitsunternehmen at IMC Krems, supports the project as a member of its Advisory Board. The project runs from July 2024 to August 2028.
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EU Research Project ‘KEEPCARING’ Strengthens the Resilience of Healthcare Professionals
International Research to Strengthen Resilience
As part of six clinical studies, the project partners are investigating various factors that influence stress, workload and mental health in hospital settings. The research examines individual and organisational resilience factors, as well as innovative approaches to stress reduction. These include virtual reality applications for relaxation, data-driven team debriefings following surgical procedures, new approaches to team-based work design, and programmes to promote a culture of appreciative leadership.
The findings will feed into a joint change management platform designed to help healthcare institutions create healthier and more resilient working environments.
“Our role on the Advisory Board is to provide guidance to the consortium, the consortium leadership and the programme management on the project’s strategic direction and further development. By contributing our expertise, we aim to help maximise KEEPCARING’s collective scientific and societal impact,” explains Manfred Pferzinger.
Evidence-Based Solutions for the Future
Through its interdisciplinary approach, KEEPCARING aims to provide healthcare institutions with practical tools for preventing burnout and promoting resilience. In doing so, the project makes an important contribution to the long-term sustainability of European health and care systems, supporting the people who work every day to protect and improve the health of others.