Digital Pact for Care

OTH Regensburg joins Digital Pact for Care - Working together for the care of the future

OTH Regensburg is sending out a strong signal for the digital future of care: as a new partner of the Bavarian ‘Digital Pact for Care’, the university is now actively supporting the implementation of the HighCare Agenda of the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention.

With the HighCare Agenda, the Free State of Bavaria is investing around 31 million euros in the digitalisation of care by 2029. The aim is to use artificial intelligence, innovative care technology and assistance systems to make care in Bavaria fit for the future - self-determined, holistic, intergenerational, regionally available and digitally supported.

‘We are delighted to be part of this forward-looking network and to contribute our expertise in research, teaching and practice to the further development of digital care concepts,’ explains Prof Dr Klaudia Winkler, the university management's representative for the central development area of health. ‘Joining the Digital Pact for Care is a logical step for us to actively shape the care of tomorrow together with other stakeholders.’

By joining, the university is voluntarily committing to supporting the goals of the HighCare Agenda, helping to shape innovative projects and utilising the funds provided in a targeted manner. This makes it part of a Bavaria-wide ecosystem for care technology that strengthens carers, those in need of care and relatives alike.

 

From VR glasses to care robots and prevention apps

OTH Regensburg has long been regarded as the health university in Bavaria and relies on digital tools both in practice-based degree programmes and in research. As part of the VReduMED project, researchers at the Regensburg Centre of Health Sciences and Technology (RCHST), in particular the nursing research laboratory at OTH Regensburg, are using virtual reality glasses for use in nursing, for training students and for relatives. A VR studio has been set up specifically to promote digital transformation in nursing training. Here, students and teachers can familiarise themselves with the topic in a practical way and try out the possibilities.

The REIKOLA research project is investigating the effects of the digital communication tool Komp on residents of long-term care facilities and care staff. Komp is a screen with integrated communication software and a mobile app that enables easy digital connection to family and friends. Initial results show that digital participation can reduce loneliness without placing an additional burden on care staff. The project is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention.

The final presentation will take place on 29 October 2025 at OTH Regensburg.

In the DeinHaus 4.0 Oberpfalz project, which has already been completed, scientists at OTH Regensburg researched how the telepresence robot ‘temi’ can support stroke patients in their home environment (both in terms of care and therapy). More information at: www.deinhaus40.de/start/

Teachers and students at OTH Regensburg are testing VR glasses for use in care. Photo: OTH Regensburg/Priska Pytlik
An interdisciplinary team from OTH Regensburg conducted a large-scale field study to investigate whether and how telepresence robots can be used effectively in the home care of stroke patients. Photo: Marco Linke/Manntau