The economic effects of the digital transformation on the healthcare system — scientifically analysed.
The Department
The Health Economics department investigates the economic effects of the digital transformation on the healthcare system. Its focus is on digital technologies, artificial intelligence and digital health applications (DiGA), and their impact on the efficiency, quality of care and performance of the actors involved.
Our work addresses, among other things, the conditions under which digital innovations create measurable health and economic value. We analyse direct costs and savings potential as well as medium- and long-term effects on treatment processes, staff resources, care structures and patient outcomes — taking into account the perspectives of providers, payers, companies, policy makers and patients.
A particular focus is the health-economic assessment of artificial intelligence applications and DiGAs: their benefit in everyday care, cost-effectiveness, reimbursement, scalability and sustainable integration into existing processes. We also consider potential misincentives, investment risks and regulatory conditions that promote or inhibit the successful use of digital solutions.
With scientifically sound analyses and practical recommendations, the department supports decision-makers in transferring digital innovations into healthcare in an economically viable, needs-based and quality-oriented way. Our goal is transparency about costs, benefits and distributional effects — contributing to a sustainable, efficient and patient-centred healthcare system.