Resilienz@HFT

The research project examines the health-related needs of students and staff at Stuttgart Technical University of Applied Sciences (HFT Stuttgart) with the aim of developing a sustainable university health management system. Existing challenges as well as the usage and effectiveness of current health services are analyzed. The project is supported by the health insurance provider „Techniker Krankenkasse“ as a funding and health partner. The goal is to strengthen the individual health of university members and to establish a health-promoting university culture.

• What challenges, demands, and resources exist for students and staff in the context of physical, mental and social health?
• What are the challenges and potentials regarding current health services?
• How are existing health services used, how effective are they, and how are they communicated and perceived?
• What structural and conceptual adjustments are necessary to develop a sustainable health management system?

The research project follows a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods like online surveys, focus groups and expert interviews.

1. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of needs

In collaboration with the Department of Business Psychology, a representative quantitative survey of students and staff will be conducted to systematically collect data on perceived challenges, demands and resources in the context of university health management.

1. Evaluation research on existing health measures

The existing health measures at HFT will be evaluated through secondary analyses of internal evaluation reports as well as scientific literature. In addition, qualitative interviews with university stakeholders and experts from other universities with established health management systems will provide insights into best practices.

1. Research-based development and adaptation of measures 

The measures identified in the empirical analyses are further developed in a participatory process with the target groups in the form of focus groups and workshops. The implemented measures will be assessed through a multidimensional evaluation using both quantitative and qualitative methods (e.g., follow-up surveys, reflection workshops, analysis of usage data).

The project will provide research-based insights into the health risk factors and needs of the two target groups, students and staff, as well as a sound evaluation of existing health and communication measures. The research results will also lead to evidence-based recommendations for optimizing health management at HFT and transferable strategies for other universities. They will contribute to the broader societal discourse on health promotion in higher education and will be incorporated into scientific publications and conference papers.