Together, the University of Bayreuth and Deakin University researchers will analyse ways to enhance the use and international transfer of digital health applications for obesity treatment. The project will focus on the district of Kulmbach, Germany, serving as a local model for potential future international implementation.
The need
The primary goal of the research project, titled “PRimary carE preSCRIption of evidence-BasEd apps for OBesity treatment” (PRESCRIBE-OB), is to develop a binationally coordinated policy framework for prescribing health apps or Digital Health Applications (DiGA) for obesity. Particular attention is given to rural healthcare due to structural deficits and the higher prevalence of obesity. Kulmbach district will be used as a model region: by gaining insights into real-world care in rural Kulmbach, the project aims to examine how DiGAs can improve obesity treatment in structurally weak areas while reducing treatment costs. The findings will then be transferred to rural regions both within Germany and internationally to make the results widely applicable.
About
The project brings together Prof. Dr. Marika Haderer (Chair of Nutritional Physiology at the University of Bayreuth) and staff from the Institute for Medical Management and Health Sciences (IMG) at the University of Bayreuth, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Lauerer, with Dr. Feby Savira from the Deakin Institute for Health Transformation (IHT) at Deakin University. In the first phase, results from completed obesity studies in Kulmbach and Melbourne will be compiled. Subsequently, two binational workshops will address key topics such as regulation, reimbursement, clinical integration and data protection in both Germany and Australia. Later, surveys will be conducted in Melbourne with up to 40 Australian stakeholders to explore critical factors such as safety standards and access criteria for prescribing digital health applications, with German researchers participating.
Impact
“Digital health applications have the potential to close gaps in care, particularly in rural areas. In our study, we work interprofessionally and internationally with experts in biomedicine, health management and health economics, incorporating expertise in the development, implementation and evaluation of digital interventions. Combined with participatory exchange and practical experience from patients, doctors and therapists, we can set new standards for rural primary care worldwide,” says Prof. Haderer.
Funding
The DAAD is funding the project through the Project-Related Personnel Exchange (PPP Australia) with €17,779 on the German side and AU$12,435 on the Australian side. The DAAD funding, provided by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), covers travel and accommodation costs for the researchers. The German workshop is additionally co-financed by the University Association of Bayreuth with €2,000; further regional funding has been requested. The project began on 1 January 2026 and will run for 12 months.
The research concept and its associated scientific and translational potential were developed by the IMG at the University of Bayreuth from 2023 onwards as part of a programme to establish international research collaborations. The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts provided initial funding through the “BayIntAn” scheme. On this basis, contact was established with Dr. Savira and the Deakin Institute for Health Transformation, and the collaboration was consolidated through a Deakin Institute for Health Transformation Accelerator Grant. The project funding via the Deakin Institute for Health Transformation Accelerator Grant and the data collected therein were key enablers for the successful DAAD funding.
- Deakin University
- University of Bayreuth
- DAAD – Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)