Dr.in phil. Melanie Karrer MA
Ongoing research projects
- Research and Development
Accompanying research on the development of a safety system for people at risk of falling in the SARA project – self-determined, active, risk-free aging
DetailsIn the project “SARA – self-determined, active, risk-free aging,” a team from the University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria is providing scientific support for the development of an innovative AI-based fall detection system.
- Healthcare and Nursing Research and Development
Positive aspects of working with people with dementia from the perspective of early-career nurses in Austria – A qualitative study
DetailsThere is a large and even growing need for qualified nurses to provide high-quality care for people with dementia in the healthcare system. At the same time, studies show that nursing students have low preferences working in dementia care.
- Physiotherapy Research and Development
Physiotherapy students’ preferences regarding their future employment and factors influencing employment decisions: A mixed methods study (What WorX)
DetailsRecruiting physiotherapists and timely filling vacancies are challenging for inpatient healthcare facilities. Understanding potential applicants’ preferences regarding future employment is crucial for making job offers and work conditions more attractive.
Communication skills in people with dementia - A scoping review of assessment tools and psychometrics (CoSDe)
DetailsAssessment tools to evaluate the communicative abilities of people with dementia for healthcare professionals: a scoping review.
People with dementia are already affected by impairments in their communication skills in the early stages of the disease. This can lead to misunderstandings in daily communicative situations with relatives or carers. These problems in social interactions lead to people with dementia reducing their social contacts and participating less in leisure activities. Relationships, including with family members, can be difficult to maintain and lead to social withdrawal, which can negatively impact the quality of life of those affected and their relatives. One way of counteracting social withdrawal is to intensify the communication opportunities offered by family members or carers. To maintain dialogue, it is crucial to specifically collect and assess communication skills.
Completed research projects
- Dietetics Research and Development
Nutrition strategies for people with dementia: Development of recipes, including nutritional calculations and preparation of finger food for people with dementia by dietetics students as part of the “Dementia Meet” event
DetailsIn October 2025, a “Demenz Meet” will take place in Steyr for the first time. According to the motto 'Enjoy with all your senses' the event will focus on enjoyment and nutrition. The University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Upper Austria will be participating in the event through its “Nutrition Strategies for Dementia” project. The project will provide practical recipes and evidence-based information on the importance of nutrition for people with dementia.