Magdeburg University Medical Center establishes Clinical Institute for Public Health in Acute Medicine (IPHAM)
20.03.2025 12:47
With the Institute for Public Health in Acute Medicine (IPHAM), Magdeburg University Medical Center has established a pioneering research institution dedicated to health services research, particularly the further development of digitalization in acute, emergency, and intensive care medicine, the optimization of care in emergency and disaster situations, and the security of care in crisis situations.
Public health research and practice-oriented health services research are central pillars of resilient healthcare. They contribute to gaining scientific insights for improved patient care and developing registries based on real-world data. These registries enable evidence-based decisions in the further development of the healthcare system. IPHAM focuses on improving population health and the reliability of care, with a focus on acute, emergency, and intensive care. The focus is on public health research, strategic medicine, and the development of modern infrastructures. A core objective is the analysis of clinical care data to develop innovative, patient-centered healthcare models. Particular emphasis is placed on the digitalization of acute medicine in order to provide data-driven, rapid, and effective solutions for cross-sectoral care in life-threatening situations.
The institute also focuses on hazard prevention to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system. This includes improving preparedness for health crises through the use of real-time data. The promotion of continuing education programs for professionals plays an equally central role in this regard.
Security of supply in emergency and crisis situations
The topics of hazard prevention, disaster protection, and strategic medicine are becoming increasingly important against the backdrop of global challenges such as climate disasters, pandemics, and security-related events. The IPHAM, established on March 1, 2025, will play a key role in developing strategies to improve medical care even in exceptional situations.
Particular emphasis is placed on preparing for and managing disaster scenarios, whether caused by natural disasters, large-scale infrastructure failures, or terrorist attacks such as those recently experienced in Magdeburg, Munich, and Mannheim. Crisis-proof healthcare requires innovative concepts for rapid initial medical care, securing resources, and interdisciplinary coordination between healthcare, emergency services, and security authorities.
Management and scientific focus
Magdeburg University Medical Center has appointed Prof. Dr. Walcher, former director of the University Clinic for Trauma Surgery, as director of IPHAM. As director, Prof. Dr. Felix Walcher will lead the institute and advance its research priorities. IPHAM will soon be located in the Science Harbor in close cooperation with the STIMULATE research campus.
Core objectives of IPHAM:
- Further digitalization of acute medicine to improve cross-sectoral care in life-threatening situations and implementation of the so-called digital rescue chain.
- Strengthening healthcare resilience by providing real-time data from acute care.
- Participation in the development of crisis management systems for optimized care in the event of natural disasters, terrorist attacks and infrastructure failures.
- Further development of the AKTIN infrastructure (Action Alliance for the Improvement of Communication and Information Technology in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine) for quality assurance and support of clinical projects and health services research.
- Implementation of interoperable data platforms to increase care transparency and quality assurance.
- Development of continuing education programs for medical professionals in the fields of emergency medicine, disaster management and strategic healthcare.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
As the first institution of its kind in Germany, IPHAM works closely with universities, hospitals, professional societies, scientific institutes, ministries, and national and international security authorities. This interdisciplinary cooperation will contribute to developing innovative solutions to make the healthcare system more crisis-proof in the long term.
outlook
In the coming months, IPHAM will further expand its structures, initiate additional research projects, and intensify collaboration with its partners. With its innovative approach and focus on public health in acute medicine, the institute is setting new standards for healthcare security and crisis preparedness in Germany.