TUM Leads Telemedicine Pilot in Traunstein to Enhance Elder Care and Reduce Hospital Admissions

TUM Leads Telemedicine Pilot in Traunstein to Enhance Elder Care and Reduce Hospital Admissions

(IN BRIEF) The district of Traunstein is launching a new telemedicine project, led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), to improve healthcare for elderly nursing home residents. The project uses a specially developed telemedicine kit that allows nursing staff to send real-time health data to physicians for remote consultations. The goal is to reduce unnecessary hospital transfers, provide faster medical assessments, and alleviate strain on local healthcare facilities. The project is being implemented with support from local doctors, nursing homes, and Kliniken Südostbayern AG, with scientific oversight from TUM University Hospital.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 2-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The district of Traunstein is launching an innovative telemedicine pilot project to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical care for residents in nursing homes. Spearheaded by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), this project is designed to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions while ensuring faster, more effective care for elderly patients.

At the heart of the project is a specialized telemedicine kit that enables nursing staff to transmit critical health data—such as blood pressure, ECG, and oxygen saturation—directly to doctors in real-time. When a resident’s condition changes suddenly, nursing staff can quickly assess the situation and consult with a remotely connected physician via video. The physician can then determine the best course of action, whether it’s adjusting medication, providing on-site treatment, or arranging for hospital admission if necessary.

This initiative, titled “Telemedical Care for Retirement and Nursing Homes in the District of Traunstein,” aims to prevent unnecessary hospital transfers, saving residents from the stress of emergency procedures. By enabling staff to access clinical support quickly, the project reduces strain on hospitals, emergency responders, and primary care providers. It also ensures that medical resources are used more effectively, with physicians only visiting when truly necessary.

Dr. Franziska Hahn, study coordinator at TUM Klinikum, explained, “At the Telemedicine Center at TUM University Hospital, we’re exploring how new technologies can improve medical care and assist with remote diagnostics. Over the next year, we’ll be working closely with our partners in Traunstein to evaluate whether this model can be expanded and applied to improve healthcare delivery.”

The project is a collaboration between TUM, two local doctors—Maximilian Leitner and Sebastian Bähr—nursing homes SenVital Ruhpolding, Kreisaltenheim Palling, and Chiemgau Stift Inzell, and local healthcare provider Kliniken Südostbayern AG (KSOB). TUM University Hospital is overseeing the scientific aspects of the study, while the district of Traunstein provides local implementation support and technical infrastructure. The Center for Telemedicine Bad Kissingen (ZTM) supplies and maintains the telemedical equipment used in the pilot.

This project exemplifies a modern, technology-driven approach to elder care, combining remote healthcare services with local expertise to create a model for future healthcare solutions in the region.

Further information and links

• The project involves several key partners. TUM is coordinating the project and providing scientific know-how. Two practicing doctors from the district (Maximilian Leitner and Sebastian Bähr) provide telemedical care for their patients in the nursing homes. Three nursing homes – SenVital Ruhpolding, Kreisaltenheim Palling and Chiemgau Stift Inzell – benefit directly from the new technology. TUM University Hospital is supporting the scientific management of the study, while the district of Traunstein is supporting the project implementation on site and providing the technical infrastructure. The ZTM (Center for Telemedicine Bad Kissingen) provides the telemedical equipment and takes care of support, maintenance and updates of the telemedical systems. As a major regional healthcare provider, Kliniken Südostbayern AG (KSOB) is involved in the project in order to ensure efficient medical coordination between outpatient and inpatient care.
• Telemedicine Center at the TUM University Hospital
• Announcement on the website of the Traunstein District Office

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Paul Hellmich
paul.hellmich@tum.de
presse@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich