A consortium of UMC Utrecht and Hospital Gelderse Vallei and Viduet Health has won the highest score in a tender for a new, innovative form of European heart failure care. The developed platform will be installed for user testing in regions of Spain, Italy and Sweden starting in December. In the Netherlands, the platform has already proven itself.
With an aging population and the increase in diseases of affluence, the number of heart failure patients is rising rapidly. At the same time, healthcare spending is under pressure and all European countries are facing a shortage of healthcare personnel. To address this problem, three European regions in Spain, Italy and Sweden have launched a tender for an integrated form of European heart failure care under the name 'TIQUE'. TIQUE is looking for smart solutions that give patients more control and relieve caregivers.
Grant from EU
Of the 17 participating European consortia, two remained after three selection rounds. Their application will soon be evaluated in the regions of Catalonia (Spain), Västerbotten (Sweden) and the province of Avellino (Italy), with support from an EU grant. One challenge is that the three European regions each have different healthcare systems. In addition, the level of digitalization and the relationship between healthcare providers and patients differ.
Patient has direction
Healthcare innovation company Viduet Health is now taking the step abroad. Viduet Health, with support from both hospitals, has developed a digital platform for European integrated remote heart failure care. Patients perform self-measurements that are automatically sent to the platform. If necessary, they adjust their medication themselves based on agreements with their physician. Heart failure nurses and primary care providers watch via the platform and provide support and advice. Informed caregivers can take over some of the support from caregivers.
Care Reduction
It is estimated that the new platform provides a care reduction of more than 50 percent. Because patients make timely adjustments to their medication or lifestyle themselves, in many cases they can avoid hospitalization. Furthermore, remote care means fewer check-up visits to the family doctor or cardiologist.
Successful in the Netherlands
During the development phase, Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei tested the platform in the Netherlands. It has proved successful for both care providers and patients. Sandra Rozeboom, nursing specialist at Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei: "The platform supports cooperation between patient, informal caregiver and care professional. This can help with the right care in the right place, faster adjustment to optimal medication and support in self-management."
This is an article by Dutch Health Hub. Want to keep up with all the news from the healthcare industry? Then take a look at the hub and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
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