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DIGI4Care - Transforming patient journeys through digital innovation in healthcare across the Danube Region

DIGI4Care, a new initiative of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (Danube Region Programme), aims to redefine patient pathways through innovation and collaboration by testing, validating and strategically integrating digital and AI solutions. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation capacity, the project aims to bridge the digital divide between newer and older European Union Member States, as well as non-EU countries in the Danube region.

About our pilots in a nutshell

Our Pilot 1 project, a collaboration between SOTE_HU,
UO_RO, DHI_BG and CEE_HPN, is testing digital solutions, specifically a digital
fundus camera with a built-in AI diagnostic solution, designed for diabetic retinopathy
screening. The tool provides access to screening in diabetic outpatient centres and
primary care/general practice.

Pilot 2: Tele-ultrasound Training for Emergency Medical Services

Led by LBI_AT with the participation of SOTE_HU, aims to compare the effectiveness of teledidactic and hands-on training for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) skills in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS).

Key objectives:

Develop and implement a teledidactic POCUS training program.
Assess the effectiveness of teledidactic training compared to traditional hands-on training.
Integrate POCUS into EMS workflows to improve patient care.

Methodology:

Recruitment and Randomization: EMS providers will be recruited and randomly assigned to either a teledidactic or hands-on training group.
Training: Both groups will receive standardized training, with the intervention group participating in teledidactic sessions and the control group receiving hands-on training.
Assessment: Participants will be assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) score.
Clinical Implementation: Trained EMS providers will utilize POCUS in real-life emergency situations.

By successfully implementing this pilot, we aim to advance the use of POCUS in EMS and improve patient outcomes.

Pilot 3: Digital Health for Post-Clinical Rehabilitation

Goal: To improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by introducing digital health technologies into post-clinical rehabilitation for CVD and diabetes patients.

Key Activities:

Patient Recruitment: Recruit 30-100 patients per participating site.
Digital Technology Implementation: Introduce smart devices (smartwatches, blood pressure monitors, smart scales) and AI-powered tools (e.g., thermography AI, Doppler device) into patient care.
Remote Monitoring: Utilize a remote patient monitoring system to track patient data and facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collect data on patient outcomes, including clinical parameters, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular events.
Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of digital interventions in improving patient adherence, reducing hospitalizations, and enhancing quality of life.

Expected Outcomes:

Improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Reduced healthcare costs.
Enhanced patient engagement and self-management.
Identification of opportunities for scaling up digital health interventions.

By leveraging digital health technologies, Pilot 3 aims to transform post-clinical rehabilitation, making it more accessible, efficient, and effective.

Pilot 4: Digital Solutions for Dementia and Cognitive Disorders

Goal: To improve the quality of care for patients with dementia and cognitive disorders through the use of digital technologies.

Key Activities:

Patient Recruitment: Recruit patients in long-term care facilities and post-ICU settings.
Technology Implementation: Introduce digital tools such as remote monitoring devices, social robots, and cognitive rehabilitation tools.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collect data on patient outcomes, including cognitive function, physical activity, and social engagement.
Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of digital interventions in improving patient quality of life, reducing caregiver burden, and enhancing overall care delivery.

Expected Outcomes:

Improved cognitive function and quality of life for patients with dementia and cognitive disorders.
Reduced caregiver burden and increased caregiver satisfaction.
Enhanced early detection of cognitive decline and timely intervention.
Development of scalable and sustainable digital health solutions for long-term care.

By leveraging digital technologies, Pilot 4 aims to revolutionize the care of individuals with dementia and cognitive disorders, providing innovative solutions to address the growing challenges in this field.