On October 18th, David Chadima (Bax) and Annouck De Cat (LiCaLab) led a discussion at the Frontiers Health 2024 in Berlin. Titled 'Strategies for Successful Homecare Implementation in the EU,' the session was part of the broader Innovation Ecosystems Gathering, where influential healthcare stakeholders gathered to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Drawing on the ACE project’s ongoing work in the North Sea region, David and Annouck explored innovative strategies to meet the increasing demand for homecare solutions, as Europe contends with the challenges of an ageing population.
The discussion was framed around the 8 most pressing needs identified in ACE's quadruple helix workshops in 2023:
- Medical communication: Solutions that help older adults communicate their needs and better understand medical information.
- Digital literacy: Tools and training for both homecare stakeholders and older adults to navigate, understand, and evaluate new technologies.
- Social well-being: Innovative approaches to prevent social isolation and strengthen community networks for the elderly.
- Independence: Solutions that empower older adults to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
- Cognitive health: Technologies that can identify early signs of cognitive decline and promote mental stimulation.
- Care communication: Improving communication and collaboration between homecare stakeholders, from medical professionals to caregivers.
- Remote care: Innovative tools to complement or replace in-person care services, addressing the growing shortage of homecare personnel.
- Process simplification: Streamlined administrative processes for both homecare workers and older adults, reducing bureaucratic barriers to care.
In addition to addressing these needs, David and Annouck shared practical tips for implementing homecare innovations across Europe. They emphasised the importance of engaging local stakeholders and using a multifaceted approach that respects each country’s regulatory, cultural, and infrastructural context. They also highlighted the need for stronger coordination between healthcare providers, technology innovators, and policymakers, ensuring that patient safety and data privacy are prioritised.
The session, attended by key healthcare decision-makers, was a significant step towards scaling homecare solutions across Europe. ACE’s representation at the event is expected to boost platform registrations, helping to drive the success of the ACE pilots and advance homecare innovations across the EU.
Next steps in the ACE project
Soon we will be launching the next round of cross-border pilots. Are you a care organisation or solution provider interested in participating in these pilots?
Register on the ACE community platform: https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/ace/ace-community-platform