Around 50 million people in Europe live with multiple chronic conditions. Between 70 and 80% of healthcare spending goes to treating these long-term illnesses. Today, the focus for these patients is often on each condition separately. As a result, care is not sufficiently patient-centred, due to a lack of integration and coordination.
The app developed by ProACT — part of the SMIT research group (Studies in Media Innovation & Technology) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel & imec — aims to change that inefficient approach. It helps people with chronic conditions manage their various illnesses more effectively. The app automatically brings together results and information from different measurements, such as blood pressure and blood glucose. All collected data are presented clearly, giving the patient an instant overview of their entire medical situation. They also receive personalised tips, tasks or goals to improve their condition or keep it stable.
“We see that patients — especially older people with limited digital skills — respond very positively to the app. The sensors and devices send different data automatically, so the patient has to do very little themselves. The ease of use is excellent and genuinely patient-centred, which greatly improves the effectiveness of care,” says Professor An Jacobs of ProACT.
Pilot project
The pilot version of the app is currently being tested by patients. Alongside further optimisation, the project examines how the technology fits into the daily lives of people with chronic conditions. This approach will help improve the care of these illnesses in the long term. The ProACT researchers are still looking for participants to test the app during the pilot phase. They must be over 65 and have at least two of the following chronic health conditions: diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis/emphysema, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic heart failure/coronary heart disease, or other cardiovascular diseases.
“This app is more than a gadget. It aims to substantially improve the lives of people with chronic illnesses in the long run. Early experiences and feedback are very encouraging. The patients using the app today say they have a better understanding and clearer overview of their symptoms, and more control over their overall condition. This brings calm and reduces stress in their daily lives, which in turn supports their health,” concludes An Jacobs.