Reggeborgh Research Fellows win several Pioneers in Health Care vouchers
During the 12th edition of the Pioneers in Health Care (PIHC) voucher awards ceremony, ten promising research projects were awarded a voucher worth €60,000. No fewer than six of these projects are linked to the Reggeborgh Research Fellowship’s research programme.
The award ceremony took place at the Asito Stadium in Almelo and once again highlighted the importance of innovation for the future of healthcare. The PIHC vouchers offer researchers the opportunity to further develop groundbreaking technologies and healthcare innovations and bring them closer to practical application. The seven winning projects in which our Reggeborgh Research Fellows are involved focus, amongst other things, on AI-driven diagnostics, smart rehabilitation solutions and personalised care for children and vulnerable patients. Through these innovations, the researchers are contributing to better patient care, more personalised treatment and a future-proof healthcare system.
Reggeborgh Research Fellowship encourages collaboration between healthcare, science, technology and entrepreneurship, and offers researchers the scope to develop innovative ideas with a direct impact on society.
The winning research proposals:
Dieuwke van Dartel (ZGT)
SmartRoll – Smart support for mobility following a hip fracture
For older people, staying active is very important following hip surgery. In practice, they often receive too little direct support and motivation. SmartRoll is developing a smart system that helps and encourages older people to stay active during rehabilitation. This boosts motivation, aids faster recovery and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
Tim Heuker of Hoek (MST)
Smarter diagnostics for sleep apnoea using multimodal AI
Sleep apnoea affects around one billion people worldwide. It is a condition in which people frequently stop breathing whilst asleep. Diagnosis currently takes a long time and is stressful for patients. This project is developing two AI applications to help diagnose sleep apnoea more quickly and objectively. This will provide patients with clarity sooner and allow treatment to begin earlier.
Sam Kroezen (ZGT)
Research proposal: STEP-IN – Strategic Early Positioning in Neuropathic Footcare
In people with diabetes, uneven pressure distribution in the foot can lead to poorly healing wounds and amputations. STEP-IN is investigating whether minor surgical procedures carried out at an early stage can reduce this pressure. The project is also examining which patients stand to benefit most from this, so that problems can be prevented at an earlier stage.
Jaimy Simmering (ZGT)
POEB study – Prediction of bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer
Following surgery for rectal cancer, a large proportion of patients develop severe bowel dysfunction (LARS). The POEB study is investigating whether pelvic floor function plays a role in this. Using this information, a model is being developed that can predict who is at higher risk of developing symptoms. This will enable better treatment advice to be given in advance.
Mattiènne van der Kamp (MST) and Bram de Kinderen (ZGT)
PESA-AI: Assessing the severity of psoriasis and eczema using AI and standardised photographs
People with psoriasis or eczema often suffer from long-term skin conditions. It is important to assess the severity of the skin condition quickly and accurately. The PESA-AI project uses consistent, clear photographs to determine the severity of the skin condition with the help of AI. This enables doctors to monitor patients more effectively remotely and to assess the effect of treatment more quickly. This makes healthcare simpler and more accessible.
Smart Allergy Kit – Personalised medication box for children
Asthma, eczema and allergies often occur together in children and require complex medication regimens. This can be challenging for both children and parents. The Smart Allergy Kit provides clear explanations and guidance on the correct use of medication. This improves adherence to treatment and helps prevent long-term problems.
Dermadoser, the innovative dosing system for topical medication
With eczema, it is difficult to apply exactly the right amount of cream to the affected skin. As a result, the treatment is less effective. By developing a smart application aid (Dermadoser) that measures the dose required for the area of skin to be treated, the prescribed cream can be applied in the correct quantity.
Through this research, the Reggeborgh Research Fellows are underlining their ambition to translate technological innovation into tangible improvements in healthcare practice.
About PIHC
The Pioneers in Health Care (PIHC) Innovation Fund is a collaboration between the University of Twente (TechMed Centre), Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the MST, ZGT and Deventer hospitals. Each year, the Fund makes €600,000 available for 10 innovative projects that make smart use of technology for the healthcare of tomorrow. PIHC brings together doctors and researchers to develop new technology for better patient care, or to adapt existing technology for new medical applications.