Data as a Source for Healthier and Longer Lives
All collected data, known as Real World Data, provide valuable insights and are used for global research to bring about positive changes in healthcare. This opens doors to a new approach to healthcare in which we shift from a reactive to a much more preventive approach and ultimately to a society in which we live healthier and longer lives.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) also holds great potential for application in healthcare. It can support doctors in making faster diagnoses, developing personalized treatment plans, and managing electronic patient records. Chatbots and virtual assistants can help patients with medical information and health management. Robotic systems powered by AI improve surgical precision. AI is expected to play a significant role in improving patient care and streamlining medical processes.
Challenges naturally exist. One example is in obtaining and sharing privacy-sensitive patient-level data, and the question of how to handle it correctly and transparently. Compliance and ensuring legal regulations also come into play. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that data have the potential to improve healthcare quality and at the same time respect patients' privacy. Another pressing question is who is responsible for and owns the data used for AI applications in healthcare.
We can't do it alone and we all need each other to address the current major challenges in healthcare. By working together, we can take steps toward better healthcare." - Jildau Bouwman, Digital Health Scientist at TNO.
TNO will launch the new TNO HIVE program at the beginning of 2024, a TNO Fast Track program for innovative entrepreneurs. HIVE stands for Health Innovation Venue for Enterprises. Innovative SMEs can turn to this program with the challenges they encounter in Digital Health. To tailor this program to the needs, TNO conducted a survey. The ultimate goal of this program is to contribute to the acceleration of the digital health sector through collaboration and make a difference in the healthcare transition.
Linksight
Another example of collaboration is the company Linksight, which used one of the subsidy vouchers from the ZorgTech program in the 'Healthy Aging' round. It worked on further developing its platform in data collaboration with elderly care organization Pieter van Foreest, health insurer and insurance company DSW, and the Municipality of Delft, without sharing privacy-sensitive information. This provides relevant data insights about elderly care in Delft, such as enabling older adults to continue living at home or admitting an older person into a care institution earlier or for an extended period.
Through data collaborations and insights, these outcomes become more robust. Martine van de Gaar, Linksight, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and data usage. "Each party often has only a small piece of the puzzle for solving major challenges. By combining these puzzle pieces, the best solution can be found for a shared problem. Linksight ensures that data can be used and shared without disclosing sensitive information."
Looking ahead to the future of healthcare, it is clear that data will play an indispensable role. Whether it is about the care path of individual patients, group insights, or a shift toward preventive healthcare, data will make a crucial contribution to enriching the healthcare landscape.
Role of ZorgTech
The ZorgTech program, a joint innovation program of InnovationQuarter, TNO, Medical Delta, Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag, and the Province of South Holland, serves as a bridge between healthcare technology companies, healthcare organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. The goal is to stimulate innovation in healthcare, and data and digital health are playing an increasingly significant role.
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