Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Sharing experiences, formulating joint challenges, and exploring opportunities for cross-pollination: that was the motivation behind a meeting between lab developers and lecturers from the four Medical Delta Living Labs at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, and Leiden University of Applied Sciences.
While the lab developers already had regular contact with each other, this meeting provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the involved lecturers to one another and share experiences and findings.
Surprising new insights
During the meeting, the lab developers presented their ongoing and upcoming projects in their living labs. These projects range from prevention and healthy nutrition for young people to pharmaceutical development using plant waste from horticulturists. It became clear that research and practical knowledge can lead to surprising new insights and applications, such as utilizing expertise from the hotel industry for improved exit interviews when patients are discharged from the hospital and receive rehabilitation at home.
Subsequently, the two teams explored joint challenges and solutions. Joint challenges include securing continued funding for successful pilot projects to move them into the next phase – sustainable implementation. Experiences were also shared regarding grant applications and how to integrate research with education.
'Blended care' (online and physical) is playing an increasingly significant role in several labs, such as in geriatric rehabilitation care, where a combination of physical guidance and e-health support is becoming more prevalent. Specific health apps and innovations have multiple applications. For example, an app that has proven successful in promoting physical activity is of interest to various target groups, such as preparation for surgery or rehabilitation for older adults.
Impact on Practice, education, and Research
It was agreed to regularly share this knowledge and experiences with the lecturers, so that collaboration not only occurs within the living labs but also between them, leading to a greater impact on healthcare practice, education, and research. A new meeting will be scheduled in the fall, to further solidify this knowledge sharing between living labs and universities of applied sciences.
Click here for more information about the Medical Delta Living Labs.
