We are excited to announce the launch of POC4TRIAGE, an innovative project aimed at transforming urgent care through the development of advanced point-of-care (POC) technologies. This groundbreaking initiative brings together a consortium of 18 partners, from academic institutions, healthcare providers, and technology companies, to improve patient triage and healthcare delivery across Europe.

Background:

As urgent care settings face increasing challenges, including the need for timely and accurate patient assessments, POC4TRIAGE will address these issues head-on. The consortium comprises a diverse group of experts dedicated to improving the quality of care for patients with acute conditions, particularly in stroke and cardiorespiratory diseases. By leveraging their collective knowledge, the partners will drive innovation in medical technologies and healthcare practices.

Consortium Overview:

The POC4TRIAGE consortium is comprised of 18 esteemed partners, including University of Turku, Uppsala University Hospital, Austrian Institute of Technology, Stichting Amsterdam UMC, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, University of Oulu, Eurecat, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Trianect BV, ICterra, NEC Italia, NEC Laboratories Europe, Organic Electroncis Saxony, Lupise, Fondazione Ebris, Stroke Alliance For Europe, Allm Emea GmbH and Ars Accessus Medica BV from all across Europe. Each partner brings a wealth of expertise and resources to the project, enhancing its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions in urgent care. Together, they represent a powerful collaboration between academia, healthcare providers, and industry leaders, all committed to advancing patient care through innovative POC technologies.

Project Goals:

The primary objective of POC4TRIAGE is to develop and clinically validate novel POC devices and edge computing models that will significantly enhance the efficiency of patient triage. The project aims to provide healthcare professionals with real-time data analysis, thereby reducing response times and improving patient outcomes.

Key Features and Innovations:

POC4TRIAGE will focus on creating state-of-the-art technologies that integrate seamlessly into existing healthcare workflows. Key innovations include:

• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: The project will develop POC devices capable of conducting real-time health assessments, including continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and neurological status. These devices will utilize advanced sensors and algorithms to provide immediate feedback to healthcare providers.
• Edge Computing Models: By implementing edge computing, the project aims to process data close to the source, minimizing latency and enabling faster decision-making. This will ensure that critical information is available to healthcare professionals without delays, enhancing the triage process during emergencies.
• Device-Hospital Connectivity Platform (DHCP): A robust connectivity platform will be established to facilitate seamless data sharing between POC devices and hospital information systems. This platform will enable timely notifications to receiving hospitals regarding patient conditions and estimated arrival times, ensuring readiness and efficient care.
• Integration of AI Algorithms: The project will incorporate AI-driven decision support tools that analyze patient data in real time, aiding healthcare professionals in making informed decisions quickly. These algorithms will continuously learn and adapt, improving their predictive capabilities and accuracy over time.
• User Training and Support: Comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals will be developed to ensure effective utilization of POC technologies. This will include hands-on workshops, webinars, and instructional materials to familiarize users with the devices and protocols.
• Patient-Centric Approach: POC4TRIAGE will prioritize a patient-centered approach by focusing on personalized treatment plans based on real-time data. By analyzing individual patient needs, healthcare providers can deliver tailored interventions that improve overall outcomes.

“POC4TRIAGE represents a significant step forward in urgent care,” said Sari Nyroos, Project Specialist at University of Turku, Department of Computing. “By harnessing the power of point-of-care technology, we aim to streamline patient assessments and ultimately save lives.”

For more information about the POC4TRIAGE project and to follow our progress, please visit https://poc4triage.eu/ and stay tuned for updates on our social media channels.

POC4TRIAGE is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, aimed at advancing point-of-care technologies to enhance urgent care. The consortium is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes through innovative solutions and strong partnerships across Europe.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor HaDEA can be held responsible for them.

As POC4TRIAGE embarks on this transformative journey, we invite stakeholders and the public to engage with us as we work towards revolutionizing urgent care and improving the lives of patients across Europe.