As part of an ongoing initiative to improve healthcare services, the Servicio Murciano de Salud (SMS) has identified two critical healthcare challenges impacting patients in the region. To address these challenges, two SMEs have been selected for each task: a SME based locally to ensure seamless communication and familiarity with the healthcare context, and a SME from another consortium region to encourage interregional collaboration. These partnerships aim to create innovative, patient-centered solutions. Let’s meet the four companies working on these solutions.
Hospital Challenge 1: K-Control
Challenge overview
The Murcian Health Service faces a significant issue with hyperkalaemia (HK) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Hyperkalaemia, characterized by elevated potassium levels, poses severe risks such as life-threatening arrhythmias. It is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on HD, where around 26.4% have potassium levels above the normal range. Current potassium monitoring methods are insufficient, relying on monthly pre-dialysis blood tests. A more intensive monitoring approach is urgently needed to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
Proposed solution
The proposed solution aims to create a non-invasive, cloud-based potassium monitoring system that patients can use daily. This tool would engage patients through a mobile app, empowering them to follow a low-potassium diet while receiving personalized dietary recommendations. The gamified system will track potassium intake, compare it with measured potassium levels, and reinforce healthy behavior through real-time feedback and alerts. This approach will reduce HK episodes, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and improve patients’ quality of life.
IT Companies co-creating the solution
Renalyse specializes in developing point-of-care medical platforms. Their flagship solution for this challenge is Kontrol-IT, a device that measures potassium levels non-invasively and integrates with an app to help patients manage their diet and potassium intake between dialysis sessions. This innovative tool will allow patients and physicians to monitor potassium levels remotely, optimizing treatment and reducing emergency interventions.
Nootric, a Personalized Nutrition Platform, will co-create the app that integrates with Renalyse’s device. They will develop features that link dietary intake to potassium levels, offering personalized recommendations to patients with registered dietitians. Nootric will ensure that the app includes user-friendly interfaces tailored for CKD patients, encouraging dietary compliance and improving overall health outcomes.
Hospital Challenge 2: PASPADOC
Challenge overview
The Murcian Health Service also faces challenges in managing chronic pain patients effectively. Many patients suffer due to delayed access to care, inefficient referrals, and inconsistent follow-ups. Chronic pain conditions often lead to frustration, unnecessary surgeries, and reduced quality of life. The current system struggles with long waiting lists for musculoskeletal-related consultations, leading to unmet patient needs and an overwhelmed healthcare system.
Proposed solution
To enhance chronic pain management, a digital platform will be created, offering holistic treatment and longitudinal follow-up for patients. The platform will provide quick access to healthcare professionals through an app, allowing for remote consultations, personalized care plans, and continuous monitoring. The solution will also empower patients by promoting self-care, improving their ability to manage pain through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.
IT Companies co-creating the solution
- IDI EIKON
IDI EIKON is a leader in eHealth solutions, offering the PALDOC platform to manage chronic pain. The system allows healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely, assess pain levels, and adjust treatment plans based on real-time data. PALDOC is designed to improve efficiency in patient care by reducing unnecessary hospital visits and focusing on patient outcomes through predictive models and AI-driven insights.
- Digimevo
Digimevo brings extensive expertise in patient education and digital health solutions, contributing to the PASPADOC project by enhancing chronic pain management through tailored content and innovative technology integration. Digimevo will provide patient-friendly educational materials to train the PALDOC AI assistant, ensuring personalized and effective chronic pain self-management. Additionally, Digimevo will integrate data from wearable devices and medical equipment, enabling real-time monitoring and personalized care plans. By focusing on patient engagement and co-creation with healthcare providers, Digimevo ensures that the solution meets the clinical and emotional needs of chronic pain patients.
In the coming months, the selected SMEs will receive comprehensive support from HealthChain. They will engage in an intensive co-creation and piloting phase with the healthcare organization to test and validate their solutions in real-world settings. Additionally, they will gain access to expert guidance to refine their business strategies and scale their innovations for broader impact.
