OPTIMIZE

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Challenges in the healthcare system can be solved by optimising the flow of operations: In this project, we want to address the time- and resource-pressed reality in hospitals’ operating theatres through new technology. We want to optimise the flow of operations by reducing time spent on routine tasks and medication consumption, thus shortening waiting lists and enhancing the patient experience. Every year, approximately 90,000 operations are carried out in Region Zealand and about 200,000 operations in Skåne and Västre Götaland’s Län combined — and by far the largest group of patients on the operating table is over 65 years old. We live longer and therefore the need for treatment-intensive contact with hospitals increases. Demographic trends show that this number will grow explosively in the coming years, increasing the existing pressure on hospital capacity there will not be enough space, staff, time and resources to treat all patients within the desired timeframe. If the operating rooms are to be able to handle this, one must look at how to optimise the flow of operations without compromising the quality of treatment. The most obvious option is to innovate on the actual treatment situation and examine whether there is an opportunity to introduce technological solutions in connection with the conditions that keep the patient longer in the hospital. If you can shorten the patient’s time in hospital, as well as the staff’s routine tasks and monitoring, you will be able to release resources that can ease pressure on hospitals and reduce healthcare costs. In addition to the economic and resource factors, you can identify and minimise what typically complicates an operation before, during and after the operation itself. This project focuses on a common problem in cooperation across sectors, specialisations and national borders in order to develop solutions to common challenges. This is not only relevant for programme countries. Complications and admission times can be considered global challenges and solutions therefore have potential in the global market. The project introduces two new technologies targeted by the healthcare system that address some of the most resource-intensive aspects of hospital care. Together, they can reduce a large part of the side effects and complications that occur during surgery. The technologies have been the focal point of each ÖKS pre-project, where a solid basis for further development work has been created. The clinical departments have gained insight into new technological opportunities and the companies gained a unique understanding of the day-to-day life in which the products will operate. The technologies are as follows: Optimising the operating experience by diverting attention: The pre-project indicates that there is perspective in trying to divert patients’ attention during surgeries with the immersive VR solution as a substitute for sedative medicine. The patient gets glasses and headphones on and is placed in a virtual reality, and gets a perception of being physically present in a non-physical world. She can distance herself from the operation itself, and instead, using images, sound or other VR stimuli, get a perception of a much more comfortable overall environment. Optimising the fluid balance with automated fluid measurement: LICENSE works to find an automatic liquid measurement solution. An early prototype is being tested. Tests show that the technology works, but adjustments are needed in the algorithms used and the design needs to be developed in accordance with requirements for devices in the healthcare system. Automation can eventually replace the nurse’s observations and manual records. These technologies will contribute to a significant optimisation of operations flow in the programme region, thus saving patients, healthcare professionals and the economy of unnecessary costs human and financial.

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