Medical research and improving the living conditions of the sick or the elderly: Normandy depends on the development of digital solutions to meet the many challenges in the field of health.
Recognizing these challenges, the players in Normandy were able to benefit from European aid to implement their initiatives in favor of digital transformation in the health sector. All Europe evaluates four projects supported by the European Union.
The best diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease
At the University of Caen, research on health issues is taking place at full speed. With the support of some of its project researchers PRESAGE Thus it aims to improve prognosis as well as prevention of Alzheimer’s disease or related diseases. As such, the team led by Leslie Decker, Senior Lecturer at the University of Caen, uses a multitude of data to understand the links between movement – slow walking – and cognitive disorders – memory loss.
Study begins at home. they have,”People are equipped with three small sensors. There are two in the shoelaces and one in the belt‘, describes Leslie Decker.This makes it possible to constantly monitor, in everyday life, the person’s gait as well as the level of activity, the rhythm of life and the quality of his sleep.The device completes a mobile application and daily questionnaires, in order to question the intentions and memory of those elderly people who showed warning signs of the disease. Of the 160 people who participated in the study, 80 developed symptoms.
At the same time, participants are invited to walk on a treadmill in the virtual reality center. Caen researchers study motor skills: different speeds are sent to two strips of the rug and the images stimulate their ability to process different information. “Walking is a good sign. The older we get, the more cognitive resources it requires“.
The team has grown in order to carry out this research project. “We have hired two post-docs: a data scientist who specializes in AI technologies as well as someone responsible for motion analysis in VR.“, continues the project leader. Masters students are participating in the adventure and one of them has just earned his PhD. Two neuropsychologists are also evaluating the questionnaires.”We will create a website to report results during the study“The researcher concludes his keenness to ensure that the project’s developments are communicated to the public. Especially since the issue affects many people.
Launched in early 2020, the study is being conducted in partnership with companies, the Normandy Retirement and Occupational Health Insurance Fund (CARSAT) and the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM). The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports the project with €224,000.
Application to prevent the effects of aging
At Orne, the problem of aging is also treated very well. Thus the National Union of Assistance, Care and Home Services (UNA) Alençon Perche developed a digital application – Fair To assist the elderly or people who have lost independence in recognizing domestic accidents. “We are working with a vulnerable audience so that they can stay at home in optimal security conditions.Begins Audrey Blin, Director of UNA Alençon Perche.
Dangerous electrical sockets, gas problems or obstructions in the way between the room and the toilet … the risks are numerous. Among those over 65, one in three falls at least once every year, according to figures from health insurance. This can lead to hospitalization or even permanent admission to a nursing home.
Home assistants are trained and can demonstrate tangible improvements to beneficiaries in their homes using a digital tablet and 360-degree camera. It is possible to take a picture of a part and insert new equipment in 3D by default. “A person must be able to highlight himself, he does not always want to change and needs confidenceThanks to a virtual reality headset, the occupational therapist can also remotely check whether solutions are suitable for housing.Whether in Marseille, New York or Bangkok‘ The director laughs.
These housing developments do not only benefit dependent people: “Home is also a workplace for the professionals who work thereWith so many work accidents recorded each year, improving daily living conditions has a double interest:For beneficiaries and helpers at home‘ confirms Audrey Blaine.
With the support of ERDF worth 158,000 euros, the development of the digital application began in 2018, in partnership with the cluster VIVA Lab. UNA is part of a consortium of four home help societies that support this project.
Helping Hand in the Help House
“We have a systematic approach, which is based on the caregiver pair and the caregiver‘ sums up Jean-Louis Montembault, President of UNA Bocage Ornais. In Flers, in Orne, people who have lost independence or dependents as well as relatives who accompany them on a daily basis can benefit from daycare.
Professionals are convinced that innovative technologies have a positive effect on aging well and want to “Think of home care with the tools of the future, by imagining new services and new forms of supportTherefore, many digital equipment has been installed in the establishment, such as tablets to listen to music or to follow cooking recipes during the diet workshops offered by the House. The kitchen on the ground floor is “connected”: for example, it is possible to close the drawers or the oven by A dimension in danger. For activities, VR headsets allow addicts to simulate walking — on the banks of the Seine, for example — or sports activities like skydiving.”Creates or reconfigures sensations and emotions. These sensory experiences are also an opportunity to reconfigure social bonds: people have things to tell their loved ones.”
Jean-Louis Montembault sees more: “We partner with digital companies and startupsAt the interface between institutional R&D and users, Helpers’ House can therefore assess and encourage suppliers to improve these digital solutions. A project supported by the ERDF and the LEADER Program for rurality.
Hospital digitization
In Caen, the hospital is being modernized. CHU creates innovative digital services with the aim of improving and simplifying the process of receiving and monitoring patients and their companions. The hospital experience is covered from A to Z: from admission to discharge, including stay in the hospital itself. Caen Foundation teams in particular plan to improve tracking services within the CHU, in order to prevent visitors from getting lost between medical services. For example, connected stations have already been installed, which makes it possible to orient the patient at the level of the administrative reception.
The hospital’s digital transformation project continues until 2023, in particular with the development of home care monitoring via the Connected Patient Record. With a payment from ERDF, to the tune of 460,000 euros, 50% of the total cost of the project.
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