Six experts at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona have shared different needs identified during Covid-19 with CataloniaBio & HealthTech start-ups and companies to generate synergies and develop solutions together that would reach healthcare professionals and patients as soon as possible. The meeting was held online within framework of the Hospital Connection event, on 7 July, which were organised by the CataloniaBio & HealthTech Innovation Workgroup. This time, they collaborated with the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).
Antonio Roman, head of Healthcare at Vall d’Hebron, said that “the challenge was our ICU capacity, and I would ask business to take a broad view because now not everything is about the vaccine.”
Ricard Ferrer, head of Intensive Medicine, added that “we’ve paid a steep price for not having technology and productive capacity nearby. We need temporary modular ICUs that are kitted out technologically for emergencies.” Furthermore, simulation-based learning systems that would allow for healthcare professionals to be brought in swiftly, the capacity to generate high-quality real-time data that provides information of the effectiveness of our interventions and improvements to communication with patients and the families.
Tomàs Pumarola, head of Microbiology, said his task as a microbiologist is to be vigilant and proactive, and as such they need “very quick, simple multiplexed diagnostic tools with large capacity and continuous access that would help us to prioritise."
Recently, the Vall d’Hebron Hospital was chosen to participate in a pilot project to accelerate Covid-19 diagnosis using artificial intelligence (AI) programmes. Manel Escobar, clinical director of Radiology, wants to see the development of AI tools based on local knowledge and their image databases to improve prediction and refine personalised therapies both for Covid-19 and for cancer, as well as other diseases. “We propose creating knowledge hubs located in healthcare centres, due to data protection issues, as that way we can compete with China and the USA.”
In the Nursing Department, Laura González explained that they are looking for more breathable and safe intelligent PPE; hygienic machinery for cleaning hands and footwear; facial recognition systems for professionals; and smart sensors for measuring vital signs, that can be programmed and uploaded into the IT systems with an alarm system that notifies potential risks to the patient, among other things.
Sub-director of Medical Technology, Raquel Cànovas, was firm in saying that “we need strategic alliances between sectors to increase production, promote the local medical technology industry and ensure security stock.” In terms of the structure of the hospital, Cànovas added “the immediate future will involve creating flexible hospitals, large departments with a double function.”
The Innovation Work Group coordinators –Àngel Alonso (Vecmedical), Isabel Amat (Reig Jofre), Marta Palicio (Biokit) and Joan Comella (VHIR)– told those attending the event, over 70 people, that bolstering the collaboration framework between businesses and the hospital is essential for finding innovative solutions for the healthcare challenges we are facing in Catalonia both for COVID-19 and for other diseases.
CataloniaBio & HealthTech is available for start-ups and companies interested in providing solutions to the challenges and/or opportunities that have been mentioned in the event. Send us an email at secretaria@cataloniabioht.org and we will get in contact with you.
Any CataloniaBio & HealthTech members who were not able to make it and are interested in viewing the video of the session and/or the presentations can send us an email at secretaria@cataloniabioht.org.
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