Technology for healthcare innovations
The number of elderly people who require care is growing faster than the availability of care providers. In addition, many elderly and chronically ill people prefer to live at home for as long as possible. The research group is studying the various possibilities of solving these problems through the aid of technology.
Lines of research within the research group
In the line of research ‘Smart Environment’, we conduct research into sustainable adaptations to homes, various engineering aspects and ‘healing environments’ - environments that promote the well-being of people.
Projects
- Building physics interventions for the well-being of frail elderly
- Sound and Acoustics at Nurses’ Workplaces
In the line of research ‘Smart Care’, we develop eHealth applications for healthcare professionals. With these applications, healthcare professionals can monitor physiological functions among the chronically ill. Our focus is on how and when a healthcare professional should act. We also consider what is needed to justify a remote action.
Projects
- Safer Patient Toileting System (SPTS)
COUNT: More time for patients through meaningful technology
How can we successfully develop technology that supports nurses so they have more time for their patients? So far, only 30% of the technologies developed for support have been successfully implemented.
Meetings between healthcare organisations and the installation sector
In these meetings, the installation sector and healthcare organisations shared knowledge about the needs that exist when providing care to the elderly.
Healing Environment and Life Enrichment Care
The physical environment can help hospital patients recover and also promote the well-being of elderly people in nursing and care homes.
Publications
- Can Special Light Glasses Reduce Sleepiness and Improve Sleep of Nightshift Workers? A Placebo-Controlled Explorative Field Study
- Classrooms' indoor environmental conditions affecting the academic achievement of students and teachers in higher education a systematic literature review
- Enhancement of the mobility and social connectedness in older people with a chronic disorder by using an activity tracker and social interactions gatherings
Education
The knowledge and results of our research and work is shared with students, lecturers and other researchers. In addition, we integrate this knowledge in the lectures we provide for bachelor and master students, as well as for the minor Technology and Healthcare and the annual Summer Course in Health and Engineering.
“Technology opens up many possibilities in the healthcare sector”
Prof. Helianthe Kort Professor of Technology for healthcare innovations
Collaboration
We work together with other knowledge institutions, policy makers, and with professional practice. We share our knowledge and work with healthcare institutions, with the technology sector (such as product designers) and with the installation industry.