Research

Our research at the University of Twente focuses on developing technological innovation in healthcare, known as eHealth. Through technology care(processes) can be made more effective and more efficient.

We actively involve various stakeholders (care professionals, patients, policy makers, financers,…) in the whole development process of the eHealth technology. This so called participatory development is also the basis for a Roadmap we have developed, where psychology, Human-Centered Design and Business Modelling are combined in a holistic approach to develop eHealth technologies. A holistic approach is necessary as the success of an eHealth technology relies not only on the quality of its design, yet also its implementation. In HCD traditionally the focus is strong on the design and attention for the implementation often starts late in the realization of the technology, in our view too late. This late attention to implementing the technology will result in many problems, such as lack of support, blocking legislations, inadequate financing. Through the integration of Business Modelling we introduce wider attention in the development process, where we look at the required infrastructure and future market for the technology.

Currently ongoing research projects are:

• Cross-border patient safety through a new communication platform

• Diaderma teledermatology

• Technology and adherence in eHealth

• Social media and infection prevention

• Technology and Dementia: using at home and in a nursing home