CARE-FLOW

CARE-FLOW is a four-year Interreg VI project led by the University of Twente to improve cross-border collaboration in healthcare delivery between the Netherlands and Germany. The goal is to develop intelligent, data-driven software solutions that streamline patient flows and optimize healthcare capacity in the region.

Why CARE-FLOW?

Healthcare systems in both countries are under increasing pressure due to:

This strain is especially visible in border regions, where a lack of coordination between systems leads to inefficiencies like duplicated resources, uneven workloads, and delays in care. While past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown the value of cross-border cooperation, current approaches remain fragmented and largely ad hoc.

Our Solution

CARE-FLOW harnesses the power of data analytics, mathematical modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology to:

The algorithms and software will be co-developed with input from healthcare providers to ensure it fits real-world needs and is easy to adopt. A dedicated training model will also support its practical integration.

Collaboration

The CARE-FLOW project brings together a diverse and cross-border consortium of universities, healthcare providers, and software companies from the Netherlands and Germany.

Who is leading the algorithm development in CARE-FLOW?

UT researchers from the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement & Research (CHOIR), which includes Derya Demirtas, Daniela Guericke, Sebastian Rachuba, Anne Zander, Erwin Hans, and Richard Boucherie.

Partners

    • Leads the CARE-FLOW project, coordinating research, communication, and project management. Develops intelligent, data-driven tools for optimizing patient logistics and cross-border healthcare collaboration.

    • Contributes academic expertise in crisis and healthcare management, supporting evaluation methods and project result analysis.

    • Provides expertise in epidemiology and simulation. Leads forecasting activities and supports the integration of results into healthcare planning algorithms.

    • A key SME specializing in real-time deployment of emergency services. Leads software development for emergency services (WP7) and supports data collection/evaluation for WP3 and WP10. Closely collaborates with SafetyCT on geolocation based route optimization.

    • Contributes to software development for hospitals and VVT institutions. Leads WP3 (data management) and WP8 (software implementation). Their Rhythm team brings knowledge in capacity planning and healthcare analytics.

    • Leads WP10 (Trials and Training). Brings expertise in training and applying digital emergency response technologies, focusing on complex tool introduction across healthcare systems.

  • Radboud universitair medisch centrum / Radboudumc • Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen (UMCG) • Medisch Spectrum Twente • Klinikum Osnabrück GmbH • Ambulance Oost • Ziekenhuisgroep Twente • De Posten • Zorgschakel • Livio Holding B.V. • GGD Flevoland • Kreis Borken • Safetyct • Acute Zorg Euregio

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Work Packages

  • WP1 (Project Management)
    • University of Twente

      Coordinates the overall project, monitors progress, reporting, and partner collaboration.

  • WP2 (PR and Communication)
    • University of Twente

      Manages communication activities, public visibility, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with Interreg/EU branding.

  • WP3 (Data Management)
    • ORTEC B.V.

      Identifies and prepares healthcare data, ensures GDPR compliance, and develops a central data platform.

  • WP4 (Forecasting and Modelling)
    • University Hospital of Münster UKM

      Develops predictive models for healthcare demand including peak/crisis scenarios using simulation and epidemiological data.

  • WP5 (Cross-Border Ambulance Deployment)
    • University of Twente

      Designs algorithms and digital strategies for ambulance repositioning across borders.

  • WP6 (Patient Flow & Capacity Management)
    • University of Twente

      Designs algorithms for smart patient flow steering and efficient use of hospital and aftercare capacity.

  • WP7 (Emergency Services Software)
    • Stokhos B.V. / TimeLab

      Enhances Stokhos' Seconds platform with forecasting and cross-border routing from WPs 4 and 5.

  • WP8 (Hospital and Aftercare Software)
    • Rhythm/ORTEC

      Integrates planning tools WPs 4 and 6 into ORTEC's Healthcare Suite for real-world hospital and care use.

  • WP9 (Evaluation)
    • University of Münster

      Evaluates tool effectiveness and user experience, supports project-wide reflection and improvement.

  • WP10 (Trials & Training)
    • L2R GmbH

      Organizes live trials and develops training materials to support healthcare staff in using the tools.


Funding & Support

The CARE-FLOW project is carried out as part of the Interreg VI-Program Deutschland-Nederland and has a total budget of 4.6 million euros. It is co-financed with €2,883,585.81 by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE/EFRO), the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK), the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE NRW), and the provinces of Flevoland, Groningen, and Overijssel.