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:
- Rising costs and ageing populations
- Growing demand for healthcare services
- Shortages of healthcare professionals
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:
- Enable smart, data-driven decisions for managing resources (e.g., ambulances, IC beds and aftercare beds)
- Forecast both regular and peak demand, including pandemic scenarios
- Promote shared capacity usage rather than duplication
- Reduce delays and improve patient outcomes across the German-Dutch border
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.
Partners
- Universities
- Universiteit Twente (Lead Partner)
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. - Universität Münster (Core Partner)
Contributes academic expertise in crisis and healthcare management, supporting evaluation methods and project result analysis. - Universitätsklinikum Münster (Core Partner)
Provides expertise in epidemiology and simulation. Leads forecasting activities and supports the integration of results into healthcare planning algorithms.
- Software Companies
- Stokhos B.V. (Core Partner)
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. - ORTEC B.V. (Core Partner)
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. - L2R GmbH (Core Partner)
Leads WP10 (Trials and Training). Brings expertise in training and applying digital emergency response technologies, focusing on complex tool introduction across healthcare systems.
Associates
- Associates
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
