Innovative Solutions: MedTech and Process Efficiency in Tackling Staff Shortages

Our healthcare system is renowned for its quality, but its sustainability is at risk due to significant staff shortages, particularly in hospital and elderly care. With the World Health Organization projecting a global shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030, the urgency to address this issue is clear. In the Twente region, demographic challenges further exacerbate these shortages, leading to increased workload and stress among existing staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for sustainable employability in healthcare. To ensure the long-term well-being of healthcare professionals and maintain high-quality care, our research program seeks to innovate and implement integrated solutions. By prioritizing the work quality and support for healthcare employees, we aim to foster a resilient and effective healthcare system for the future.

This session will feature leading experts who will discuss cutting-edge MedTech advancements and process optimization strategies that enhance workforce productivity and patient care. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how technological innovations, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and resource pooling, can alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals and improve operational efficiency. Join us to discover how these transformative solutions can help mitigate staff shortages, streamline healthcare delivery, and ensure sustainable growth in the medical sector.

General information

Time: 11.00 - 12.00
Language: English
Room: INSPIRATION STAGE (TL 1133 | Ground floor)
Available seats: 90

The programme

11.00	Welcome & opening Renske van Wijk, University of Twente - TechMed Centre
11.00 - 11.15	CHOIR research center for healthcare process optimization Erwin Hans, University of Twente
11.15 - 11.30	Building BRIDGES: Cross border resource pooling to strengthen healthcare and solving staffing challenges Caroline Fischer, University of Twente
11.30 - 11.45	DUTCH: Ready for the healthcare of the future Simone van der Donk, Saxion University of Applied Science & Niels ten Hoope, MST
11.45 - 12.00	EUVECA: crossing borders to educate future-proof professionals Marjolein den Ouden, Saxion University of Applied Science & ROC van Twente
12.00	Closing Renske van Wijk, University of Twente - TechMed Centre

The Speakers

Marjolein den Ouden | Saxion University of Applied Sciences - ROC van Twente

Marjolein den Ouden is professor Technology, Health & Care at Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the Regional Community College Twente. She is an expert in human centered technology development, the acceptance and implementation of technology and the technology competences of (future) professionals. As a PI/work package leader she contributes to various (inter)national research projects and is an expert of the Dutch Mission-Driven Innovation and Research Agenda of The Netherlands

Caroline Fischer | University of Twente

Dr. Caroline Fischer is an Assistant Professor in Public Administration and Digital Transformation. Her work often employs a micro-level perspective on public services - including healthcare - with an emphasis on the motivation, values, attitudes, and behavior of professionals as well as citizens. She is particularly interested in topics related to technological development. She is the consortium leader of the Interreg-project BRIDGE, which studies cross-border resource pooling in healthcare.

Simone van der Donk | Saxion University of Applied Science

DUTCH
We are Digital United Training Concepts for Healthcare (DUTCH). In this national program, hospitals, educational institutions, and the business sector collaborate on a new way of training and developing healthcare professionals in hospitals. Developers of medical and educational technology contribute by creating new simulated learning resources in partnership with healthcare professionals and educators.

Erwin Hans | University of Twente

Prof.dr.ir. Erwin Hans is a professor of Operations Management in Healthcare and a co-founder of the CHOIR (Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement & Research) at the University of Twente. His research interests encompass operations management and operations research in healthcare, with a particular focus on capacity management, planning, and scheduling. In addition to his research, Erwin teaches in various Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the University of Twente, sharing his expertise and insights with the next generation of healthcare professionals and operations managers. His work aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems, contributing to improved patient care and operational excellence.

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