As part of research and development initiatives aligned with Italy’s National Strategy for Smart Specialization (SNSI), Techinnova has embarked on the research and development phases of the PATCHES project—Patient-Centered Healthcare System for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

This project, funded by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy under the “Intelligent Factory, Agrifood, and Life Sciences” initiative, addresses critical healthcare challenges.

PATCHES offers an innovative solution for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, focusing particularly on preventing falls from hospital beds and providing continuous monitoring of vital signs.

The advanced system is designed for both hospital and home use, with the ultimate goal of improving care for patients suffering from delirium, dementia, and other conditions associated with psychomotor agitation.

PATCHES

Beneficiary: Techinnova S.p.A.

Initiative carried out under the call for proposals Intelligent Factory, Agrifood, and Life Sciences 

Scope: Grants for industrial research and experimental development projects in the application sectors of the National Smart Specialization Strategy (SNSI)

Objective: To promote the adoption of innovations in production processes or products through interventions in the application sectors of “Intelligent Factory,” “Agrifood,” and “Life Sciences”

Project description: The PATCHES project is an innovative response to the needs of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on preventing falls from hospital beds and continuously monitoring vital signs.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

The PATCHES project aims to prevent falls from hospital beds and monitor vital signs in patients experiencing delirium or psychomotor agitation. The system is based on the development of a universal kit that includes:

    • A washable mattress cover with built-in sensors to monitor the patient’s position, movements, and vital signs.
    • Adaptive bed rails that automatically raise or lower in response to patient movements, preventing falls.
    • Biological sensors that integrate with the patient’s medical records, allowing for continuous real-time monitoring.

By leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) technology, the system enables healthcare professionals to remotely monitor patients, access real-time data through smart glasses and headsets, and deliver more accurate, timely diagnoses. The use of virtual environments also allows patients to engage in safe, controlled interactions, reducing stress and improving spatial orientation.

TECHINNOVA’S ROLE

Techinnova plays a pivotal role in the PATCHES project, particularly in two key areas: use case analysis and system testing.

  1. Use Case Analysis (RO3)

In collaboration with MTM S.r.l., CNR – Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Connecteam S.r.l., and RIC3D S.r.l., Techinnova designs and simulates real-world scenarios for the PATCHES system. Key activities include:

      • Designing and simulating practical application scenarios.
      • Evaluating requirements and validating experimental data.
      • Customizing solutions to meet the specific needs of each patient.
      • Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure project progress and improve data interpretation.

Techinnova’s objective is to ensure that the system meets patient needs and can be easily adapted across various healthcare settings, both in hospitals and at home.

    1. Testing and verification (RO9)

    Techinnova leads the testing and verification phase of the project, focusing on:

        • Testing the Universal Kit for fall prevention and its effectiveness in telemedicine environments.
        • Verifying the accuracy of the vital sign sensors and their integration with the management platform.
        • Incorporating Augmented Reality to enable real-time data visualization, supporting remote diagnoses and monitoring.

    This phase is crucial to ensure that the PATCHES system operates reliably and that the sensors perform consistently, enhancing healthcare staff efficiency and reducing the risk of patient falls.

    INNOVATION AND IMPACT OF PATCHES

    The PATCHES system goes beyond fall prevention; it represents a significant advancement in telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. The combination of sensors, adaptive bed rails, and immersive technologies creates a patient-centered care environment that adapts to individual needs, enhancing safety and comfort.

    Through partnerships with leading technological and scientific institutions, including the University of Palermo and the University of “Magna Graecia” in Catanzaro, PATCHES aims to redefine care standards for vulnerable patients. The project provides innovative technological solutions that reduce the risk of accidents and improve the quality of patient care.

    PROJECT FUNDED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENTERPRISES AND MADE IN ITALY