More than 30 Catalan companies from the biomedical sector took part in the Hospital Connection session on medical needs not covered at Bellvitge, hosted by the CataloniaBio & HealthTech Innovation Workgroup on 28 June.

Medical professionals from Bellvitge University Hospital presented the main challenges that need new technology developed, in order to find joint hospital-business solutions that can reach patients as soon as possible. The event, held online, received collaboration from the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL).

The event was presented by Marta Palicio, third vice-president of CataloniaBio & HealthTech and CIO of Biokit; and Melqui Calzado, secretary general of the organisation. Marta Palicio noted the importance of the Hospital Connection sessions for strengthening public-private partnership with top hospitals in Catalonia.

Montserrat Figuerola, general manager of Bellvitge Hospital, noted that in 2016 the centre kicked off a strategic plan focused on innovation and improving patient care.

By 2040, chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be the fifth cause of death in developed countries. Currently, the prevalence and relapse rates are higher in Catalonia than any other autonomous community. Josep Maria Cruzado, head of the Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Service, explained that it is important to improve detection and prevention of CKD, stop it from progressing and optimise follow-up after kidney transplants. 

Gemma Via, Intensive Care Unit nurse and chair of the Innovation Commission, shared three challenges identified in the Critical Patient Unit: eliminating cables for monitoring patients, automatising delivery of logistics resources and implementing behavioural recognition with patients.

Nahum Calvo, clinical director of Radiodiagnosis of the Southern Metropolitan Area and leader of digital transformation projects, highlighted the need to roll out an integrated multimedia information system, an integrated command centre and interactive appointment software.

Bellvitge University Hospital treats 350 cases of behavioural addiction each year, mainly in teens and young adults. Coordinator of the Pathological Gambling and Addictions Unit Susana Jiménez-Murcia stressed that diagnostic assessments and real-time treatment must be improved, as well as therapies based on new technology and prevention programmes using gamification.

“The profile of companies that belong to CataloniaBio & HealthTech is very diverse, ranging from biopharmaceutical and medical technology to digital health firms. And they have the expertise and capacity to address the challenges you’ve presented today,” Melqui Calzado said at the end of the event. 

Laia Arnal, CataloniaBio & HealthTech board member and Business Development director at VHIR, concluded by saying, “We have spoken about integral and digital solutions, personalisation and doctor-patient interactions. We’ve identified opportunities to advance, now let’s make them happen.”

CataloniaBio & HealthTech is available to companies interested in contributing solutions to the challenges posed in this session. Contact imma.esposito@cataloniabioht.org and we’ll get back to you.

Members who weren’t able to attend but are interested in watching a video of the session and/or presentations explaining the solutions proposed by Bellvitge University Hospital, contact imma.esposito@cataloniabioht.org.