On the occasion of the launch of the UniStart program, which NetHub is conducting in collaboration with the University of Split, we spoke with a program mentor, Associate Professor Petar Šolić, PhD, Vice Dean for Business at Split’s FESB and founder of the startup WAVEFORM.
As an expert in sensor technologies, our esteemed interlocutor is also involved in testing an innovative technological solution, which he coordinated in collaboration with the Teaching Institute for Public Health of the Split-Dalmatia County. Using modern IoT technologies, smart bracelets, and a specialized computer program, this solution enables the monitoring of vital parameters of residents at the Lovret Home for the Elderly and Infirm. The main goal is to test medically uncertified bracelets and the integration of sensor devices as tools to improve healthcare for the elderly population.
Regarding the digital transformation of healthcare—the potential of which has been recognized in the Republic of Croatia—Petar Šolić states:
“In our country, the usefulness of digitalization is still not clear enough—ranging from processes that can improve the healthcare system to sensor solutions that can significantly ease life for chronic patients. Implementing digitalization initially involves business reorganization, a learning curve, training, and new infrastructure costs. However, after that, the digital system does a large part of the work, bringing operational simplicity and savings. Currently, our biggest obstacle is the lack of a definitive decision to introduce healthcare digitalization, even though such digitalization, accompanied by sensor development, would provide numerous opportunities for system transformation.
Sensor solutions, regardless of their expensive and complex medical certification, can help in the early detection of diseases. By using available COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) solutions, patient vital signs can be monitored in real-time, allowing caregivers to be notified in advance of any observed changes. A simple example is tracking the daily step count of elderly persons; a decrease can indicate the need to check for health issues and serves as a form of preventive action.
Public and private stakeholders in healthcare are focused on better organization of daily activities, covering costs, and the sustainability of an ecosystem that allows for investment and business optimization. There is a lack of experience in the optimal use of digital technologies, so I believe it is most important to strategically plan the introduction of innovations, allowing healthcare providers to recognize and accept the utility of technology. We are at the beginning of this transition, and it will take more time for all stakeholders to adapt.
The pilot solution in the SI4CARE project will enable the integration of other sensor devices, turning the Home into a ‘smart building.’ It will demonstrate the suitability of monitoring residents and how they and the staff will accept it. Technically, it is ready for commercialization, but the experience gained through the project will help identify its advantages and disadvantages on an individual level. It will show how collected vital parameter data can be used in disease prevention and in setting guidelines to improve quality of life.
Our startups have enough experience in creating serious projects and software through an agency business model, but only a few are working on their own products, and in the field of e-Health solutions, almost no one. The possibility of non-refundable financing through EU funds will encourage startups to develop their own products that can compete in domestic and international markets. Motivated and persistent students are the key to the development of any society, and they are the ones who should recognize their entrepreneurial opportunity in the application of modern technological innovations and smart solutions, both in healthcare and other fields.”