Through the VITALISE Open Calls for Transnational Access, five researchers from the University of Vlore "Ismail Qemali" had the opportunity to work with the Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and visit AUTH Healthcare Transitions Living Lab “Asterios Karagiannis”, to conduct their research study, called “Gold Health Care project - Identifying and implementing Innovative Approaches in Vulnerable Groups of Older People in the Local Population for Better Health Care and Aging”.
The five University of Vlore researchers were specifically interested in the Healthcare Transitions Living Lab at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where they conducted their research study during the last week of February 2023. Throughout their visit, the researchers participated in a Fast Track Training Program for the first two days, where they were introduced to various technologies and resources available in the lab. The subsequent days unfolded into co-creation sessions, where the researchers teamed up with healthcare professionals and members of the LL community. These sessions, facilitated by the lab's research staff, delved into the intricacies of transitional care—an integral aspect of the healthcare landscape. The goal was to glean insights from both healthcare professionals and patients, capturing the nuances of challenges and opportunities in transitional care. Through these sessions, the researchers had the opportunity to visit the Healthcare Transitions Living Lab “Asterios Karagiannis” at the Hippokrateion General Hospital of Thessaloniki. Here, amidst the practical realities of healthcare, they absorbed invaluable perspectives and insights from those directly engaged in the system.
The Healthcare Transitions Living Lab “Asterios Karagiannis” is located inside the Hippokrateion General Hospital of Thessaloniki, and it includes infrastructures, services, studies, and ICT tools that are used to study and support the transition of a patient from long-term care facilities, like intensive care units in hospitals or convalescence after surgery, to another long-term care facility, such as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes or patients’ houses. It consists of two separate spaces and is equipped with a small kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom. ThessAHALL Living Lab aims mainly to foster initiatives encouraging regional development and healthcare systems sustainability by the provision of novel technologies and innovation. It is actively engaged with the end-users and relevant community stakeholders, actively pursuing co-creation and co-design of technological solutions to improve health and social conditions and facilitate independent living, issues closely aligned with the VITALISE Joint Research Activity on transitional care and the research objectives of the University of Vlore's "Ismail Qemali" researchers.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing between institutions and researchers are essential to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. VITALISE's initiative for Transnational Access is an excellent example of how institutions and researchers can work together to achieve this goal. The University of Vlore's researchers' visit to the AUTH Healthcare Transitions Living Lab “Asterios Karagiannis is a prime example of how such collaboration can lead to fruitful research and development, and ultimately, a better healthcare system for all.