Two apps from EHI receive one million kroner in support from South-Eastern Health RHF
South-Eastern Health RHF provides one million kroner for further development of digital patient tools at Diakonhjemmet Hospital and REMEDY .
The funds will go to the Unit for Health Services Research and Innovation (EHI) and two apps that have been developed and tested through clinical research at the hospital. The support will be used for further development and preparation for use in the health service.
The Genus app is designed for people with knee osteoarthritis. The Urika app is designed for patients with gout.
The funds that South-Eastern Health RHF provided were reserved for innovative projects that have previously received research funding from South-Eastern Health.
Genus – a pp for those with knee osteoarthritis
The work on the Genus app has been awarded 500,000 kroner. The project is a collaboration between the Unit for Health Services Research and Innovation (EHI) and the Department of Anesthesia and Surgery. Professor Anne Therese Tveter is the project manager.
Genus is developed based on research at the hospital. It is designed to provide patients with information about osteoarthritis and the options available for treatment.
By giving patients access to information prior to a hospital consultation, the app can help them gain greater insight into their own situation and the choices they need to make during their treatment. Genus has shown promising results in a pilot study.
– The funds will be used to further develop the app with modules that can support patients in several parts of the treatment process. In addition, we will begin work on the necessary CE marking so that the app can be used in the health service, says Tveter.
Urika – app for those with gout
The project that developed the Urika app has also been awarded 500,000 kroner. The project leader is Professor Nina Østerås, head of unit at EHI.
Urika is also developed based on research at the hospital.
– With these funds, we will make significant progress in our work to CE-mark the Urika app, so that it can be used in the healthcare sector and not just in research, says Østerås.
The research group is now well underway testing the app as an alternative to nurse-led follow-up in the treatment of gout. This is being done through the randomized controlled trial, ReMonit Gout.
Digital innovation is evolving healthcare services
The award illustrates how research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital can be further developed into digital solutions with potential for use in the healthcare service.
More about the apps
Uric acid (gout)
The Urika app provides digital support for people with gout. It offers information, reminders and follow-up in contact with healthcare services.
The app helps keep track of treatment and visualizes the development of measured uric acid levels over time.
It also provides reminders to take blood tests and information on what to do if you have a seizure or experience side effects. This can improve adherence to a structured and quality-assured treatment.
Genus (Health/Knee Osteoarthritis):
The GENUS app provides patients with knee osteoarthritis with information and exercises.
It supports users with knee osteoarthritis in learning about the condition and preparing for hospital visits.
It contains weekly programs with informational videos, training exercises, quizzes and the opportunity to note questions for the doctor.
