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Through the ITA and the IIS, the regional executive is part of a European consortium that helps in the early detection of diabetic foot syndrome
A few weeks ago, we reported how the Technological Institute of Aragon (ITA) and the Aragonese Health Service (SALUD)Both publicly owned entities have signed a collaboration agreement to design and deploy a platform for artificial intelligence agents which will serve as a reference technological infrastructure for the development of future automation projects in health.
The initiative constitutes a strategic step in the digital transformation process of Aragonese healthcare and will allow the creation of a common, secure and scalable architecture on which to develop artificial intelligence-based solutions aimed at improving the efficiency of processes, strengthening the responsiveness of the healthcare system and optimizing care for citizens.
But a deeper analysis reveals that the Government of Aragon is committed to everything related to healthcare innovation and the application of technology in this field.
In this context, new and promising news has emerged regarding the regional government's stance in the sector. Once again, the ITA, this time in conjunction with the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), is participating in the European project. STAND (Sensing Textiles enabled with Advanced Novel Materials for Diabetic Footcare), an initiative funded by the European Union that aims to develop a new generation of smart textiles to improve early detection and prevention of complications associated with diabetic foot syndrome.
Coordinated by Coventry University (United Kingdom), the project brings together for almost four years a multidisciplinary consortium of specialized European entities in advanced materials, flexible electronics, textile technologies, data analytics and digital health.
The syndrome of Diabetic foot is one of the main health challenges associated with diabetes. The loss of sensation caused by nerve damage and circulatory problems increases the risk of injuries, ulcers, and infections that, if not detected in time, can lead to serious complications.
To address this challenge, the STAND project will develop a innovative Smart Sock or smart sock capable of continuously monitoring key parameters such as pressure, temperature and moisture of the foot.
Thanks to the integration of advanced materials, textile sensors, and flexible electronics, the system will be able to identify early signs of risk and to facilitate early intervention by patients and healthcare professionals.
In addition, the platform will incorporate machine learning algorithms and explainable models of artificial intelligence which will transform the data collected by the sensors into useful information for risk assessment and clinical decision-making.
The project is led by the Centre for Manufacturing and Materials Research and the Centre for Creative Cultures Research at Coventry University, and focuses on a user-centric approach to ensure that the developed solution is comfortable, accessible and easily integrated into the daily lives of people with diabetes.
According to Professor Andrew Cobley, principal investigator of the project, STAND combines European capabilities in materials science, smart textiles, electronics, design and clinical research to To develop a practical solution that contributes to improving the quality of life of patients and reduce the incidence of complications associated with diabetic foot.
In addition to its healthcare objectives, STAND incorporates sustainability criteria from the earliest stages of development. The project will use environmentally friendly materials and apply ecodesign principles to improve the recyclability of components and reduce their environmental footprint.
With this initiative, Europe reinforces its commitment to the development of smart textile technologies applied to health, boosting new industrial opportunities and contributing to the creation of more efficient, preventive and patient-centered healthcare systems.
ITA's participation in STAND reinforces its commitment to applied research and technological innovation in strategic areas such as digital health, advanced materials and smart technologies for the well-being of people.
For its part, the involvement of the IIS Aragón, through the Vascular Pathology Research Group led by Dr. Gabriel InarajaIt focuses on defining the clinical requirements of the solution, obtaining and analyzing clinical data for the development and validation of predictive algorithms, as well as evaluating the applicability and usefulness of the technology in patients at risk of developing complications associated with diabetic foot.
Source: The Spanish
