SZR: E-saúde inovadora nos cuidados e na atenção aos idosos

SZR ajuda os idosos da região de Rivierenland a viver de forma tão independente quanto possível, tanto nas suas casas como nos centros de cuidados. Os especialistas do centro de tratamento trabalham em estreita colaboração numa equipe multidisciplinar para prestarem cuidados eficazes e eficientes. Dentro do centro de tratamento, os fisioterapeutas prestam tanto cuidados primários como de reabilitação. Falamos com Eveline Freeriks, Michiel Heevel e Ilse Wassenberg, os três trabalhando como fisioterapeutas no centro de tratamento da SZR, para saber como a eHealth funciona para eles no seu trabalho diário.

Ilse nos conta: 

«No futuro, os cuidados de saúde digitais irão desempenhar um papel muito importante». 

"In the future digital healthcare will play a very big role. The opportunities out there will make sure people can get started themselves and you see that the target user groups are changing. People would like to take charge of their own treatment."

Michiel adds: "It does indeed have to do with the target group, not everyone is able to easily use an iPad but this is changing. In parallel to that there's a change in the mind-set: previously, clients wanted to hear from their practitioner what needed to happen, they wanted the practitioner to help them in every step they took. Now they want to hear what needs to be done ahead of the appointment so they can start practicing themselves."

"When it comes to innovation, I think there are a lot of interesting developments in healthcare" says Eveline. "However, these solutions are often difficult to apply in daily practice or are financially a very large investment."

A SZR começou a procurar uma solução digital para oferecer aos pacientes a autogestão e um auxíio para que possam gerenciar o seu processo de tratamento, tanto para a reabilitação como para os cuidados primários. A Eveline começou a investigar potenciais fornecedores através de pesquisas na Internet e visitas a eventos e conferências.

«Acho isto muito interessante e tento me manter atualizada sobre os novos desenvolvimentos», diz a Eveline. «Reparei que prescrever desenhos caseiros com bonecos de palitos não funcionava muito bem.»

No final, a SZR experimentou diferentes soluções e começou a compará-las, e há 6 meses escolheram a Physitrack como seu provedor.

«O que é fantástico na Physitrack é que se pode começar logo, mesmo com um público mais idoso que necessita de cuidados.»

"The great thing about Physitrack is that you can get started right away, even with an older audience that needs to be looked after. This works positively for the whole team," confirms Eveline. "The great thing about this application is that you can get started right away, even with an older audience that still very much needs to be looked after. You start with very simple exercises and gradually build up. The elderly learns fast and start getting faster and proficient at it."

Ilse: "I notice that the elderly really like to be able to evaluate their own treatment. If I use Physitrack, I see that this stimulates them. It is important for them that they can visualise their exercises; It's not just an exercise on paper anymore but they can actually see their own progression."

A questão de saber se a eHealth está ou não conectada ao público mais velho é respondida positivamente:

"The upcoming older generation gets more familiar with the use of smartphones," says Ilse.

"The elderly are more interested in the possibilities of technology and this group is also going to be much bigger." Michiel adds: "I definitely see a lot of older people who can work with an iPad or smartphone, although they handle the devices in a different way. For the elderly it needs to be more simple and more accessible than for younger generations."

"I definitely see a lot of older people who can work with an iPad or smartphone, although they handle the devices in a different way"

The therapists often print the exercises, but they provide a number of active iPad users with digital exercise programs. In most cases, carers (close family) are instructed to download the app for the patient and occasionally the therapist has a chance to download the app and give an instruction on the use. A feature that the therapists often use within the platform is indicating 'favourites' so they can easily find their exercises in the library.

"What is sometimes difficult in our profession is finding the right balance between setting up self-management or choose to remain in charge," explains Eveline. "You can use Physitrack in different ways and it helps to find the right balance with every individual patient. This doesn't always work like you expected but you have to be ready to risk making mistakes. It is important to keep in mind that you should invest some time up front to save time later and that's a mind switch you have to make." Michiel adds in conclusions:

"Physitrack is a convenient and easy-to-use innovation that supports the transition to self-management very well and has been a good match to our older target group."

Além da utilização da Physitrack, a SZR tem muitas ideias no campo da inovação na área da saúde e quer utilizar mais aplicativos digitais para capacitar melhor pacientes e clientes no autocuidado.

Para saber mais sobre a SZR e as suas iniciativas inovadoras, visite https://www.szr.nl/!