Collaboratively optimising the adoption of health care technologies

In the northern sparsely populated regions are placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems and intensifying the need for innovative and sustainable service delivery models. Digital health technologies offer considerable potential to address these challenges by improving the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of care. Nevertheless, the adoption of novel technologies is frequently hindered by fragmented assessment practices, lengthy procurement processes, and limited interaction between healthcare organisations and technology providers. Furthermore, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face barriers in demonstrating the clinical and organisational value of their solutions and in gaining access to healthcare decision makers.

The CONNECT project responds to these challenges by promoting harmonised health technology assessment practices and strengthening collaboration between healthcare stakeholders and SMEs. The project aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative digital health technologies by streamlining technology assessment and procurement pathways and by investigating technology adoption processes across healthcare systems in Finland, Sweden, and Ireland, thereby supporting evidence-based decision-making and more efficient innovation uptake.

The CONNECT project is carried out through a collaborative partnership involving the Unit of Measurement Technology (MITY) at the University of Oulu, the Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia (POHDE), Region Västerbotten in Sweden, and the University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Ireland. Associated partners include the Wellbeing Services County of Kainuu, five Northern Finnish companies, and the Health Service Executive (HSE), the public healthcare service provider in Ireland.