Innovative Solutions: MedTech and Process Efficiency in Tackling Staff Shortages

Our healthcare system is renowned for its quality, but its sustainability is at risk due to significant staff shortages, particularly in hospital and elderly care. With the World Health Organization projecting a global shortfall of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030, the urgency to address this issue is clear. In the Twente region, demographic challenges further exacerbate these shortages, leading to increased workload and stress among existing staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for sustainable employability in healthcare. To ensure the long-term well-being of healthcare professionals and maintain high-quality care, our research program seeks to innovate and implement integrated solutions. By prioritizing the work quality and support for healthcare employees, we aim to foster a resilient and effective healthcare system for the future.

This session will feature leading experts who will discuss cutting-edge MedTech advancements and process optimization strategies that enhance workforce productivity and patient care. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how technological innovations, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and resource pooling, can alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals and improve operational efficiency. Join us to discover how these transformative solutions can help mitigate staff shortages, streamline healthcare delivery, and ensure sustainable growth in the medical sector.

General information

Time: 11.00 - 12.00
Language: English
Room: INSPIRATION STAGE (TL 1133 | Ground floor)
Available seats: 90

The programme

11.00	Welcome & opening Renkse van Wijk, University of Twente - TechMed Centre
11.00 - 11.15	EUVECA: Innovation and development of the healthcare sector Marjolein de Ouden, Saxion of Applied Science
11.15 - 11.30	DUTCH: Ready for the healthcare of the future Simone van der Donk, Saxion Universiry of Applied Science
11.30 - 11.45	BRIDGE: Cross-border resource pooling and strengthening healthcare Caroline Fischer, University of Twente
11.45 - 12.00	CHOIR: Enhancing Healthcare Efficiency: Insights from the Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement and Research Erwin Hans, University of Twente
12.00	Closing Renkse van Wijk, University of Twente - TechMed Centre

The Speakers

Marjolein den Ouden | Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Dr. Marjolein den Ouden(born 1986) is an epidemiologist and movement scientist, serving as a professor of Technology, Health & Care at Saxion University and a practitioner in Care and Technology at ROC van Twente. Her research focuses on optimizing the interaction between humans and technology in health and well-being. Marjolein has contributed to 10 PhD projects, regularly publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and presents at international conferences. She also develops educational products, technologies, and training programs. In 2019, she was recognized as a VIVA400 TechTalent. In addition to her academic role, Marjolein chairs the Saxion Ethical Advisory Committee and is involved with various organizations, including Vitaal Twente, TechYourFuture, TOPCARE, and Estinea.

Caroline Fischer | University of Twente

Dr. Caroline Fischer is an Assistant Professor in Public Administration at the University of Twente. Her research focuses on the motivations and behaviours of public servants and citizens, with interests in error, risk, crisis, learning, and human resource management in the public sector. Engaged in interdisciplinary research, she leads the Interreg project BRIDGE, which explores cross-border resource pooling in healthcare. Since 2023, she has been a member of the Young Academy at Twente. Fischer earned her summa cum laude Ph.D. at the University of Potsdam and has received funding from various organizations. She is committed to Open Science, regularly sharing her code and data.

Simone van der Donk | Saxion University of Applied Science

DUTCH
We are Digital United Training Concepts for Healthcare (DUTCH). In this national program, hospitals, educational institutions, and the business sector collaborate on a new way of training and developing healthcare professionals in hospitals. Developers of medical and educational technology contribute by creating new simulated learning resources in partnership with healthcare professionals and educators.

Erwin Hans | University of Twente

Prof.dr.ir. Erwin Hans is a professor of Operations Management in Healthcare and a co-founder of the CHOIR (Center for Healthcare Operations Improvement & Research) at the University of Twente. His research interests encompass operations management and operations research in healthcare, with a particular focus on capacity management, planning, and scheduling. In addition to his research, Erwin teaches in various Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the University of Twente, sharing his expertise and insights with the next generation of healthcare professionals and operations managers. His work aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems, contributing to improved patient care and operational excellence.

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