PES2020: New Innovations for patient Centred carE

Rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions comprise over 150 diseases and syndromes, which are usually progressive and associated with pain. Rheumatic diseases are the single biggest cause of both sick leave and premature retirement, causing physical disability, even amongst people of working age. In the industrialized world, rheumatic diseases affect more individuals than any other disease group. In fact, a third of people of all ages are affected at some point during their lifetime. In Europe almost every family is affected in some way by a rheumatic disease. Rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions represent an economic burden of estimated 240 billion Euros per year, with growing tendency due to demographic development and behavioural changes. The direct cost of RMDs within the EU is estimated to be 2% of its GDP (2011). Today DiaGraphIT® has 35 worldwide customers. However, new technological advancements and opportunities emerging with sensor technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud-based solutions, Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the widespread use of mobile devices and phones, demand for state of the art solutions. The aim in this project is to assess the landscape surrounding the innovation. The comprehensive ICT tool for monitoring and medical follow-up of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases, relies on a detailed strategy for further development.