The Bern University of Applied Sciences is bolstering its position in the field of medical informatics with the launch of the Institute for Patient-Centered Digital Health, which focuses on patient-centered digital health.
The Institute for Patient-Centered Digital Health is founded on the principle of collaborating with patients to develop solutions that enhance their ability to manage their health, thereby elevating the overall quality of healthcare. This approach involves working closely with patients to craft technologies and digital solutions that support informed decision-making by both patients and healthcare professionals.
As digital health data becomes increasingly integral to healthcare, the institute places a high priority on safeguarding patient data. The focus is on creating secure digital health solutions that protect patient privacy and uphold the principle of self-determination regarding personal health data. This commitment to data security is essential in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital healthcare.
Enhancing the canton of Bern’s prominence in digital health research and development
The institute has already embarked on several patient-focused research projects. Projects like Approches, which involves developing a mobile app for patient relatives, and OpenPROMS, a pilot for collecting patient-reported outcomes, demonstrate the institute’s commitment to patient-centric innovation. Another notable initiative, the SERO project, focuses on individuals at risk of suicide and their relatives, using the MIDATA health database for secure data storage.
Kerstin Denecke and Serge Bignens, formerly at the helm of the Institute for Medical Informatics at Bern University of Applied Sciences, will lead the new institute. Denecke, with a background in computer science and medicine, and Bignens, with expertise in engineering and health IT, bring a wealth of experience and international connections to their roles. Their leadership is expected to steer the institute towards pioneering advancements in digital health.
The establishment of the Institute for Patient-Centered Digital Health complements the offerings of the Institute for Medical Informatics and CSEM’s Digital Health Center in Bern, collectively enhancing the region’s prominence in digital health research and development. This synergy among institutes underscores Bern’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative digital solutions, fostering a collaborative environment that integrates diverse expertise for the betterment of patient care.
