Pre-Di-Care

Chronic conditions pose a growing challenge in the border region spanning Flanders, Wallonia, and Hauts-de-France. Aging populations and multimorbidity are increasing the pressure on primary and secondary care, while the continuity of care following hospital discharge often falls short. Current care processes and data exchange mechanisms are fragmented, particularly in border areas where patients frequently receive cross-border treatment. There is a lack of a structured overview regarding existing digital initiatives and best practices for monitoring and tertiary prevention. Technical and organizational barriers-such as incompatible information systems and cybersecurity concerns-hinder collaboration and secure data exchange. Pre-Di-Care aims to develop a cross-border ecosystem that strengthens collaboration between primary and secondary care. The research employs a multi-method approach: i) inventory and analysis of existing digital tools and best practices through workshops with healthcare providers and digital technology companies; ii) mapping of needs and infrastructure by region; iii) selection and "living lab" testing of digital applications for monitoring and prevention in various hospitals; iv) evaluation of the implementation, effectiveness, and safety of digital solutions; and v) development of cross-border training modules and knowledge sharing via a central Academy.
The project anticipates improved integration of digital monitoring, enhanced data exchange, and a secure digital ecosystem for chronic care. Through cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing, successful models can be rolled out more widely, leading to higher quality and continuity of care, cost savings, and a sustainable prevention and care structure for patients with chronic conditions.