Trustroke: Advancing Stroke Treatment through AI and Human-Centered Design

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Nacar Design, along with 13 European healthcare partners, takes the lead in the Human-Centric User Design process for Trustroke, an AI platform coordinated by The Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) for personalized stroke treatment.

Stroke, a leading cause of severe disability worldwide, affects millions of people annually, leaving a significant impact on individuals and their families. With 1.12 million incident strokes and 460,000 deaths per year in Europe alone, there are currently 9.53 million stroke survivors grappling with the challenges of recovery and rehabilitation. In response to this growing global health concern arises The Trustroke project, coordinated by The Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR). An initiative funded by Horizon Europe, aimed at transforming stroke care through innovative approaches. At the forefront of this endeavor is Nacar Design, leading the Human-Centric User Design process.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in the Trustroke project. Through the collaboration with Eurecat, the technology center of Catalonia, advanced AI algorithms are being developed and optimized. These algorithms will enable the platform to analyze vast amounts of data, including medical records and patient input, to create personalized treatment roadmaps and predict potential complications. By leveraging AI, Trustroke aims to improve stroke outcomes and enhance patient well-being.

Data Collection and Communication

To ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the platform's data, three major European hospitals are actively involved in the Trustroke project. Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (Italy), and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) contribute clinical data, while the Univerza V Ljubljani (Slovenia) joins in the validation phase. The integration of Nora, a patient monitoring solution, within these hospitals facilitates seamless data collection and effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients, enabling a holistic approach to stroke care.

Guaranteeing Data Security and Privacy

The Trustroke project takes data security and privacy seriously. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerch (CNR), is responsible for creating a secure and protected data network. This network ensures that patient data remains within the confines of the participating hospitals, providing a robust safeguard against unauthorized access. The Josef Stefan Institute (JSI) serves as the Data Steward, certifying the security and reliability of the data handling process.

Budget and Project Duration

The Trustroke project commenced in Barcelona with a kick-off meeting, gathering representatives from all collaborating organizations to define goals and develop a comprehensive project roadmap, with a projected budget of €6,076,437.50. Spanning a projected duration of four years, the project allows ample time for the development, testing, and refinement of the Trustroke platform, ensuring its effectiveness and impact.

With its role at the forefront of the Human-Centric User Design process, Nacar Design will ensure that the Trustroke platform meets the highest technical standards while prioritizing the human aspect of stroke care. A vital role in shaping the future of stroke treatment, offering hope and improved quality of life to the millions of stroke survivors.

[1] Rajsic, S.et. al., (2019). Economic burden of stroke: a systematic review on post-stroke care. The European Journal of Health Economics, 20(1), 107-134.