February 4, 2021
Philips notes the partnership will encompass the monitoring, observation and self-management of patients throughout the entire care journey, both inside and outside the hospitals, supported by Philips advanced patient monitoring and population health management solutions.
“The SAZ unites 28 regional hospitals, which are together making the move from being hospitals to a health organization,” says Bert Kleinlugtenbeld, President of the SAZ. “In doing so, the strength of the SAZ is that we act together and learn from each other. Our strategic direction is to move care to the patient’s home wherever possible. We also see an important role for prevention. In making this move, removing the burden from the patient and the care provider is central. With Philips, we will do this by using the latest technological innovations in the field of patient monitoring and population health management, strengthening our cooperation in patient-centric care.”
Prevent ICU re-admissions
Self-management for patients
Other hospitals will start projects in the field of home monitoring and self-management for patients, something that IJsselland Hospital in Capelle aan den IJssel, the Netherlands, is already doing with Philips as part of a telemonitoring project for patients with heart failure and COPD. Patients measure their blood pressure and weight at home, and this data is monitored by heart failure nurses in the hospital. Patients also receive additional information and tips on how to manage their condition. The aim is to prevent readmissions and increase patient engagement, something that will be supported by Philips’ patient-centric Engage platform, which provides patient and provider access to an overview of the patient’s health information.
The SAZ has experience with multiparty collaborations to improve healthcare. In 2017 the 28 hospitals started the company BeterDichtbij BV. BeterDichtbij is now used by 35 hospitals in the Netherlands. As part of the strategic collaboration between SAZ a connection will be realized between BeterDichtbij and the Philips Engage platform.