Point of Care Technologies

Supporting citizens, clients, patients and professionals in care and cure at the right time and at the most suitable location.

The concept of POC technology (POCT) is based on fast and accurate analysis of small amounts of (e.g. biological, physical or behavioral) parameters with devices that can be deployed close to the patient/client/citizen leading to actionable insights for citizens, patients and their care professionals. In addition, POCT is used, for example, for remote monitoring of patients.

POCT is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, remote treatment and lifestyle support. The application of Point Of Care Technology (POCT) contributes to affordable, accessible, high-quality care with more control for citizens, clients, patients and professionals. Being able to offer good care in a sustainable way requires prevention, relocation and replacement of care The urgency is great: from the point of view of quality of care as well as organizability, availability and affordability. POCT can contribute to these challenges with the use of key technologies: specifically digital-, engineering-, life science- and nanotechnologies.

Implementation and integration of POCT in the (care and prevention) chain is central. This requires integration of different areas of expertise, development of new technologies, knowledge and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. These aspects will be united in a learning community POCT.

Translation of unobtrusively acquired data to actionable information is also an important part in preventative programs. In combination with serious gaming and design thinking expertise this can lead to novel and sustainably successful healthy living programs.

Leading example:

Leading Role in Optical Imaging

In oncological surgery it is essential to remove all tumor tissue, while sparing as much adjacent healthy tissue as possible. The UMCG plays a leading role internationally in optical imaging through the use of tumor-specific fluorescent-labelled probes during surgery in order to enhance difficult, clinical decision-making.

The OMIG research group has multiple research lines in which a variety of expertise come together, such as the chemical development of fluorescent tracers, the technological development of optical imaging and the digital development of software and analysis techniques. Collaborations with PRA Health Sciences, Li-COR, SurgVision/Bracco and Philips indicate that the industry is extremely interested in these developments.