★ The Pfizer Foundation, together with INIBIC and IIS Galicia Sur, is looking for technological solutions to improve adherence to treatment and care for dialysis patients.

The Pfizer Foundation has launched the 8th edition of the e-Dea Salud Challenge in collaboration with the Galician Public Foundation for Biomedical Research Galicia Sur (FPGIBGS) and the Galician Public Foundation for Biomedical Research INIBIC. (PHOENIBIC)which is in this version consists of a search solutions technological to improve adherence to treatmentapproach and care for patients who must undergo dialysis on a regular basis.

According to the EPIRCE study, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the adult population in Spain, which also indicates a significant underdiagnosis of this pathology.¹In addition, in patients with other common chronic diseases such as high blood pressure (HBP) or diabetes mellitus (DM), the prevalence of CKD can reach 35-40%.²Many of these patients will eventually need dialysis, a blood purification process that in some cases requires visiting the hospital several times a week for several hours, which entails a change in their pace of life and can be a significant challenge for them.

For this reason, the e-Dea Salud Challenge aims to original solutions which, through innovation, help to empower patients and increase their motivation; increase their adherence and commitment to treatment; promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits and, ultimately, improve their quality of life.

The participation of two public sector foundations attached to the Ministry of Health of the Province of Galicia was fundamental to this task. Sergio Rodríguez, President of the Pfizer Foundation, notes: “the value of collaboration between different public and private organizations to create synergies that foster innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare. Such projects are a source of new solutions that help to more effectively meet unmet patient needs and improve the healthcare system as a whole.”

Participation in the 8th e-Dea Salud Challenge

The competition is open to original solutions at any creative stage – from those already implemented to those awaiting development and testing – developed by entrepreneurs, startups, public or private organizations such as universities, technology centers, etc.

The rules and registration form are available on the Pfizer Foundation website (https://www.fundacionpfizer.org/e-deasalud2024) and applications can be submitted up to and including July 31.

An evaluation committee, composed of two people appointed by the Pfizer Foundation and two experts appointed by the Galician Public Foundation for Biomedical Research Galicia Sur and the Galician Public Foundation for Biomedical Research INIBIC, will select the three finalist projects that best address this challenge: taking into account the innovative nature of the proposed solution; its viability and growth potential; the improvement in health outcomes that it implies; the impact it can have on the work of health professionals in improving the living conditions of patients and their environment; and the potential savings that will result from its implementation in the system in the medium and long term.

The three finalist proposals will take part in an immersion programme at a public hospital in Galicia to broaden their perspective on patient needs and the system, after which they will be able to refine their proposal over the course of a week.

The winning project will receive a financial award of €2,500 and the opportunity to participate in the selection process for a fellowship for a two-week Richi Social Entrepreneurs program in Boston to work on their strategy and further develop their proposal.

References:

⁽¹⁾Otero A., de Francisco A., Gayoso P., García F., on behalf of the EPIRCE study group. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Spain: results from the EPIRCE study. Nephrology 2010; 30:78-86.

²Lorenzo Sellares Victor, Luis Rodriguez Desire. Chronic kidney disease. In: Lorenzo V., Lopez Gomez J.M. (eds.). Current Nephrology. ISSN: 2659-2606. Available in: https://www.nefrologiaaldia.org/es-articulo-enfermedad-renal-cronica-136