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.
Pfizer Foundation 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 (FINIBIC), which in this edition consists of a search Technological solutions to improve treatment adherenceapproach and care for patients who must undergo dialysis on a regular basis.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the adult population of Spainaccording to the EPIRCE study, which also indicates a significant underdiagnosis of this pathology1. In addition, in patients with other common chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure (HBP) or diabetes mellitus (DM), the prevalence ERC can reach 35-40%. Many of these patients will eventually need dialysis, a blood purification process that in some cases requires them to visit 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 seeks original solutions that, through innovation, help empower patients and increase their motivation; increase their commitment and adherence to treatment; promote the acquisition of healthy lifestyle habits and, ultimately, improve their quality of life.
The participation of two public sector funds attached to the Ministry of Health of the Junta de Galicia Province was fundamental to achieving this objective. Sergio Rodriguez, 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 generate new solutions that help to better 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. Applications can be submitted until next July 31inclusive.
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 indicators 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 prize of 2,500 euros and the opportunity to participate in the selection process a fellowship to attend the Richi Social Entrepreneurs program in Boston for two weeks to work on his strategy and further develop his proposal.
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