Grant: Team Grant: Transforming Health and Care Systems Joint Transnational Call

Diabetes is a growing concern in Europe, affecting 60 million people. A staggering 20.4 million of these individuals are at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a serious complication that can lead to amputation if left untreated. Current care practices are falling short, with 40% of DFUs recurring within a year. Path Active (PA) is an innovative digital health solution designed to tackle this problem. PA consists of smart insoles and a smartphone app that work together to monitor a user's risk of developing DFUs remotely. This technology aims to reduce the need for frequent hospital visits and empower patients to take control of their foot health. The STRIDE-COM project is set to put PA to the test in diverse settings across Canada, Denmark, and Spain. Over 100 participants will use the technology for 18 months, allowing researchers to: 1. Investigate how PA can be integrated into different healthcare systems 2. Improve the design based on user feedback 3. Analyse the economic impact and policy implications 4. Assess PA's effectiveness in preventing DFUs across different cultures 5. Develop plans for scaling up production and identifying potential stakeholders This ambitious project represents a significant step towards incorporating wearable technologies into primary care across Europe and Canada. By taking a comprehensive approach that considers cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare system differences, STRIDE-COM aims to create a model for successfully implementing digital health solutions in diverse settings. If successful, PA could revolutionise diabetic foot care, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving the quality of life for millions of people at risk of DFUs.