| 1 | 1 COVID 19 IMPLEMENTATION | Flexibility in the methodological approach when required. To cope with COVID-19 limitations, the consortium adapted the methodology and planning of the pilots, reducing them during COVID and enlarging the number of participants for later stages. Internally, communication among consortium members was strengthened with frequent meetings to support multidisciplinary teamwork. Additional, flexible installation options were agreed. This involved providing self- installation kits with detailed instructions and remote assistance for troubleshooting and reducing the number of participants when the situation is challenging, to increase them in later stages. |
| 2 | 1 COVID 19 IMPLEMENTATION | Increased communication about the project to support participation. Establish comprehensive project information and training activities for participants. It might involve communicating accurate information about the project's objectives, benefits, and safety measures directly to them. Engaging healthcare professionals in the recruitment process to provide reliable information to patients and caregivers can also enhance confidence among potential participants. |
| 3 | 2 Heterogeneity of the end users’ organisations involved. IMPLEMENTATION | Increased internal communication among consortium members is key for managing risks, establishing common guidelines and protocols for successfully implementing contingency plans across different sites. Clear communication and collaboration dynamics should be promoted from coordinators, allowing consortium members to discuss and find the successful strategies and learn from each other's experiences with transparency. |
| 4 | 2 Heterogeneity of the end users’ organisations involved. IMPLEMENTATION | Conduct pre-implementation comprehensive site assessments to identify site-specific challenges and requirements. This assessment should consider factors such as local regulations, available resources, and potential limitations. By understanding the unique needs of each site, future projects can proactively address potential variations in contingency plans, plan appropriate adaptations, and allocate necessary resources accordingly. Regular communication with site administrators and stakeholders throughout the project can also help identify and address emerging challenges promptly. |
| 5 | 3 Large scale pilot recruitment. IMPLEMENTATION | If implementing large scale pilots, make sure to conduct feasibility studies and pilot tests in lab conditions before bringing the technology to real life environments. Flexible allocation of participants, that should be increasing according to the level of development of the technology, would allow to take full advantage of the participants’ contribution. Be creative and make sure to be flexible enough to allow different profiles of participants, with different level of commitment, to have the means to participate in your project. |
| 6 | 3 Large scale pilot recruitment. IMPLEMENTATION | People centred technologies require putting people at the centre. It is never too early to involve real people in the development of eHealth technologies. The integrated care approach has proven useful: the integrated care approach combining the integrated care pathway, technology integration and change management. |
| 7 | 3 Large scale pilot recruitment. IMPLEMENTATION | Make sure that the recruitment and testing results are monitored at least biweekly and that the feedback from participants is shared among both technical and end users’ organisations, discussing at least biweekly the improvements to be implemented in the technology being developed. |
| 8 | 4 Unforeseen costs and tasks IMPLEMENTATION | Prioritize thorough and detailed discussions during the grant agreement negotiation phase to minimize ambiguities. Seek clarification on potential gray areas, unforeseen costs, and tasks to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the project scope and requirements. |
| 9 | 5 Low technology literacy. END USERS | Training is a must for all end users. Include it in your planning from the very beginning, personalised by profile of end users and technology to be used, using multimedia, intuitive means to communicate the information required to manage devices. Consider the digital skills of future users when designing the system, ensuring it is user-friendly and accessible to all skill levels. |
| 10 | 6 Too many scales END USERS | Prevent participant fatigue by limiting the number of clinical assessments, prioritizing essential measures, and minimizing the burden on participants. Make sure to test the time required for initial and exit interviews, responding to questionnaires and scales, identifying early if the time and language are adapted to your target population. Fatigue among elderly people living with different conditions require testing it before starting the actual pilots, to prevent their saturation and dropout. |
| 11 | 7 Number of devices. END USERS, IMPLEMENTATION | If your target population is people living with cognitive or physical impairment, particularly elderly people with limited digital skills, make sure to design a system as simple and automatic as possible. Design a system that is more passive and minimalist, making it user-friendly and less overwhelming for participants. Keep the system as simple as possible, minimizing complexity and user requirements to enhance usability and user acceptance. |
| 12 | 8 Reluctance to use in depth cameras. END USERS | Involve users in the co-design process from the very beginning, incorporating their feedback and preferences to ensure the system meets their needs. If they feel uncomfortable with biometric cameras or any other device at their homes, make sure to find an alternative approach that respects their wishes, always supporting their autonomy and empowerment to manage as much as possible their own conditions. |
| 13 | 8 Reluctance to use in depth cameras. END USERS | Ensure that the system provides clear and personalized benefits for users, tailored to their respective needs, to increase acceptance and adherence. |
| 14 | 9 Healthcare professionals understanding the system. END USERS | Tailor the system closely to users' preferences and needs, considering their feedback and requirements throughout the design and implementation phases. Make sure to understand the needs and wishes of healthcare professionals from the very beginning, together with their digital skills. They are key stakeholders for the success of any eHealth technology and thus it is key to make sure that they understand the system. |
| 15 | 5 Low digital literacy, END USERS, IMPLEMENTATION | Plan sufficient time for training the participants, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of the system and its functionalities. |
| 16 | 7 Number of devices. END USERS, IMPLEMENTATION | Select only one or two devices, using a modular approach for technology testing and deployment, reducing complexity for both users and implementation. |
| 17 | 10 Integration of data from different devices. TECHNICAL | Avoid overlapping different pilots and adopt a sequential approach to technology testing, allowing for focused evaluation and effective implementation. |
| 18 | 10 Integration of data from different devices TECHNICAL | Implement a phased approach to technology testing, conducting feasibility and validation in controlled environments before involving real participants. Conduct pre-piloting periods in controlled environments (lab conditions) to test the technology's feasibility and validate its performance before involving real participants. Ensure that technical solutions are thoroughly perfected and tested before large-scale deployment, minimizing issues, and optimizing system performance. |
| 19 | 12 Non-technical personnel installing equipment. TECHNICAL | Match each pilot end-user organization with a technical support partner, providing dedicated assistance and troubleshooting during the pilot phase. |
| 20 | 13 Equipment availability and adaptation. TECHNICAL | Anticipate decisions on devices and consider joint purchases, ensuring compatibility and streamlined deployment across different pilots. |
| 21 | 16, 17 Unplanned factory updates and ongoing system maintenance and updates. TECHNICAL | Establish a rapid response mechanism to address technical problems promptly, minimizing disruptions to the system's functionality and user experience. |
| 22 | 10 Integration of data from multiple devices TECHNICAL, IMPLEMENTATION | Promote a Continuous Development / Continuous Implementation Strategy to maintain a continuous flow of communication between technical and clinical teams, ensuring seamless integration and progress throughout the project. |
| 23 | 10 Integration of data from multiple devices TECHNICAL | Explore alternative data collection methods: Future projects should consider alternative data collection methods that reduce the reliance on PC installations at the sites, particularly in home scenarios. This can involve leveraging mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, as data collection tools. Developing mobile applications or utilizing existing communication apps can facilitate remote data collection, reducing logistical complexities and resource allocation associated with PC installations. |
| 24 | 11 Need for PC Installation at the site, especially in home scenarios. TECHNICAL | Streamline installation processes and logistics: To address the logistical complexities related to PC installations, future projects should develop streamlined installation processes. This can involve providing detailed installation guides and pre-configured equipment to simplify setup procedures. Additionally, establishing partnerships with local IT service providers or leveraging remote installation and troubleshooting technologies can expedite the installation process, ensuring timely and efficient deployment of the system. |
| 25 | 11 Need for PC Installation at the site, especially in home scenarios. TECHNICAL | Avoid relying on self-installation by end users with cognitive or physical impairments, particularly elderly individuals living with long-term conditions. |
| 26 | 13 Equipment availability and adaptation. TECHNICAL, IMPLEMENTATION | Conduct regular technology assessments: Future projects should conduct regular technology assessments to identify potential equipment availability challenges and anticipate emerging needs. By staying informed about technological advancements and market trends, projects can proactively plan equipment purchases and adapt to evolving requirements. Engaging with industry partners and suppliers can provide insights into upcoming technology releases and facilitate the procurement of devices that align with the project's long-term objectives. |
| 27 | 13 Equipment availability and adaptation. TECHNICAL, IMPLEMENTATION | Establish contingency plans and flexible budgets: Given the unpredictable nature of equipment availability and the need for system adaptation, future projects should establish contingency plans and flexible budgets. Allocating a portion of the budget for unforeseen equipment purchases and adjustments can mitigate the impact of unexpected limitations. Additionally, maintaining open communication with funding agencies and stakeholders throughout the project's lifecycle can facilitate timely budget adjustments and ensure financial flexibility to address equipment-related challenges. |
| 28 | 17 Ongoing system maintenance and updates. IMPLEMENTATION | Allocate budget for purchasing SIM cards in pilots where connectivity is limited, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted data transmission throughout the project. |
| 29 | 19 Inability to hold in-person consortium meetings. IMPLEMENTATION | Foster multidisciplinary enhanced communication among consortium members to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing across different domains. |
| 30 | 15 Refinement of technologies from previous projects. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION | Conduct a thorough assessment of technologies from previous academic projects to evaluate their scalability and readiness for large-scale pilots. Consider conducting additional testing and refinement before implementing these technologies to ensure their suitability for the specific project requirements. |
| 31 | 15 Refinement of technologies from previous projects. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION | Provide legal and ethical support throughout the project, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical standards related to data protection and privacy. |
| 32 | 15 Refinement of technologies from previous projects. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION | Foster collaboration between academic researchers and industry professionals to bridge the gap between academic projects and real-world implementation. Encourage joint research and development initiatives to refine and adapt academic technologies for practical applications, making them more suitable for large-scale projects. |
| 33 | 16 Dependency on brand-specific technologies. TECHNICAL | Establish a close relationship with equipment manufacturers and stay informed about potential updates or changes to their products. Engage in proactive communication with the manufacturers to receive early notifications about upcoming updates, allowing the project team to plan and prepare for necessary adjustments in a timely manner. |
| 35 | 16 Dependency on brand-specific technologies. TECHNICAL | Develop a robust system architecture that is flexible and adaptable to accommodate unexpected updates. Implement mechanisms that allow for seamless integration of new updates without disrupting the overall functioning of the system, minimizing the impact on the project timeline, and ensuring the stability of the technology used. |
| 36 | 17 Ongoing system maintenance and updates. TECHNICAL | Develop a comprehensive maintenance and update plan from the outset of the project. Allocate dedicated resources and time for regular system maintenance, including periodic updates to software, hardware, and compatibility with emerging technologies. |
| 37 | 17 Ongoing system maintenance and updates. TECHNICAL | Stay updated on technological advancements and industry standards throughout the project duration. Establish a process for monitoring and evaluating new developments, ensuring the system remains up-to-date and compatible with the latest devices and operating systems. Regularly assess the impact of new advancements on the project and allocate resources for necessary adjustments and updates. Specify and demonstrate data protection and privacy measures by design and implementation of the platform, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. |
| 38 | 19 Inability to hold in person consortium meetings. IMPLEMENTATION | Foster transparency of information and effective communication among consortium members to identify and resolve common challenges and find collective solutions when in person meetings not possible, creating a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration to support teamwork. As soon as possible when feasible, increase the understanding among team members through in-person consortium meetings, promoting effective collaboration and alignment throughout the project. |
| 39 | 20 Time for scientific publications once results are available. IMPLEMENTATION | Be aware of the time required for publications and plan accordingly to disseminate project findings and outcomes within the specified timeline. |
| 40 | 20 Time for scientific publications once results are available. IMPLEMENTATION | Establish shared procedures for publication, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among consortium members for efficient dissemination of project results. |
| 41 | 20 Time for scientific publications once results are available. IMPLEMENTATION | Initiate the exploitation-related work as soon as possible, fostering familiarity with the exploitation strategy within the consortium for effective project outcomes. |