The “CARE-FLOW” project is being funded with 4.5 million euros by the Interreg VI program to enhance cross-border cooperation in the healthcare sector between Germany and the Netherlands. The aim is to develop innovative, data-driven solutions that optimize patient flow and capacity planning in emergency services, hospitals, and care facilities. Using AI algorithms and data analysis, resources such as ambulances, intensive care beds, and staff will be used more efficiently to provide patients with faster and better care.

An important aspect of the project is the consideration of exceptional events such as pandemics in order to make the healthcare system more resilient. In the border region, cooperation between the two countries is crucial to better coordinate resources such as available beds or ambulances – an important step in the light of  demographic changes and staff shortages in healthcare.

The consortium is led by the University of Twente and includes partners such as Stokhos Emergency Mathematics BV, L2R GmbH, ORTEC (Rhythm b.v.), University of Münster (ERCIS Competence Center for Crisis Management by Prof. Bernd Hellingrath and Dr. Adam Widera), and University Hospital Muenster. Together, they are developing software solutions and mathematical models that integrate real-time data from various healthcare institutions, improving resource planning.

The project will run until Spring 2029, with a total budget of 4,5 million euro, of which 2 million euro is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“CARE-FLOW” is an important step towards better healthcare and stronger cooperation between the neighboring countries.