The PCP process was central to the project’s innovation strategy and unfolded in three phases. In Phase I, five suppliers were selected to design initial concepts based on the system requirements developed with input from stakeholders. These requirements covered functionality, usability, legal compliance, and sustainability. In Phase II, three of these suppliers advanced to develop and test prototypes. Finally, in Phase III, two solutions—CareCardia and CORRAL—were chosen to further develop and pilot their solutions in real-world settings across four pilot sites. CareCardia, led by Gnomon Informatics SA, integrates remote monitoring, artificial intelligence, and interoperable systems into a user-friendly platform that supports emotional wellbeing and seamless communication between patients and care providers.
CORRAL, led by CERTH, focuses on continuous monitoring of physical, psychological, and environmental factors, using AI to support clinical decision-making and personalised education for self-care.
Both platforms include shared digital care plans, decision support systems, patient empowerment tools, integration with electronic health records, and real-time data sharing. They also support medication management, weekly care summaries, and analytics to assess care quality and efficiency. The solutions were tested in real-life settings across five pilot sites. Participants were divided between the two platforms, and data was collected through surveys, questionnaires, and system logs. The pilot trials demonstrated promising results. Patients using both solutions experienced improved health outcomes, with many moving to less severe stages of CHF. CORRAL users showed better weight control and self-care behaviours, while CareCardia users reported improved daily life and emotional support. Healthcare professionals appreciated both systems, with a slight preference for CareCardia due to its smoother integration into existing workflows. However, older adults and those with lower digital literacy faced challenges, highlighting the need for accessible design and clearer instructions.
Economic assessments revealed that the solutions could be cost-effective. In Portugal and Italy, reduced hospital visits and increased patient engagement led to financial savings. Sweden showed high long-term savings potential despite technical setup challenges. Türkiye saw fewer short-term savings but promising long-term benefits. Across all sites, avoiding just one hospitalisation per patient per year could make the system financially sustainable. Both CareCardia and CORRAL teams began preparing business plans to continue offering their solutions beyond the project’s duration, crediting INCAREHEART with helping them advance toward market readiness.
The project also placed strong emphasis on dissemination and stakeholder engagement. The INCAREHEART website attracted over 22,000 visitors and served as a central hub for information. Social media, particularly LinkedIn, was used to share updates and promote events. The Open Pilot Day in Thessaloniki provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to see the solutions in action. The project collaborated with other EU initiatives such as CareMatrix, ROSIA, and eCare, and formed an Observing Procurers Board to share insights with external public health authorities. These efforts helped raise awareness and build momentum for future adoption.
