The UMBRELLA research project, co-funded by the EU’s Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) and co-led by Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Siemens Healthineers, aims to transform stroke care by addressing key challenges in stroke diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention. By using a combination of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and real-world clinical data, UMBRELLA will help to improve patient outcomes and set new standards in stroke management.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). When this happens, brain cells start to die quickly, which can cause serious damage. In addition, once a stroke has occurred, the risk of experiencing another stroke later in life increases if the underlying causes are not addressed. This underscores the importance of fast diagnosis and correct treatment.
How UMBRELLA will address current challenges in stroke care
· Delays in treatment – Early diagnosis and quick treatment are key. UMBRELLA will speed up stroke diagnosis and treatment, helping to save lives and reduce disability.
· One-size-fits-all care – Every patient is different. UMBRELLA will use real patient data from seven hospitals in Europe to set up a model that can support doctors to provide personalised care for each patient.
· Unequal care – Not everyone gets the same level of care. UMBRELLA will bring new technologies like virtual recovery tools and wearable devices to support people in remote areas.
· Unknown stroke causes – Some strokes have no clear cause. UMBRELLA will study these strokes, to find better ways to prevent and manage them.
A big team working together
UMBRELLA brings together hospitals in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, with the involvement of many research groups, non-profit organisations and companies. Dr Carlos Molina, Head of the Stroke Research group at Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and scientific leader of this project, says this project will improve stroke care, reduce disability and improve lives across Europe.
‘We are thrilled to be a part of this project, which is hoping to address many of the challenges that stroke patients and survivors experience’ says Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE.
UMBRELLA is set to open a new era in stroke management by implementing a comprehensive approach that addresses gaps along the whole stroke care pathway, from diagnosis and emergency treatment, right through to rehabilitation and prevention of recurrent strokes.
To learn more about the project:
Visit the Umbrella website https://umbrella-ihi.eu
Or contact research@safestroke.eu
This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101172825. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties who cannot be held responsible.
