Catalonia in the front line in preventing dependency with the FATE project

The aim of the FATE project (Fall DeTector for the Elderly) is to validate an innovative ICT device developed by the researchers of the Centre for Technological Studies into Attention for Dependency and an Autonomous Life (CETpD) of the UPC, which aims to improve the quality of life and safety of the elderly and fragile who live alone. The device detects falls both in the home and in the street and gives off an alarm that triggers the medical emergency protocol of the SEM whenever necessary. It would also be possible to configure it for a relative or carer to receive the warning.

The sensor in question is fitted to a belt that the patient can wear throughout the day. The system is also supported by another sensor by the bed which detects prolonged absences during the night, and the i-Walker, a smart walker.

How is the fall warning and attention protocol activated?

When the sensor detects that the user has fallen, the FATE device automatically sends a warning to the 061 CatSalut Respon Coordination Centre. The SEM geolocated the person using the data it has received and calls them to confirm the accident. Internally, the team of doctors and nurses of the 061 CatSalut Respon assesses the situation and sends an ambulance of the SEM if necessary.

“Now we are considering whether the system disturbs the patient or not and whether it is really valuable for the elderly”, Dr. Joan Cabestany, the person responsible for the FATE project explains. 75 patients are taking part in the pilot trials in Catalonia; these belong to the EAP Sardenya and the Hospital Clínic (Grup RESPAL). They were all visited in their homes and given basic training. The researchers follow up on each case every week and record all incidents, and the SEM also follows up on fall false positives.

The pilot trial started in early 2014 and has now reached the point where the active group is being changed into the control. “We also look at users’ experience with the belt”, says Dr. Cabestany. When the project ends in six months, it will be decided whether it goes to market. “We do research to improve people’s lives and we have to take the last step, that of commercialisation, if not we will fail in our initial goal”, Dr. Joan Cabestany reflects. The spin-off from the UPC Sense4Care is in fact already working on marketing the knowledge produced from the research.

Alongside this, two further pilot trials are being performed in Ireland with 50 participants, and in Italy with 80, all supported by the public health organisations.

Catalan wager on innovation for an independent life

The FATE project is not the only fall prevention scheme being coordinated from Catalonia. Dr. Andreu Català, director of the CETpD of the UPC, coordinates the European Network for FALL Prevention, Intervention & Security, which is formed by 18 partners from 10 European countries. This scientific network detects good practices, coordinates activities, implements projects and agrees on plans of action, standards and specifications in this area within the European Commission’s EIP-AHA. The other large European network is ProFouND, which is coordinated by Manchester University.

The UPC is also leading the Rempark project, for the real-time identification of the motor state of Parkinson’s patients in daily life. Within this project, the largest database on the symptomatology of this disease in the European area is being drawn up, a considerable challenge in this field of research.   

Further information

• Website of the FATE project