{"id":7759,"date":"2021-04-20T11:08:42","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T09:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/?page_id=7759"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:32:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T13:32:28","slug":"distance-pro","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/distance-pro\/distance-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"About DISTANCE:PRO"},"content":{"rendered":"

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DISTANCE:PRO \u2013 Digital Smart Hub for Advanced Connected Care Professional<\/h2>\n

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Improving treatments and quality of life with digital solutions<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Medical practices and regional hospitals are key institutions for healthcare delivery. These non-university settings also generate large volumes of medical data. In the Digital Hub DISTANCE<\/a>, the research data structures of the Medical Informatics Initiative (MII) were extended to medical facilities in regional care in order to improve treatment quality in the long term. The follow-up project DISTANCE:PRO builds on these achievements. The goal is to establish a nationwide, cross-sector digital ecosystem that more closely links research and healthcare.[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1620639409581{background-color: #f5f6f6 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1620729400531{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”two_columns”][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” horizontal_alignment=”left” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%”][vc_single_image image=”9248″ img_size=”full” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”middle” horizontal_alignment=”left” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1759841056893{padding-bottom: 10% !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Digital Progress Hub DISTANCE:PRO<\/h3>\n

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Establishment of external data integration centers as scalable, cross-site, and interoperable infrastructures for data exchange between regional healthcare institutions and research<\/h5><\/div>

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Development of an app to improve the quality of life of oncological-surgical patients, oriented toward the needs of patients as well as regional healthcare providers<\/h5><\/div>

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Supporting patient self-care by enabling patients to gain an overview of their physical and mental health through an app<\/h5><\/div>

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Close collaboration with eight regional care institutions and eight additional partners from science and research, led by University Hospital RWTH Aachen<\/h5><\/div>

<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1620300459787{background-color: #f5f6f6 !important;}”][vc_column][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”one_column”][qode_elements_holder_item advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5% 0 0 0″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Improving quality of care through cross-sector data exchange<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text css=””]The core of the DISTANCE project was the Digital Hub<\/a>. It provided the basis for cross-sector, interoperable data exchange between university institutions, participating primary and standard care hospitals, and general practitioners. Data from routine care were centrally collected, anonymized, and made usable nationwide. A total of eight regional healthcare providers involved in the project were connected to the Digital Hub via the so-called Hub Connect Boxes, which are operated locally at the respective sites.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]In DISTANCE:PRO, the data infrastructure of the Digital Hub will be expanded and established as an External Data Integration Center (XTDIZ), similar to those previously available only in university settings. With the XTDIZ, data from regional healthcare can be consolidated, harmonized, and used in a privacy-compliant manner for digital applications, AI-based prediction models, and research. DISTANCE:PRO also relies on telemedicine and the integration of wearables to improve continuous patient care.[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1620300468619{background-color: #f5f6f6 !important;}”][vc_column][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”one_column”][qode_elements_holder_item advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5% 0 0 0″ item_padding_480_600=”5% 0 10% 0″ item_padding_480=”5% 0 10% 0″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Digital support along the treatment pathway<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text css=””]To test the data flow, structured longitudinal data from patients were recorded digitally for the first time in DISTANCE using an app during and after intensive care treatment. The PICOS App<\/a> supported former intensive care patients in their everyday self-care by regularly aggregating information on their physical and mental well-being. At the same time, large volumes of data were generated to support research into new treatment and therapy options for former intensive care patients.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]The app developed in DISTANCE:PRO is aimed at oncological patients who require intensive care following surgery. The follow-up project focuses on the longitudinal collection of data throughout the entire hospital stay of patients. Based on this data, critical illnesses can be better assessed in the future and the quality of care can be optimized.<\/p>\n

In close collaboration with the six other Digital Hubs of the MII, data are to be digitally integrated and represented in a connected manner across the entire care pathway\u2014from prevention and acute care to rehabilitation and long-term follow-up.[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1620300468619{background-color: #f5f6f6 !important;}”][vc_column][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”one_column”][qode_elements_holder_item advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5% 0 5% 0″ item_padding_480_600=”5% 0 10% 0″ item_padding_480=”5% 0 10% 0″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Patient participation for sustainable, practical solutions<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text css=””]Another key aspect is the active involvement of patients and other stakeholders to ensure that the solutions developed are practical, user-friendly, and sustainable. With this approach, DISTANCE:PRO aims to create a professional, market-ready application that contributes in the long term to the digital transformation of healthcare, improves clinical outcomes, and makes patient care more efficient.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]DISTANCE:PRO is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1758529448306{padding-bottom: 2% !important;background-color: #f5f6f6 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1644578899976{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”three_columns”][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%” item_padding_768_1024=”0″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

more details<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” horizontal_alignment=”center” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%” item_padding_768_1024=”0″][vc_single_image image=”26136″ img_size=”106×150″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https:\/\/www.smith.care\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Distance-Pro_Faktenblatt_DE_16032026.pdf”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

DISTANCE PRO <\/a><\/p>\n

Fact Sheet (German)<\/a><\/p>\n

Status: 03\/2026<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” horizontal_alignment=”center” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%” item_padding_768_1024=”0″][vc_single_image image=”26134″ img_size=”106×150″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https:\/\/www.smith.care\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Distance-Pro_Faktenblatt_EN_16032026.pdf”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

DISTANCE PRO <\/a><\/p>\n

Fact Sheet (English)<\/a><\/p>\n

Status: 03\/2026<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” horizontal_alignment=”center” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%” item_padding_768_1024=”0″][vc_single_image image=”25066″ img_size=”106×150″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https:\/\/www.smith.care\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Distance_Poster_A0_web.pdf”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

DISTANCE Poster<\/a><\/p>\n

(German)<\/p>\n

Status: 09\/2025<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item vertical_alignment=”top” horizontal_alignment=”center” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%” item_padding_768_1024=”0″][vc_single_image image=”25064″ img_size=”106×150″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https:\/\/www.smith.care\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Digihubs_Poster_web.pdf”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

DigiHubs Poster<\/a><\/p>\n

(English)<\/p>\n

Stand: 09\/2025<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][qode_elements_holder_item advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5%” item_padding_768_1024=”0″][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1626173347905{background-color: #e0f4fc !important;}”][vc_column][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”one_column”][qode_elements_holder_item horizontal_alignment=”left” advanced_animations=”no” item_padding_480_600=”40px 0px” item_padding_480=”40px 0px” item_padding=”50px 0px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1759841431639{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

About the Digital Progress Hubs Health<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Since 2021, the Digital Progress Hubs Health (DigiHubs) have been bringing the work of the Medical Informatics Initiative (MII) to connect research and healthcare into all areas of the healthcare system. Each hub is based at the Data Integration Center of a university hospital. A Data Integration Center networks with regional partners \u2014 including hospitals, medical practices, rehabilitation and nursing facilities, and emergency services. In the first funding phase until 2025, the foundations for cross-sector data exchange were established. Since mid-2025, the seven DigiHubs have intensified their collaboration to expand the structures established previously and create a nationwide network.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Medical Informatics Initiative (MII)<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Digital Progress Hubs Health (German)<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/qode_elements_holder_item][\/qode_elements_holder][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=”” css=”.vc_custom_1620300438259{background-color: #f5f6f6 !important;}”][vc_column][qode_elements_holder number_of_columns=”one_column”][qode_elements_holder_item advanced_animations=”no” item_padding=”5% 0″ item_padding_480_600=”20px 0px 20px 0px” item_padding_480=”20px 0px 20px 0px”][vc_column_text css=””] DISTANCE:PRO \u2013 Digital Smart Hub for Advanced Connected Care Professional [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1774013222744{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”] Improving treatments and quality of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":20501,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full_width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7759","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7759"}],"version-history":[{"count":94,"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26156,"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7759\/revisions\/26156"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smith.care\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}