We learn the keys to this pioneering project with Dr. Josep Redón, main investigator of the project
Integra Cloud project is led by Dr. Josep Redón Mas, coordinator of the Study Group on Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk, as well as the Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Platform of INCLIVA.
The former professor of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valencia and head of the Internal Medicine Service at the Clinical Hospital of Valencia until his retirement in 2021, has always combined his care work, with teaching and research.
He has led and participated in more than 40 projects in the field of Arterial Hypertension and Vascular Risk, which have led him to become an international reference in his field of study. In addition, as a result of his commitment to research, he assumed for years the position of Scientific Director of the INCLIVA Health Research Institute.
He is currently working on several projects in which he seeks to take advantage of the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) applied to medicine.
- How would you summarize the objective of the Integra Cloud project?
The project aims to integrate the health data of the inhabitants of the Department of Health Clínico-Malvarrosa so that the health personnel can use them in primary uses. Thus, it seeks to improve the quality and integration of data from different sources, including external records, and optimize care and management outcomes.
- How did the idea of developing this project come about?
The idea came after years of experience using Health data with sanitary value and being aware of all the information and possibilities that we lose without grouping them in real time. Making this possible would allow us to improve, not only the Care, but also to make projection studies to anticipate the care and management needs and optimize the resources.
- What are the main challenges that INCLIVA faces with this project?
Integra Cloud presents certain risks because it is a project that seeks to make a qualitative leap towards structures that are not fully integrated at present. However, I am convinced that thanks to the work of the team of the Hospital Clínico and INCLIVA, as well as the structures of the Conselleria de Sanidad, including the Secretariat for Planning, Information and Digital Transformation, this project will reach a good port.
- Integra Cloud is not the first research project in which you work with Artificial Intelligence as an ally. BigData4BetterHeart, BigMedilytics are two good examples. How can different AI techniques contribute to the field of research and telemedicine?
AI introduces a paradigm shift in medical research and, consequently, in Health Care in the near future. This implies changes in various areas and challenges to adapt to them and understand them, such as medical infrastructures, clinical trials, precision medicine, decision support systems, etc. The challenge is the effort required to replace existing methods and forms of care and the understanding of the medical world.
- What results do you expect to obtain with Integra Cloud?
With this project we have the illusion of achieving a structure that improves and integrates the data of patients for better care, planning and monitoring of their morbid processes. At the same time, it will give us a tool for predicting future events and needs, anticipating with foresight a better and more cost-effective Health Care. There is no doubt that it will also provide us with a tool for secondary research uses and the possibility of integration at the European level.
- What are the future challenges you would like to work on?
Without any doubt, with the projects of the European Health Data Space, as I believe that it can offer added value for the better prophylaxis, evaluation, treatment and management of diseases in Europe.