About project

SmartSpec aims to develop and test a model for digiphysical clinics, also known as hybrid clinics, that can be adapted to different healthcare settings. The project will also produce a practical implementation plan describing how the model can be introduced and applied in routine healthcare services.

Many smaller towns and rural areas face challenges in accessing specialist healthcare services. At the same time as healthcare needs are increasing, recruiting specialist expertise locally is often difficult.

For patients, this can result in longer waiting times and longer travel distances to receive care. For healthcare providers, it creates challenges in using resources efficiently while maintaining high quality and accessibility.

What is a digiphysical clinic?

A digiphysical clinic combines in-person healthcare visits with remote specialist participation.

Patients receive parts of their care at a local healthcare facility, where examinations, sample collection, or other data gathering are carried out by on-site healthcare professionals. Specialist expertise is then connected remotely to provide assessment, consultation, diagnosis, or support throughout the treatment process..

Project objectives and expected results

The project will deliver:

• A quality-assured and transferable model for digiphysical clinics.
• A description of workflows, communication pathways, and technical infrastructure.
• An implementation plan with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for introducing the model.

The results will be available for healthcare organizations seeking to develop specialist healthcare services using digiphysical approaches.

Project activities

The project includes:

• Communication and dissemination of project results.
• Analysis of current conditions, healthcare processes, and needs in Sweden and Latvia.
• Joint development and testing of a digiphysical clinic model.
• Evaluation of digital solutions, information security, and legal requirements.
• Development of an implementation plan for introducing the model.