eLabEL: Living Labs for Implementation and Evaluation of Integrated Technology in Primary Care

In order to implement integrated eHealth technology in primary care, and to study implementation plans, and uptake and effect of these applications, we will establish ten living labs in the Netherlands. Together, these living labs make up the ‘eLabEL project’. For these ten living labs, we will determine where eHealth technology can provide added value, and, together with companies, we will implement relevant applications. Next, patients’ and caregivers’ view on care with and without technology will be investigated, as well as the use and usefulness of technology for specific target populations in primary care (e.g., COPD patients). A special focus will also be placed on developing decision support tools for caregivers. Finally, we will study optimal implementation strategies throughout the project. After three years a durable living lab infrastructure should be established in which companies and research organizations can develop and test eHealth innovations for primary care. This paper aims to spark the discussion on how to set up these kinds of Living Labs.