SPIKES

Spikes aimed to support the care sector in terms of two needs, identified by the Zorgbedrijf Antwerpen in Antwerp. On the one hand, their solution provided accurate management information about the infection situation of residents and staff in the care institutions. On the other hand, the application could safely redeploy volunteers in the institutions. The app was incredibly relevant, scientifically based and was a great example of innovative collaboration across disciplines.

Accurate management information: a necessity in times of crisis 

Werner Vanhees (Spikes): "Spikes wanted Zorgbedrijf Antwerpen to quickly gain insight into the infection rate among employees and clients in their organisations. By linking the right data with work planning, track & trace and other relevant information, it became possible for management teams to trace any infections rapidly. With the results, they could take reliable measures at care institutions. If necessary, based on this accurate data, they could start proactive testing to prevent further spread of the virus or even isolate an entire team, department or care facility."

Working together in a multidisciplinary team proved an added value

Werner Vanhees: "Together with the IT department of Zorgbedrijf Antwerpen, we analysed the existing information systems. For the application to succeed, we needed up-to-date and correct data. 
To detect infections in a care institution, Spikes published a digital tool to test on Covid-19 - created by Bingli - on the Zorgbedrijf intranet. This questionnaire was answered by each employee and patient. In a next step, Spikes analysed the results of people tested and the infection situation per healthcare facility. All relevant management info was then compiled into a dashboard.  

A dashboard maps infections, suspected infections or cured employees and clients per institution. Fortunately, the epidemic had been contained, but the dashboard was up and running for a possible second wave. And not just for Zorgbedrijf Antwerpen; the board is very generically conceived and can easily be implemented in other organisations." 

Later on, the Kwiekzilver platform was activated, to match patients' demand for care with the supply of care. This platform was set up for Zorgbedrijf Antwerpen and combined with databases from organisations of volutary workers, who could safely return and take care of the social needs of patients.