Balto: Digital Support for Treatment Adherence in Stem Cell Transplantation
Project Overview and Partnership
This project evaluates Balto, a digital tool developed through a public-private partnership to support patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. By providing personalised digital guidance, Balto aims to improve treatment adherence, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce the workload on healthcare providers so they can focus on the issues most important for the individual patient. The collaboration combines expertise in healthcare, technology, and behavioural science to address critical challenges in patient care.
Societal and Economic Impact
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a life-saving treatment for severe blood disorders, but its success heavily relies on strict adherence to post-treatment regimens. Non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication and prophylactic medication increases the risk of complications, potentially leading to higher mortality rates and increased healthcare costs. With approximately 90 patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation annually in the UMCG, innovative solutions like Balto are essential to ensure better outcomes and cost efficiency. Globally, non-adherence contributes to healthcare costs exceeding €100 billion annually, underscoring the need for scalable interventions.
Project Approach and Innovation
Balto offers a personalised, patient-centric approach by using digital tools to provide timely reminders, tailored education, and behaviour-supportive interventions. The project combines clinical insights with innovative technology to evaluate the tool’s effectiveness in improving adherence and supporting recovery. By addressing barriers such as forgetfulness or lack of understanding, Balto empowers patients to take control of their treatment while supporting healthcare providers with actionable insights. Balto will also provide means for patients to actively initiate additional support for their individual needs, such as psychosocial help or physiotherapy.
Deliverables and Expected Results
The project will deliver a validated digital tool integrated into healthcare workflows, designed for scalability across clinical settings. If successful, Balto will demonstrate improved treatment adherence rates and better patient outcomes, serving as a model for digital health interventions in other chronic conditions or intensive treatment processes. Results will also inform strategies for broader adoption and integration into standard care practices.
