University of Groningen researcher advances sensor-based healthcare technology
Researcher Charissa Roossien is developing wearable sensors and smart implants to improve patient monitoring and reduce the need for unnecessary surgical interventions.
Charissa Roossien at the University of Groningen is spearheading research into biomedical technologies designed to shift healthcare from episodic measurements to continuous monitoring. By utilizing wearable sensors, smart implants, and exoskeleton prototypes, the project aims to address rising healthcare demands and workforce shortages in an aging population.
One significant application involves smart implants for orthopedic replacements. By embedding sensors within hip or knee prostheses, clinicians can monitor signs of inflammation or mechanical wear in real-time. This early detection capability helps identify potential failures before they require invasive revision surgeries, which is particularly beneficial for younger patients who have limited options for secondary operations.
Beyond implants, the research explores the use of wearable skin stickers to track vitals like blood pressure over a full 24-hour cycle. Roossien notes that such data provides a more accurate diagnostic profile than standard snapshots taken during brief clinical consultations.
Central to this research is the collaboration between engineers, patients, and healthcare providers from the earliest development stages. Roossien emphasizes that involving all stakeholders ensures that technological prototypes translate into practical solutions that meet genuine patient needs rather than remaining isolated lab projects.