Background

The concept of 'care' is wide but covers traditionally the idea that one person is doing something for another, e.g. through medication. Alternatively, the concept of 'care' may cover inclusion, personal responsibility, and recognition, and this is the approach to the concept of 'care' that the Patient@home project, Ecology of Care, uses, and which is to be unfolded during the duration of the project. With the introduction of a new notion of the concept of 'care', care is not necessarily to be interpreted as something that is performed by health professionals only, but also by the patients themselves.

Vision and Goals

Through a multidisciplinary approach to the concept of 'care', fundamental questions about the individual's place in the world, and relationships with others, will be examined by the project. The vision is that by treating the concept of 'care' from this broader perspective, an understanding of what it means to be human may be obtained. Through the relationships between people, 'care' is a fundamental part of being human. The big question is whether we can reclaim our humaneness?

Planned Activities

• Stage 1 (2014): Basic concepts and partnerships

Meeting with stakeholders from universities, companies and public institutions in various disciplines with the aim of preparing the international symposium to be held in 2015

• Stage 2 (2015): International Colloquium and sector-based implementation strategy workshops

Some partnerships have already been established while others are being sought. In addition, funding for support of long-term objectives of the project will be prepared and applied for.

Expected Results

The project will be instrumental in creating a new understanding of the concept of care including a socio-technical balance, which is based on the understanding of an individual as a human being, and expanded to include customisation of products, services, systems, and environments aimed at the individual.

The project will also serve as a springboard for new projects, involving both technological and non-technological solutions.

Partners

University of Southern Denmark and a number of external partners - more information to follow.