Cádiz University has managed to place one of its Projects healthcare innovation projects among the finalists for the 10th SaluDigital Awards, a national competition that recognizes initiatives capable of improving health, well-being, and quality of life through the use of technology. 🌐
The mICardiAPP, developed by an interdisciplinary e Team ct with significant participation by female researchers from the UCA, will compete in the Health App category, according to an announcement by the Mediforum Group, the organizer of these awards.
Sponsored by the Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation at the University of Cádiz (INiBICA), the project was led by Faculty of Nursing professors Pilar Bas Sarmiento, Martina Fernández Gutiérrez, and Eduardo Sánchez Sánchez, and serves as an example of the strategic role of nursing in healthcare innovation. 🩺
mICardiAPP was developed in response to the real needs of patients with heart failure and offers a digital tool designed to facilitate self-management of the condition via a smartphone, combining clinical expertise with advanced technology. 📲
This recognition as a finalist comes amid fierce competition. In this tenth edition, which concluded on January 31 with a record number of entries, the jury evaluated a total of 118 initiatives before announcing the selected “ Projects ” in each category.
📅 Entrega de premios: 26 de marzo
📍 Lugar: CaixaForum (Madrid)
🏅 Categoría: App de Salud
The app allows users to monitor various aspects related to the condition and includes specific modules for tracking medication, diet, and physical activity, as well as for identifying warning signs and symptoms. ❤️
It also includes health literacy strategies that facilitate access to and understanding of relevant information about the disease. In addition, it features game-based activities and personalized challenges designed to boost motivation and encourage continued use of the tool, as well as emotional support aimed at improving the patient’s overall experience. 🎯
The goal is to evaluate whether the use of mICardiAPP helps reduce the rate of hospital readmissions and mortality associated with heart failure, while improving the quality of life for those affected and reducing the burden on the healthcare system. 📊
mICardiAPP is part of a health research project funded by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), under the Strategic Health Action (AES) 2025, one of the most demanding calls for proposals in the national health R&D&I system. 🔬
The initiative is led by the Campo de Gibraltar Oeste Health Management Area of the Andalusian Health Service and the Bahía de Algeciras Campus of the UCA. Participants include professionals from the Cardiology Clinical Management Unit at Punta Europa University Hospital, faculty and researchers from the School of Nursing at Algeciras ( PAIDI Group CTS1019), and other research groups at the University of Cádiz (CTS158, TIC195, and FQM243). 🤝
Project leaders emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the project, which brings together psychologists, doctors, nurses, computer scientists, pharmacists, and physical therapists affiliated with both the Andalusian Health Service and various groups at the University of Cádiz and the Spanish Health Literacy Network.
The project had already received prior funding from the Andalusian ERDF and the University of Cádiz ’s own funding plan. With funding from the Carlos III Health Institute, it has established itself as a national initiative of excellence.
Being named a finalist in the 10th SaluDigital Awards further strengthens mICardiAPP’s public profile and highlights the UCA’s ability to lead Projects in technology transfer and innovation that has a direct impact on society. 🚀
Heart failure is currently the leading cause of hospitalization among people over 65 in Spain, posing a significant challenge to the healthcare system. In light of this reality, researcher Team s advocating for a shift in approach based on patient empowerment, promoting a model of active care grounded in participation and informed self-management. 💙
