Ubent
Movement care in Twente is under pressure. Due to an ageing population, increasing demand for care, and a shortage of professionals, waiting times are rising and the pressure on care providers is growing. Especially in posture and movement care, demand is increasing while the supply is fragmented. This leads to longer recovery times and higher costs for both patients and professionals. Ubent was born from this urgency: an innovative collaboration that puts the user at the centre – not the system.
Ubent – Movement care centred around the user
Movement care in Twente is under pressure. Waiting times are increasing, professionals are scarce, and demand is growing. Ubent offers an innovative response: a digital platform that organises movement care in a smarter, more personal and efficient way – with the user at the centre.
The project launched in early 2025 with a pilot phase, where clients recovering from knee or hip surgery can digitally monitor their recovery and take control of their care. The collaboration between healthcare, technology and science is unique in Twente and is supported by OCON, Roessingh, Demcon, ADG Dienstengroep and the University of Twente.
What makes this project unique:
- Direct contact between user and movement care specialist via a digital platform
- Insight into recovery through digital monitoring and self-management
- Smarter referral to appropriate care, fewer unnecessary appointments
- Strong collaboration between healthcare, technology and science
- Supported by the Regio Deal Twente and the Province of Overijssel
Goal:
Future-proof movement care in Twente, with higher quality of life for users and less pressure on care professionals.
From Insight to Innovation: Design-Based Research as a Foundation
Ubent is an initiative of OCON, Roessingh, Demcon, ADG Dienstengroep and the University of Twente, focused on organising movement care in the region in a smarter, more personal and efficient way.
Ubent is developing a centre of expertise for movement care, where all relevant professionals, disciplines and data come together around the user. Through a design-based research approach, the project moves from problem exploration to practical solutions – always in co-creation with the user.
The first step is a pilot with clients recovering from knee or hip surgery. This pilot tests innovative methods such as:
- Direct contact between user and movement care specialist
- Insight into recovery through digital monitoring
- Self-management of appointments and contact moments
- Faster and more appropriate referral to care
This gives users more control over their recovery, without losing contact with care providers.
Building Future-Proof Movement Care Together
The challenges are significant. Twente has a relatively high prevalence of conditions such as osteoarthritis, a rapidly ageing population, and major socio-economic health disparities. At the same time, pressure on primary care is increasing.
Ubent contributes to future-proof movement care by:
- Organising recovery processes more intelligently
- Reducing waiting times
- Avoiding unnecessary appointments
- Actively involving users in their care process
- Enabling continuous and personal contact with professionals
The pilot is being carried out by OCON, Trimm and DAI. In this phase, the user experience is central, and the platform is being developed step by step.
Expected Impact: Better Quality of Life, Less Pressure on Care
Ubent contributes to higher quality of care and life in Twente. Through more efficient processes and smart technology, users can recover faster and better, while the workload for care professionals decreases. Monitoring also provides valuable insights for further improvement of movement care.
Expected results:
- Shorter rehabilitation periods and higher user satisfaction
- Less pressure on physiotherapists, GPs and other movement care professionals
- Strengthening of regional care capacity through digital and hybrid care models
Supported by the Region
Ubent is made possible by contributions from the Agenda for Twente and Regio Deal II, with support from the Province of Overijssel. The project aligns seamlessly with the shared ambition to keep Twente vital, innovative and liveable.
Looking Ahead: From Digital Platform to Physical Expertise Centre
Ubent lays the foundation for better movement care in Twente, with the user at the centre and specialists connected via a digital platform. But the ambition goes further: the ultimate goal is a physical centre of expertise where professionals literally come together to shape the movement care of the future. In this way, we are building a stronger regional care structure where innovation, collaboration and human focus are key.
Gross Twents Happiness
Which indicators does this project contribute to?
✓ Health
✓ Social engagement
✓ Social connections