BFH and Reha Rheinfelden intensify cooperation
The Bern University of Applied Sciences and Reha Rheinfelden are intensifying their cooperation in the field of practice-oriented research and teaching. The focus is on the use of new technical devices and applications in connection with neurologically affected patients.
The two organisations have been working together for over ten years. This latest clinical collaboration between the Institute for Rehabilitation and Performance Technology (IRPT) of the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and Reha Rheinfelden is primarily about using and testing new technical devices and applications in studies with neurologically affected patients. This includes technical validation studies, clinical pilot and feasibility studies and randomised controlled trials. The research results are generally made accessible to the economy, society and culture through effective and implementation-oriented knowledge and technology transfer, according to the media release.
Clinic-related activities within the scope of studies
The second aim of the cooperation is to offer BFH students various clinic-related activities as part of their studies. This includes joint project work, Bachelor, Master and PhD theses, clinical visits and clinical lectures. This is particularly the case in the bachelor's degree programmes in micro and medical technology, medical informatics and mechanical engineering, as well as in the master's degree programmes in engineering, biomedical engineering and physiotherapy.
Advantages for both partners
"Combining scientific research with practical issues is an important concern of our clinic" emphasises Thierry Ettlin, Chief Physician and Medical Director of Reha Rheinfelden. "We have an ideal partner in BFH, which is characterised by its strong practical orientation." Lukas Rohr, Head of the Department of Technology and IT, also emphasises the balanced partnership: "Reha Rheinfelden gives us direct access to patients. This is very valuable for the development of new technologies and products. In addition, the clinic has its own strong scientific department, which complements us perfectly".
Successful cooperation in the past
In the past, the two institutions collaborated on the "Cardio Robot" project, for example. The project evaluated the use of novel rehabilitation robotics technologies to improve physical performance and recovery after a stroke.
Source: IRPT
