Cáritas Coimbra led the User Advisory Board of project DAPAS
DAPAS aims to provide an innovative solution, based on the needs of elderly and their carers. Cáritas Diocesana de Coimbra, has the role of developing the Portuguese pilot, in which it will test the efficiency and acceptance of the DAPAS system with 40 users. Additionally, it is responsible for organizing and leading the User Advisory Board. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the last meeting was held remotely and chaired by Carina Dantas, Innovation Director at Cáritas Diocesana de Coimbra.
The board came together to review new documents that will be given to the project participants, such as the value version manual and instructions for the plug and play installation. It was also discussed challenges for the pilot implementation and safety of participants regarding the new COVID-19 wave Europe is facing.
At the end of the meeting, the board discussed some alternatives for the project and published a manifesto, in which highlights the need to protect elderly, their dignity and well-being during the pandemic and, following from the restrictions imposed, it states: “(…) Partners, external specialists and end-users representatives are committed to find the best possible solution to obtain meaningful results in DAPAS, however their main priority is the safeguarding of elder adults.”
The next User Advisory Board meeting will be held before the delivery of the premium version to the participants; however no date was decided yet.
