Future pandemics may cause more severe respiratory illness in younger age groups than COVID-19, requiring many more mechanical ventilators. This publication synthesizes the experiences of diverse contributors to Medtronic’s mechanical ventilator supply chain during the pandemic, serving as a record of what worked and what didn’t, while identifying key factors affecting production ramp-up in this healthcare crisis.

In-depth, one-on-one interviews (n = 17) were held with key Medtronic personnel and suppliers. Template analysis was used, and interview content was analyzed for signals, initiatives, actions, and outcomes, as well as influencing forces.

Key findings revealed many factors limiting ventilator production ramp-up. Supply chain strengths and weaknesses were identified. Political factors played a role in allocating ventilators and also supported production. Commercial considerations were not priority, but economic awareness was essential to support suppliers. Workers were motivated and flexible. Component shortages, space, production processes, and logistics were challenges. Legally based pressures were reported e.g., import and export restrictions.

Crisis response alone is not enough; preparation is essential. Coordinated international strategies are more effective than individual country responses. Supply chain resilience based on visibility and flexibility is key. This research can help public health planners and the medical device industry prepare for future healthcare crises.

INDUCT (Interdisciplinary Network for Dementia Using Current Technology), and DISTINCT (Dementia Inter-sectorial strategy for training and innovation network for current technology) are two Marie Sklodowska-Curie funded International Training Networks that aimed to develop a multi-disciplinary, inter-sectorial educational research framework for Europe to improve technology and care for people with dementia, and to provide the evidence to show how technology can improve the lives of people with dementia.

In INDUCT (2016-2020) 15 Early Stage Researchers worked on projects in the areas of Technology to support everyday life; technology to promote meaningful activities; and healthcare technology. In DISTINCT (2019-2023) 15 Early Stage Researchers worked on technology to promote Social health in three domains: fulfilling ones potential and obligations in society, managing one’s own life, and participation in social and other meaningful activities.

Both networks adopted three transversal objectives: 1) To determine practical, cognitive and social factors needed to make technology more useable for people with dementia; 2) To evaluate the effectiveness of specific contemporary technology; 3) To trace facilitators and barriers for implementation of technology in dementia care.

The main recommendations resulting from all research projects are integrated in a web-based digital Best Practice Guidance on Human Interaction with Technology in Dementia which was recently updated (Dec 2022 and June 2023) and will be presented at the congress. The recommendations are meant for different target groups, i.e. people in different stages of dementia, their (in)formal carers, policy makers, designers and researchers, who can easily find the recommendations relevant to them in the Best Practice Guidance by means of a digital selection tool.

The INDUCT/DISTINCT Best Practice Guidance informs on how to improve the development, usage, impact and implementation of technology for people with dementia in various technology areas. This Best Practice Guidance is the result of intensive collaborative partnership of INDUCT and DISTINCT with academic and non-academic partners as well as the involvement of representatives of the different target groups throughout the projects.

In Ireland, approximately 65,000 people live with memory problems/dementia (PWMP). Most live in the community, supported by informal caregivers such as relatives. A comprehensive resilience-building psychosocial intervention (CREST) to strengthen intra- and interpersonal resources was piloted by PWMP and caregiver dyads, local GPs, and the community.

An advisory forum of PWMP, caregivers, and dementia advocacy representatives provided guidance on the intervention design and materials (e.g., interview guides), to ensure they addressed the needs of PWMP and caregivers. The 15-week CREST intervention comprised three components: cognitive stimulation therapy for PWMP (CST; 7 weeks), physical exercise for PWMP and partners from the community (8 weeks), and dementia education for key supporters of PWMP: caregivers (6 weeks), GPs, and the community (one-off events). Intervention processes (e.g., recruitment, data collection measures) were evaluated at each stage by PWMP and caregivers through qualitative (verbal feedback, interviews) and quantitative methods (ratings, questionnaires), to ensure they were feasible and acceptable.

Nine PWMP/caregiver dyads were recruited and completed the CREST intervention; attendance was consistently high (90-95%) throughout. The dyads reported that the recruitment materials, phone calls, and letters from the research team were helpful and easy to understand. Feedback from PWMP, caregivers, event attendees, and programme facilitators confirmed that the intervention content and delivery were acceptable. Minor changes were recommended, and changes which facilitated participation by the PWMP during this pilot (e.g., giving verbal rather than written feedback, larger-print handouts) were implemented immediately. The PWMP enjoyed the CST activities (e.g., collages, tasting childhood sweets) and the “bit of fun” the group shared; some also perceived improvements in concentration and confidence. The PWMP enjoyed the group Exercise sessions, particularly the social aspects (e.g., “banter”, exercising with partners), and some reported improved fitness and feeling less breathless. Caregivers felt better informed about managing dementia and communicating with PWMP and enjoyed sharing experiences with other caregivers. Attendees at the community and GP education events reported improved knowledge of dementia.

The involvement of the PWMP and caregivers was valuable to the iteration of the pilot CREST intervention. Consultations with both groups are ongoing to inform future research priorities.