Home testing makes life easier for patients

From outpatient clinic to home hospital – Roche and Diffia at the core of the partnership

The project brings together Roche Diagnostics Norway and Diffia, who, in collaboration with Sykehuset Østfold, have developed a solution that could change how patients are monitored. All partners are members of Norway Health Tech.

For patients with cancer and blood disorders, blood tests are a part of everyday life. Many must travel to the hospital every week – often a trip that takes hours and requires assistance from relatives. With the IMOST device, developed in collaboration with Roche, and the Nimble app from Diffia, this scenario was turned upside down.

Instead of visiting the lab, patients could take a simple blood test at home with a finger prick, view the result on their mobile phone, and send it directly to the hospital. The laboratory still plays an important role in quality assurance before results are released. Nurses then receive a full overview and can immediately follow up on abnormal results.

Small numbers – big impact

During the R&D phase, the solution was tested in a production environment with real patients and data. Even though the study included only a small number of participants, the findings were striking:

• 9 out of 9 reported that everyday life became easier
• 10 out of 10 believed the solution could replace some lab-based tests at home
• 7 out of 9 wanted to continue using Hjemmelab

“This is the future!” wrote one patient in their feedback. Another added: “Fewer trips and hospital visits mean more energy for everyday life.”

Not just technology – but also trust

The findings show that the technology can provide patients with freedom and insights, but also that implementation must be done carefully. Patients and nurses highlighted several key conditions: the need for thorough training, sufficient digital competence, and awareness of the risk of social isolation when hospital visits become fewer.

This highlights that the real value lies not only in the digital tool, but in the combination of technology, training, and follow-up.

Sykehuset Østfold has already approved the solution – and the interest does not stop there. Eight out of nine hospitals in the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Sør-Øst), as well as Helse Stavanger HF, have chosen to exercise their option to adopt Hjemmelab. The parties are now working on an agreement that will make the solution available to many more patients across the region.

"Diagnostics – and especially early diagnostics – are key to better follow-up and improved outcomes. This technology enables patients to take an active role in managing their health, wherever they are. With the laboratory ensuring quality and traceability, Hjemmelab is a safe and reliable option for the patient groups using it. We are grateful for what we have been able to contribute so far, and for everything we have learned from our partners along the way,”
says Tove Ofstad, Project Manager for Hjemmelab at Roche Diagnostics Norway.

Benefits for both patients and society

Although the economic impact was not the main focus of the project, the potential is clear. Fewer patient transports, shorter queues at laboratories, and reduced burden on caregivers all represent system-level benefits. When the solution also provides patients with more energy in their daily lives and gives healthcare professionals better overview, the result is a double gain: improved patient experiences and more efficient use of resources.

Hjemmelab demonstrates what is possible when hospitals, industry, and technology companies develop solutions together. With Roche and Diffia as key partners, Sykehuset Østfold as the clinical driver, and strong support from ICT provider Sykehuspartner, the foundation is in place for a new standard in patient follow-up.

“At Diffia, we are proud to have contributed to a project that puts patients’ needs first, supported by skilled and committed partners at Sykehuset Østfold, Sykehuspartner, and Roche Diagnostics Norway. When technology provides freedom in daily life, better oversight for healthcare professionals, and saves resources for society, we truly see the potential of moving more healthcare services into the patient’s home,” says Petter Risøe, Chief Medical Officer at Diffia.

For Norway Health Tech, this is a strong example of how members can help create solutions that put the patient at the center – while at the same time strengthening the sustainability of the healthcare system.

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