In the closed-loop process, the Operational Platform module performs three key functions: It acts as a central control element that links and coordinates all participating modules on the IT side. In addition, it is involved in the diagnosis process, where it makes a significant contribution to improving quality and efficiency in medical decision-making. The module also complements the project by focusing on the patient, mapping the closed-loop process from the patient’s perspective through a fully integrated mobile patient application and digitally guiding and supporting patients through each step of the process.
As the technical backbone, the platform controls all process steps via the M²OLIE cockpit – from admission and medical history to the planning of diagnostic and therapeutic measures. At the same time, it serves as a central data platform that supplies all participating modules and is integrated into the IT infrastructure of the University Medical Center Mannheim. Structured and standardized communication between the modules is ensured, for example, through the use of FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) interfaces. This enables seamless, interoperable, and secure data transfer within the system and with external clinical IT systems—an essential factor for an efficient closed-loop process.
Another key element is the integration of innovative algorithms for image processing and interpretation. These enable automated and standardized analysis of radiological image data, thereby optimizing the diagnostic process. On this basis, precise 3D biopsy planning is possible, allowing targeted and minimally invasive puncture of suspicious lesions. This increases both diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Another important component is the application of radiomics: Here, extensive quantitative features are extracted from image data, which can provide additional information about tumor biology and response to therapy.
For patients with oligometastases, these integrations significantly improve the patient journey: the IT-supported treatment process enables structured, fast, and safe care. The continuous availability and optimized evaluation of image and patient data lead to efficient therapy decisions. Doctors and patients are guided continuously through the process—transparently, safely, and effectively.
The M²Clinic subproject aims to technically integrate the M²OLIE clinic into the IT infrastructure of the University Medical Center Mannheim (UMM), thereby laying the foundation for the complete M²OLIE closed-loop process. This process forms the core of the M²OLIE project and connects all clinical and technical modules along the patient journey—from admission to therapy—into a closed, digitally supported care pathway.
An important foundation was laid in the second funding phase with the connection of the first clinical information systems to the M²OLIE Data Lake. The third funding phase will build on this: the focus is now on connecting the intervention platform, laboratory, tumor board, and patient-centered systems such as a patient app and the TE-DIAS admission tool. MaLu-IT, the IT department of the UMM, plays a key role in this. It provides hardware, software, and IT expertise, conducts interface workshops, and trains researchers in clinical IT processes.
The aim is to ensure smooth integration through standardized interfaces (e.g., FHIR) and existing systems—without additional development on the part of the hospital. The ProM²etheus platform is linked to clinical workflows so that processes can run automatically and in a coordinated manner. Technically, this includes the use of powerful server architectures. M²Clinic thus creates the technical basis for clinical studies, research on real data, and the IT implementation of the M²OLIE clinic. It bundles the IT results of all modules and makes them usable in the overall process. Without this integration, the technical completion of the closed loop would not be feasible.
The M2OLIE-PAL subproject aims to expand the existing closed-loop process to include a patient-centered approach. This will be achieved by developing a mobile application that provides patients with the best possible support throughout the entire patient journey, from digital patient education and admission to diagnosis and therapy. The focus is on intuitive use and patient requirements.
The application not only supports the process, but also enables the measurement of objective (PROMs) and subjective (PREMs) quality indicators for a comprehensive evaluation of patient satisfaction. In addition, patients are supported in the clinical process through interactive communication with information on the course of treatment, navigation aids, and a digital patient file. Digital patient admission is partially automated and integrated using the TEDIAS booth from Fraunhofer IPA.
M2OLIE-PAL aims to ensure positive patient experiences through continuous support and satisfaction measurement. This is made possible by the use of existing communication protocols (HL7 FHIR), an integrative central data supply (data lake), and separate patient interfaces. This combines the previous treatment-centered approach with a patient-centered perspective, which promotes acceptance of the M²OLIE closed loop. The future use of AI technologies (e.g., generative language models for psychosocial support) will be researched in greater depth in order to further increase patient centricity and actively improve patient satisfaction.
The aim of this subproject is to complete the M²OLIE closed-loop process. Within the M²OLIE Operational Platform, approaches for further developing the M²OLIE cockpit into a demonstrator within the physician journey are being researched, and the implementation of 3D intervention planning incorporating image-based information, tumor characterization based on PCCT (photon-counting CT), and AI-supported evaluations, as well as incorporating existing risk structures. A correlation between pre-interventional imaging (CT/PCCT/MRI/PET) and biopsy information and a resulting adaptation of the intervention planning is also being researched.
