Flagship: PROTECt ME - Convergence

PROTECt ME

Proactive Technology-supported prevention
and Mental Health in adolescence

PROTECt ME

One in four Dutch young people (ages 12-25) is at risk of developing long-term psychological issues. The demand for specialized care continues to rise, while long waiting lists and limited resources prevent many young people from receiving the help they need in time.

With PROTECt ME, we aim to identify and support young people earlier using innovative technology, allowing us to help them faster and reduce pressure on the healthcare system.

Our Approach

PROTECtME is an interdisciplinary initiative within the Convergence collaboration between TU Delft, Erasmus MC, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. By combining knowledge from various fields (such as psychiatry, pedagogy, psychology, data science, design, ethics, education, and economics), we develop solutions that are not only technologically innovative but also practically applicable in healthcare.

Our Goals

As researchers with strong ties to practice, we believe that science can lead to new and innovative solutions. We are working on scientifically-based, personalized eHealth interventions for young people, chatbot training for volunteers, and accessible parenting interventions. Additionally, we support policymakers and professionals by gathering real-time data and analysis for efficient and ethical mental health policy. For example, we are developing a decision-making tool that makes it easier for professionals to identify young people in need of help more quickly and provide assistance.

At PROTECt ME, we believe that there is already a lot you can do before care is needed. With smart technological solutions, we aim to support young people to prevent them from becoming depressed

Prof. Dr. L.G.M.T. (Loes) Keijsers

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Academic Lead PROTECt ME | Full professor Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences | Clinical Child and Family Studies

Early Identification: Puberty or Depression?

Care for young people often comes too late, and this is because it is difficult to quickly distinguish who is depressed and who is simply going through puberty. We are developing AI and data-driven techniques to identify vulnerable young people at an early stage, for example, by tracking them in their daily lives using apps. This contributes to early intervention and better access to care.

Faster access to the right help

How can we ensure that every young person receives the right care as quickly as possible and doesn’t get stuck on an endless waiting list? And is it possible that some young people are wrongly placed on a waiting list? We are developing human-centered AI systems to assist healthcare professionals in making the right decisions about who receives which care. This helps to implement interventions in a timely and effective manner, tailored to the unique needs of young people.

Prevention: Help before problems arise

There are already many treatments for depression in young people, but they often come too late. What if we could prevent it by helping young people become more resilient? To achieve this, we are designing innovative digital tools (e.g., eHealth applications) and personalized interventions to prevent mental health issues. Each child is unique in this process. By using AI and data analysis, we can offer tailored interventions that help young people before their symptoms worsen.

User-centered

Who knows better what young people need than young people themselves? In everything we do, design, or try to understand, we collaborate with young people. Additionally, we involve caregivers and parents to ensure that the developed technologies meet their needs. Through co-creation and participatory research, we increase the effectiveness and acceptance of our solutions.

Infrastructure and education

We believe in collaboration between disciplines, as complex problems require all perspectives. We are developing interdisciplinary centers of expertise to translate scientific breakthroughs into practice. By building a large scientific and societal network, we have access to the latest knowledge and insights, allowing us to deliver solutions more quickly to address real-world problems. Additionally, we integrate innovative educational programs to train the next generation of professionals in technology and mental health care.