In this project I am co-applicant, work package leader, and supervisor

Main applicant and project leader is Xavier Maître, Université Paris-Saclay

V|LF-Spiro3D aims at developing and validating a new modality for spatially resolved, 3D lung structure and function characterization using cost-effective small-footprint, low and very-low MRI technology. 3D MR spirometry is to provide an accessible tool for the early diagnosis, staging, and treatment follow-up of patients suffering from respiratory diseases.

This international project is funded by a EIC pathfinder grant from the ERC. It is conducted by a consortium consisting of: Université Paris Saclay (lead); Institut Polytechnique de Paris; Siemens Healthineers; NMR Service GMBH; Tilburg University; Erasmus MC; Association Hospital Foch; APHP Paris; POLETP; Aberdeen University. It runs from 2023 until 2027.

Description sub-project in Work package 4: 
WP 4 is a study parallel to the other studies of this project. This study does not look at effectiveness or sensitivity of the diagnostic device to be developed, but investigates how the use of this new technology is experienced by both patients and clinical professionals involved. We all know that for the clinical process, patients’ experiences are very important. When a device tests well what it is supposed to test but when it is uncomfortable, awkward or impractical in its use, compliance does not benefit. Also when the objective outcomes of the device do not correspond with patients’ subjective experiences of their illness, this might have an impact on patients’ understanding of their disease, and consequently on their ability to self-manage their disease(trajectory). But it is also expected that a new technological device will affect the way physicians proceed. It may indeed affect the processes of diagnosing, informing and of (shared) decision-making. Alongside these clinical issues, WP 4 also intends to explore the philosophical question of whether and how the new type of images, produced by 3D MR spirometry, may affect imagination and understanding of the human body. WP 4 consists of explorative studies (interviews, open-text surveys, observations, drawing assignments) at the (clinical) sites in Paris, Rotterdam and Aberdeen.

The studies will be conducted by post-doc researcher Irene Groenevelt