NeLL

Infrastructure and User Services

NeLL is a national research and implementation network that provides an extensive digital infrastructure for developing, evaluating, and scaling eHealthinnovations. Our infrastructure includes:

Facilities and data:

• Secure digital testing environment for eHealth applications
• Curated knowledge base of scientific publications, implementation tools, and validated interventions
• Access to living labs embedded in primary care, elderly care, and hospital settings

Services to users:

• Co-creation and participatory design with patients and professionals
• Methodological support for implementation research, including mixed-method studies
• Training and education modules on digital health for researchers and care professionals
• Joint applying for funding and scaling successful interventions

Our infrastructure is built for collaboration and is open to academic researchers, healthcare providers, SMEs, and public sector partners. We facilitate user-drivendevelopment cycles in real-world contexts and provide the tools needed for responsible, effective digital health implementation.

Examples/description of the type of research

NeLL’s infrastructure facilitates applied research in digital health across disciplines. We support:

• Effectiveness studies of digital tools in real-world healthcare settings
• Implementation science focused on adoption and sustainability of innovations
• Human-centered design and usability testing of digital applications
• Data-driven health services research using real-world evidence
• Evaluations of blended care, remote monitoring, and patient empowerment strategies

Typical projects involve collaboration between researchers, tech developers, and healthcare professionals. Studies range from pilot evaluations to multi-siterandomized trials. NeLL also enables longitudinal research by maintaining partnerships with care networks and municipalities.

Our platform is especially suited for projects requiring iterative design, patient participation, and integration in complex care systems. It supports interdisciplinaryresearch across medical, behavioral, and technical domains and provides tailored support for both early-stage and scale-up phases. NeLL contributes to innovation that is not only evidence-based but also practical, scalable, and tailored to the needs of real users in real settings.

How to access the infrastructure?

NeLL primarily offers virtual access (approx. 60%) through its secure digital platforms for research collaboration, data collection, and knowledge sharing. Remoteaccess (approx. 25%) is provided for partners who engage in online co-creation, training, or data analysis without on-site presence. Physical access (approx. 15%)is available via NeLL hubs and living labs across the Netherlands, where users can participate in implementation projects or conduct research in real-world caresettings. Access is coordinated by the central team and supported regionally by the hubs.