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"Responsible innovation in ABI care" was the theme of the inspiring in-depth afternoon organized by EENnacoma on November 25. During this afternoon, no fewer than 66 healthcare providers, scientists, experts by experience and experts from the government and insurance world, among others, were introduced to progressive interventions to improve the care of people with acquired brain injury.

Chairman of the day dr. Willemijn van Erp opened the afternoon and talked to Prof. Dr. Marianne Boenink, Professor of Ethics of Healthcare, about the question of how to innovate responsibly in the care of partially incapacitated, vulnerable patients with ABI. Subsequently, 4 parties, some part of the regular Dutch care offer, others not, presented their innovations for people with severe ABI: TRAINM Clinics (Edward Schietecatte), VRelax (Frank Nuus) and De Roode Draak (Cindy van het Ende) and the LIS outpatient clinic (locked-in Syndrome) of the Hoogstraat (Carine Roos, speech therapist, and Catja Dijkstra, rehabilitation doctor).

After the flash presentations, there was ample opportunity for critical-constructive exchange with the innovators. VR glasses were tried out, the Mollisuit from De Roode Draak could be viewed and several practical images from De LIS outpatient clinic and TRAINM Clinics were shown.

After a photo was traditionally taken on the stairs of the Experience centre of the Radboudumc, the afternoon continued with a discussion based on stimulating statements led by Prof. Dr. Marianne Boenink. Are innovations in care for people with severe ABI good if they keep the hope of improvement alive? Should the patient's family have the final say on whether an innovation leads to a meaningful outcome? And who should pay for the innovation? More than enough food for thought, and our impression is that the clinical-scientific framing of innovations in ABI care has come another step closer with this afternoon. Because it was clear to all those present that appropriate care for this target group is not possible without new developments. Chairman of the day dr. Willemijn van Erp concluded with a special practical example where a sleeping pill led to great progress and joy, but this also caused me concern because the consequences on a mental level were difficult to estimate.

We look back on a successful and very fascinating afternoon!