F. Holtkamp1*, Ron Schiedon2, Jessica Hohenshon3

1 Fontys_University_of_Allied_Health_Professions, Eindhoven
2 Schiedon Orthopedie, Consultant Orthopaedic Footwear, Amstelveen
3 Jessica Hohenschon, Fußorthopädie Hohenschon, Bedburg, Germany / Jess I Care Healthcare Innovation consulting

*Corresponding Author: f.holtkamp@fontys.nl, tel. +31 6 51942732

The UNIVERS project concerning ‘a uniform provision of orthopaedic work and safety footwear (WSF)’ emerged from the observation that the current prescribing, fitting, designing, and the provisioning process of WSF is highly complex and lacks transparency. This jeopardizes quality and use of orthopaedic WSF.
While wearing orthopaedic WSF presents great added value in relation to labour participation and reduced work absenteeism, it remains insufficiently substantiated due to non-standardized processes and knowledge base. In practice, there are substantial differences in methods of working between professionals. There is limited knowledge of relevant safety laws and regulations, and insufficient insight into the medical, technical, and financial implications of the selected WSF interventions. As a result, quality assurance is difficult and the added value for society often foregone.

Approach
The UNIVERS project addresses this issue through four separate projects, which together form the basis for the development of a (digital) WSF Toolbox. This Toolbox is intended to align with the existing (Dutch orthopaedics) indication portal and to support professionals in the processes of indication, selection, design, manufacturing, and provisioning. The four subprojects focus respectively on 1) stakeholders and users, 2) medical and legal indications, 3) orthopaedic shoe technical interventions, and 4) the effectiveness of WSF. In doing so, the project incorporates collaboration across multiple disciplines, including orthopaedic shoe technicians, orthopaedic technologists, pedorthists, podiatrists, occupational physicians, occupational experts, and students from orthopaedic technology, physiotherapy, healthcare, law and economics.

The expected outcomes of the project are threefold. First, it provides deeper WSF insight into medical indications, practical challenges, stakeholder roles, and the consequences for clinical and professional practice. Second, it results in an industrywide tool that enables professionals to act more consistently and transparently. Thirdly, UNIVERS will contribute to a more efficient process, facilitate rehabilitation, and help reduce societal costs.

In this way, UNIVERS aims not only to improve the quality and coherence of the dispensing process of WSF, but also to contribute to society by better labour participation for individuals in need of WSF, and more effective knowledge transfer within orthopaedic education and professional practice.
During the conference the UNIVERS project will be elaborated and achieved results are shared. 

Conclusion
The UNIVERS project demonstrates that the current process of prescribing and providing orthopaedic work and safety footwear is complex, insufficiently transparent, and lacks consistency across professional practices. By integrating multidisciplinary knowledge and addressing medical, technical, and organizational aspects through its subprojects, UNIVERS lays a strong foundation for a standardized and evidence-informed approach. The development of a digital Toolbox is expected to enhance transparency, support professional decision-making, and improve the overall quality and efficiency of the process. Ultimately, UNIVERS contributes to better substantiated care, increased labour participation, and a reduction in societal costs, while also strengthening collaboration and knowledge transfer within both practice and education.