Deadline: 16-Apr-26
The European Commission is funding large-scale projects under Horizon Europe to reduce low-value care and improve healthcare efficiency and quality. With a total budget of €38 million and projects around €10 million each, the programme supports evidence-based tools, AI solutions, and system reforms.
The initiative focuses on patient safety, resource optimisation, and sustainable healthcare systems by eliminating ineffective or unnecessary care practices.
This programme targets the identification and reduction of low-value care, defined as healthcare practices that provide little or no benefit to patients, may cause harm, or waste healthcare resources.
The goal is to transform healthcare systems into efficient, patient-centred, and sustainable models.
Key Programme Details
Funding Information
- Total Budget: €38,000,000
- Expected Project Size: ~€10,000,000 per project
- Programme Type: Research and Innovation Actions
- Scope: Multi-country, large-scale projects
Programme Objectives
- Identify and reduce low-value care practices
- Improve patient safety and outcomes
- Enhance healthcare efficiency and sustainability
- Support evidence-based decision-making
Understanding Low-Value Care (Key Concept)
Low-value care includes:
- Overuse: Unnecessary tests or treatments
- Misuse: Incorrect or inappropriate care
- Underuse: Failure to provide necessary care
- Variation: Unjustified differences in care delivery
Why it matters:
- Leads to wasteful spending
- Reduces quality of care
- Increases risks for patients
- Strains healthcare systems
Reducing low-value care allows better allocation of resources, improved patient outcomes, and more resilient healthcare systems.
Core Focus Areas
1. Evidence-Based Identification
- Use validated indicators to detect low-value practices
- Conduct clinical studies and data analysis
2. Digital and AI Solutions
- Develop tools to identify inefficiencies
- Use AI for predictive analysis and decision support
3. Policy and Payment System Reform
- Evaluate healthcare financing models
- Align incentives with high-value care
4. Cross-System Collaboration
- Compare practices across regions and countries
- Share best practices and benchmarks
5. Patient-Centred Approaches
- Ensure solutions are socially acceptable
- Engage patients and civil society
What Type of Projects Are Funded?
The programme supports large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, including:
- Clinical research on effectiveness of treatments
- Digital platforms for monitoring and reducing low-value care
- AI-based tools for healthcare decision-making
- Policy frameworks and governance models
Key Project Requirements
Projects must:
- Address low-value care at system level
- Demonstrate scalability and transferability
- Include ethical, social, and legal considerations
- Promote stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Deliver measurable impact
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Participants
- Any legal entity worldwide
- Universities and research institutions
- Healthcare providers and hospitals
- Private companies and SMEs
- NGOs and civil society organisations
Consortium Requirement
Applicants must form multi-country, multidisciplinary consortia with partnerships across healthcare, policy, and technology sectors.
Why This Programme Matters
Improving Healthcare Quality
- Reduces harmful or ineffective treatments
- Enhances patient safety
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Reduces unnecessary spending
- Supports environmentally sustainable healthcare
System Transformation
- Strengthens governance and decision-making
- Promotes long-term system resilience
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Identify the Call
- Explore calls under Horizon Europe
- Align your proposal with low-value care objectives
Step 2: Build a Consortium
- Include healthcare providers, researchers, policy experts, and technology partners
Step 3: Define the Problem
- Identify specific low-value care practices
- Provide evidence of impact and scale
Step 4: Develop the Solution
- Propose tools, policies, or interventions
- Include digital and AI-based approaches
Step 5: Plan Implementation
- Ensure scalability across healthcare systems
- Include stakeholder engagement and training
Step 6: Submit Application
- Apply via the European Commission portal
- Follow official requirements and deadlines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Narrow focus without system-level impact
- Weak evidence base
- Lack of stakeholder engagement
- Ignoring ethical and social considerations
- Poor scalability planning
Tips for a Strong Application
- Use robust data and clinical evidence
- Integrate digital and AI tools
- Engage patients and civil society
- Demonstrate cross-country applicability
- Align with EU health strategies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is low-value care?
Healthcare practices that provide minimal benefit, may cause harm, or waste resources.
2. Who can apply for this funding?
Any legal entity worldwide, including universities, hospitals, companies, and NGOs.
3. What is the funding size?
Projects typically receive around €10 million.
4. What types of solutions are supported?
Clinical research, AI tools, digital platforms, and policy reforms.
5. Why is reducing low-value care important?
It improves patient outcomes, reduces costs, and increases system efficiency.
6. Is collaboration required?
Yes, multi-country and multidisciplinary consortia are expected.
7. What outcomes are expected?
Reduced low-value care, improved healthcare quality, and more efficient systems.
Conclusion
The European Commission Low-Value Care Reduction Grants offer a powerful opportunity to improve healthcare systems by eliminating ineffective practices and promoting high-value care.
By combining data, innovation, and collaboration, this programme supports sustainable, patient-centred healthcare systems that deliver better outcomes and optimise resources.
For more information, visit European Commission.