Future of health: digitization strategies for a better life

Future of health: digitization strategies for a better life

Europe faces two decisive developments: on the one hand an aging society and on the other hand the progressive digitization in all areas of life, especially in medicine. These topics were recently examined in more detail at the Europa-Forum Wachau, which was opened by the former German Health Minister Hermann Gröhe. Gröhe emphasized the need for globally oriented health policy, since challenges such as corona pandemic and antibiotic resistance impressively show that health knows no limits. Effective health policy therefore requires international strategies, as is also reported ots.at.

Europe is already a leader in areas such as medical technologies, diagnostics and medicinal products, which forms the basis for future -proof health strategies. Various experts came together in a panel discussion, which was led by Sebastian Mörth from the Intuitive Futures Forum Berlin, including Dr. Elisabeth groom from the Lower Austrian State Health Agency and Anton Dunzendorfer from AIT. Grütigam emphasized the importance of cross -border exchange, while Dunzendorfer pointed out the relieving possibilities of modern technologies for healthcare skilled workers. The Health Plan 2040+ of the Lower Austrian State Health Agency aims to ensure health care for future generations.

technological innovations and their advantages

technological innovations are not just a question of progress, but a necessity to master the challenges in healthcare. In Austria, the first implemented technologies such as sensors and information and communication technologies show that the use of health data for AI methods has the potential to significantly improve the quality of care. The need for such digitization is also supported by the bpb.de, where the importance of digital health applications that were still in development at that time were to enable health care.

An analysis of the degree of digitization in international comparison shows that Austria is currently placed in the middle of the Digital Health Index of the Bertelsmann Foundation. Pandemic and demographic changes have made the limits of the existing health systems clear and clarify that digital transformation is not just an option, but an urgent need. The [healthcare industry] (https://www.gesundheitwirtschaft.at/publika/65-2024-1/immer-ehr-e-die-die-die-digheit-der-geshysysteme-in-international- comparison/) emphasizes that the digitization of healthcare in Austria already has a solid basis with initiatives such as the e-card and ELGA.

future challenges and perspectives

The creation of a uniform portal for health information and access to health data are the focus of future developments. Such a portal has been used in Denmark, for example, since 2003, which almost all health service providers integrated. Studies show that the use and benefits of ELGA in Austria have increased in 2023 and planned extensions such as radiological image data and online appointment agreements are already initiated.

Austria strives to promote the digital connection of all health service providers and to expand telemedical offers. Strategische Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der IT-Kompetenz von Bevölkerung und Gesundheitspersonal sind für die kommenden Jahre geplant. A comprehensive package of measures is to be implemented by 2030 in order to meet national and international developments. The role of supranational institutions such as the WHO, OECD and the EU is considered crucial to support national digitization strategies.

The discussion about the digitization of the healthcare system remains highly up -to -date, and the approaches mentioned could make a decisive contribution to making the health system in Europe future -proof.