As the largest medical trade fair in existence, MEDICA, being held November 12th through the 15th in Dusseldorf, Germany, has the opportunity and responsibility to present innovative ideas and technology to the health care world. This year, the show and conference will continue that tradition via a number of different events, when it delves into the evolving role health IT plays in the medical arena.

First, a presentation called, "ISV - Information Scarcely Visible?" will explore the ease (or lack-thereof) for nurses and doctors to get to the information they need when they need it. According to the presenters, often too many steps are needed when using touchscreens for instance. Attendees will learn that with the right apps and proper configuration, it's possible to get the information that a doctor or nurse needs more easily and just the information the particular user needs to see, helping to address patient confidentiality requirements.

The presentation will also look into other uses for apps and other apps that can be useful to medical facilities. Apps tracking cost effectiveness for patient lengths of stay, for example, may prove invaluable in some cases. Certain apps will track and alert if the maximum length of stay has been exceeded and the billing for the patient is changing.

App throwdown
Beyond learning about which apps have proven useful and popular, MEDICA attendees will have the chance to get a sneak peek at apps that may be the "must-haves" of the future during the MEDICA App Competition.

The event, now in its third year, invites app developers from around the world to submit their best health care apps. The submissions are reviewed by MEDICA experts and 10 apps are picked to be presented at the show. Attendees can check out what's on hand, with the winner being selected by a jury.

Awarding innovation
Finally, making its debut this year is the the eHeath Venture Summit & Innovation Award. The summit runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 14, with networking; a keynote by Ran Fish, vice president of Digital Health for Samsung Electronics; a panel discussion; and an award ceremony.

The ceremony and award will provide a chance for start-ups to get in front of internationally renowned clinical and economic experts, helping to introduce them to potential investors.

DOTmed HealthCare Business News will continue to cover further developments on MEDICA's upcoming event.

Health IT Homepage