Innovations for better health – digital and powered by AI

Whether at the trade fair, conferences or specialist forums, this year's focus was particularly on the digital transformation of the healthcare system in the context of the increasing "outpatientization" of care and networking between clinics. Other trends included solutions based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and supporting systems such as robotic systems or solutions for implementing more sustainable processes. The innovations presented by exhibitors included an AI-controlled wearable to improve sleep quality (by stimulating the brain through precise neurofeedback signals), an energy-saving yet effective cryotherapy procedure as well as robotic systems for diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation – from robot-aided ultrasound examinations and cardiovascular surgery without physical contact of the instruments when navigating through blood vessels to upper body mobilization of bedridden patients.


Top speakers addressed “hot topics”

In addition to the numerous innovations, the highlights of every MEDICA traditionally include the diverse ancillary program with celebrity visits and presentations. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach participated (by video call) in the opening ceremony of the accompanying 46th German Hospital Day and in the discussions concerning the major hospital reform in Germany and the significant changes this will bring to the structure of available healthcare.

The “hot topic” of artificial intelligence was discussed in numerous sessions and from a variety of different perspectives in the conferences and panel talks that accompanied the trade fair. World renowned AI experts such as Bart de Witte, Prof. Paul Lukowicz and Prof. Dr Aldo Faisal provided the necessary scientific background. They addressed both very specific issues, such as the extent to which 'ChatGPT' can be of medical benefit (for example by “translating” complicated phrases in letters written by physicians into generally understandable language) as well as more fundamental aspects. Bart de Witte, as a specialist for digital transformation in healthcare, addressed the “big picture” in his keynote speech at the MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM. He currently sees a very critical point in the use of AI in the healthcare sector and calls for the "democratization" of medical AI. The storage of medical knowledge in digital form should not be the exclusive domain of a few technological giants. It must be generally accessible. Otherwise, the potential use of medical AI would be very limited.

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