eHealth: Smart solutions for a healthier future

eHealth, short for electronic health, stands for the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into the healthcare sector. These digital innovations are revolutionizing the way information is collected, analyzed, and used. This includes a wide range of applications and services that use methods. These are, among others, telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), health apps, wearables, video consultations, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The goals behind these applications are diverse:

• improving access to care
• increasing the efficiency of processes
• promoting prevention and strengthening health promotion
• increasing patient autonomy
• reducing costs

Read our interview to find out how patients benefit from better access to care: They gain greater transparency about their own health data and a better opportunity to self-manage their health. In turn, healthcare providers can benefit from increased efficiency, better coordination of care and increased patient satisfaction.

The German government has launched various initiatives to drive forward digitalization in the German healthcare system, including the introduction of the telematics infrastructure and e-prescriptions for all insured persons in the statutory health system.

The importance and use of these technologies have developed significantly in recent years. Advances in technology, changing patient expectations and the need for more efficient care have led to more and more innovative digital solutions. Watch our video to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend and highlighted the importance of telemedicine and other applications.

Our Topic of the Month shows how people can be cared for remotely through the use of telemedicine, which is particularly beneficial in rural areas. Electronic patient files enable comprehensive documentation of medical histories and therefore better coordination between service providers.

Health data is stored digitally instead of in paper files and can be accessed by authorized persons at any time. This enables faster and more efficient communication between service providers. The prerequisite for this is that the digitization of the sector follows a common vision – according to Dr. Rainer Thiel and Dr. Veli Stroetmann in our multimedia report. The European Commission is already developing the basis for an interoperable European healthcare system in many projects.

Visitors to MEDICA can experience innovative products from this area in the MEDICA START-UP PARK, for example: Our video gives an impression.

The sector includes a variety of technologies aimed at improving patient care and facilitating access to care. Telemedicine enables remote monitoring and consultation via digital channels such as video calls or chat platforms. This is beneficial for the digital care of pregnant women, for example, but also parents of premature babies profit.

EHRs offer a central platform for the storage and exchange of health data. They make it easier for professionals to document and access patient information and enable seamless coordination of care, whether between service providers or with the health insurance company.

Health apps are important tools for promoting health and well-being. They enable self-monitoring of vital parameters. They also offer personalized recommendations for improving lifestyle and support long-term prevention. You can see an example of the use of an app in the video about dermatologist consultations via app. Wearables can be used to monitor heart failure, for example.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics make it possible to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and support precise decisions. For example, AI algorithms can help with the early detection of diseases or create personalized treatment plans. Chatbots and AI assistants are also used by now.

Improved patient education and self-care are further benefits. Access to information and resources enables patients to improve their personal competence in managing their health. This facilitates the exchange of information between health service providers and patients, leading to greater patient involvement.

The effective management of medication, prescriptions, and therapy plans is also supported using e-health. In our interview about the "eMMa" medication app, we show evidence of how those with health insurance can benefit from a digital medication plan. This is also relevant for remote care.

Finally, e-health systems lead to considerable financial and time savings. The automation of processes and the reduction of administrative work help to use resources more efficiently and reduce the overall costs of care.

Some key technologies will revolutionize the hospital of the future and make processes not only more efficient, but also more precise and safer. At University Hospital Bonn, for example, "ultrasound to go" has been part of ward rounds for several years.

The impact on the efficiency, accuracy and safety of processes is huge: automation, digital data acquisition and data processing as well as the use of AI help to minimize errors and increase the quality of patient care.

Hospital 4.0 technologies should enable seamless integration of different systems and data. The networking of devices and the introduction of EHRs are revolutionizing the way in which staff exchange information and make decisions.

The integration of modern IT solutions is not only changing work processes, but also the interaction between patients and specialist staff. Digital communication thus enables more effective and patient-oriented care.

Challenges in connection with the introduction of "4.0 technologies" in hospitals include legal requirements such as data protection and security issues as well as the need for comprehensive training of specialist staff to expand their expertise with digital technologies. This is a major task – Christian Klose from the Federal Ministry of Health says in an interview: "The digital transformation has only just begun". This must be driven forward by politicians, health insurance companies, service providers and the healthcare sector in equal measure.

The future will be characterized by ever greater networking of medical products and integration of services. Here are some developments that will play a significant role in the coming years:

1. Advanced telemedicine and remote monitoring: Usage will continue to increase, making it easier to care for patients. This will improve the continuity of care.
2. Wearables and mHealth applications: The development of wearable devices and mobile health applications will continue to progress, allowing people to continuously monitor their health and interact with their doctors.
3. AI and data analytics: The integration of AI and data analytics techniques will help to analyze data more effectively, make more accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans.

4. Virtual Reality (VR): VR is increasingly being used in education and therapy. Through immersive learning, professionals can carry out realistic simulations and learn about new treatment options.
5. Interoperability of healthcare data: Standardization and interoperability will enable information to be exchanged seamlessly between different networks, facilities, and systems.

These developments promise an increasingly networked and intelligent healthcare landscape that aims to improve the quality of patient care, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in the system as a whole.