Streamed debate: Digital patient care – The key to the future of healthcare?

At a time when healthcare is facing increasing capacity challenges, digitalization has been highlighted as a strategic solution. But how can digital patient care really help solve these challenges? The RECONNECT network, led by Tuva Moseng at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, is organizing a streamed debate during Arendal Week, Thursday 15.8. at 1 pm. 

TIME: Thursday 15.8 2024 13:00 - 13:45
VENUE: Langbrygga 5, Arendal, 5th floor (Blindeforbundet premises)
FOLLOW THE STREAM HERE: https://vimeo.com/event/4480835

Digital patient care is no longer just a useful tool, but a necessity. With an aging population and increasing pressure on healthcare systems, we need to think differently. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs. By adopting digital solutions, we can potentially improve access to healthcare, make treatment more accessible to patients, and at the same time relieve the burden on already overstretched healthcare professionals.

The panel that will discuss these important issues is composed of experts in the field. They consist of Truls Vasvik, health policy spokesperson, the Labour Party,
Kåre Birger Hagen, director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Kristine Kleivi Sahlberg, head of department research and innovation, Vestre Viken HF,
Grete Kvernland-Berg, partner and Norway manager, PA Consulting and Kim Fangen, experience consultant, Sørlandet Hospital.

We spoke with Tuva Moseng to gain more depth on the topic.

What challenges do we  face when it comes to digitalizing healthcare services?

“One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the technology being introduced is safe, effective and user-friendly for both patients and healthcare professionals,” says Tuva Moseng. It is also important that we do not create a dichotomy in healthcare, where some have access to advanced digital services while others are left without. Research is crucial here. We need to have solid data that shows what works and what doesn’t, so that we can roll out the best solutions in a way that is inclusive and sustainable.

Why is digital patient care important for the future of healthcare?

Digital patient care can, among other things, provide more personalized services. Using technology such as digital consultations, home monitoring and mobile health solutions, we can follow up with patients in a way that suits their lifestyle, regardless of where they live. This can be especially beneficial for those living in rural areas or with limited access to healthcare. It can also reduce the need for unnecessary hospitalizations, which in turn can free up resources for those who need it most.

How does the RECONNECT network contribute to this development?

– RECONNECT is working to gather experience and build a knowledge base for decentralized clinical trials. This includes exploring how we can conduct trials where patients do not need to physically attend a hospital, but can instead be followed up digitally. This gives us valuable insight into how such solutions can work in practice, and how they can be implemented on a larger scale. The goal is to ensure that we do not just introduce technology for the sake of technology, but that we do so in a way that provides real value for patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

What do you want the audience to take away from the debate during Arendal Week?

– I hope that people gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities that digitalization brings to healthcare. It is important that we have a broad, public debate about how we can best utilize these tools. And not least, that we must be aware that research must be at the forefront to ensure that we make the right choices for the healthcare services of the future, emphasizes Tuva Moseng.

We look forward to an engaging and informative debate during Arendal Week, where we will delve deeper into how we can shape the healthcare of the future through digitalization.

Follow the debate live: Go to the streaming page

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