D I G I T A L D I A G N O S T I C S most advanced technological development for predictive modelling is the use of digital twins , which allows companies to monitor and predict the performance of components and complex systems throughout their lifecycle . Digital twins are virtual representations of a patient or a specific aspect of healthcare , like a medical device or a healthcare process , and they are making a profound impact on healthcare . Increasingly , the technology is being used to monitor ecosystems and processes , which can then help forecast and eliminate waste .
When it comes to patient data a digital twin provides invaluable data insights about the workings of genes , cells and body organ systems with patients ’ personal data to create personalised medication , forecast the results of particular surgery and for efficient control of chronic illness . There is a certain reluctance to adopt this technology since patients do not want to see their health be put into the hands of a robot-like machine . Of course , this methodology can make mistakes . Human supervision and the last verdict by a medical professional should always be there . Human insight and expertise should work hand in hand with AI for the best results , and to increase the efficiency of medical staff , reduce misdiagnosis and reduce cost .
Key areas of growth and investment in the HealthTech industry in 2024 ?
The healthcare industry is embracing technology , innovation and legislation initiatives in particular in EU to support the aging population growth . Developing resilient , sustainable and efficient health systems requires a data-driven approach . The fusion of AI and cloud technology is a key enabler of this data-driven vision .
The data protection regime and the use of data will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the development of digital HealthTech . The new EU AI act will have a significant impact on the development of AI-empowered healthcare and winning back the public ’ s confidence in embracing AI-based solutions that are regulated to be safe , transparent , non-discriminatory and environmentally friendly . The UK Government aims to digitise health with a series of reforms , and the ambition for the majority of health and social care services to
become digitised by March 2025 . However , Germany continues to take the lead in regulating digital health . In Germany several initiatives are underway to create a coherent and legally secure framework for accessing and sharing health data .
The most important of these are the Digital Act and the Health Data Use Act which are expected to take effect in early 2024 . The Health Data Use Act plans to grant industry companies an access right to patient health data for research purposes . The Digital Act envisages significant restrictions for the pricing and reimbursement of Digital Health Apps .
In 2024 we will see focussed research and investment into the viability of 3D-printed organs for transplant using biological tissue taken from the patient ’ s body .
Valued at over 1.7 billion USD , advances in technology and projects indicate the 3D printing market will double in value by 2030 . Additive manufacturing , where products are constructed using processes such as 3D printing , will have a major impact on healthcare especially for personalised implants , prosthetics , and surgical devices .
The COVID-19 pandemic has had also a significant impact on mental health , and there is a growing recognition of the need for better mental health care . This is likely to lead to increased investment in mental HealthTech startups in Europe in 2024 . �
Florian Pivit , Managing Director at GLOBES Elektronik GmbH & Co KG
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