(Frankfurt am Main, June 18, 2026) Modern medical devices can continuously collect vital signs, imaging, and sensor data, process it locally, and interpret it using AI. However, efforts to systematically link this information, use it in an interoperable manner, and integrate it into clinical decision-making processes have so far been too infrequent. The German Society for Biomedical Engineering (DGBMT) within VDE therefore calls in a new position paper for medical technology manufacturers, hospitals, and health policymakers in Germany to better leverage the benefits of digital connectivity. While administrative processes are increasingly being digitized, the potential of connected medical technology in clinical care remains largely untapped.
Providing More Precise, Faster, and Safer Care for Patients
Various application scenarios illustrate the potential: When vital signs are continuously monitored, critical conditions such as sepsis, cardiac decompensation, or respiratory failure can be detected early. AI-supported analyses identify patterns and deviations from the patient’s individual health status and prioritize alerts, thereby shortening response times and reducing complications.
Adaptive therapy and rehabilitation systems open up new possibilities for personalized care. Neuroprostheses, for example, adjust therapy parameters in real time to physiological changes, thereby improving functionality, therapy efficiency, and patient satisfaction. The same applies to Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) systems, which use targeted electrical impulses to artificially activate muscles. Or a closed-loop stimulation method that automatically measures, makes decisions, and intervenes without requiring a human to manually control every step.
Technical solutions have been developed! There are no gaps in the standards!
The technical foundations for connected medical technology are in place. Standards for interoperability have been established, but integration in practice is hampered by factors such as manufacturer-specific interfaces, incomplete semantic consistency, and inadequate cybersecurity and lifecycle management concepts. Hospitals also face organizational and economic hurdles, including separate responsibilities for medical technology and information technology, a shortage of skilled workers, and a lack of financing models.
Critical success factors for successful implementation!
VDE DGBMT recommends a coordinated approach by all stakeholders to establish networked medical technology on a widespread basis. For manufacturers, this means establishing open and standards-compliant interfaces even before user demand arises, implementing consistent “security-by-design” concepts, and conducting clinical validation of networked and AI-based functions. Hospitals should enshrine network capability and interoperability as procurement standards, strengthen governance structures, and implement pilot projects with measurable clinical endpoints. Joint integration pilots, clear responsibilities, and standardized testing processes are recommended. Policymakers should promote the mandatory use of existing international interoperability standards, digital infrastructure, and training programs.
