Connected medical technology - The driving force behind digitalization

From monitoring devices to early warning systems

Modern medical devices can continuously collect data, process it locally, and, increasingly, interpret it with the help of AI. When properly networked, these devices form the foundation for better care. Take for instance the early detection of sepsis in a hospital: monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps continuously measure patients' heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature. Through their interaction, an AI -supported early warning system can detect a disease before it becomes clinically apparent. The approach also makes economic sense: depending on their level of IT maturity and process optimization, investments in interfaces and infrastructure pay for themselves for hospitals within six to 36 months.

However, despite a high level of technical infrastructure, connectivity remains fragmented so far. Devices from different manufacturers typically use interfaces that do not meet interoperability requirements. This is a classic chicken-and-egg problem that policymakers must resolve: there is a lack of demand from hospital operators, who in turn lack the specialized personnel needed for digitalization. The inevitable consequence is that data collected by individual devices remains unused. Added to this are structural challenges such as unresolved liability issues or a lack of investment incentives for hospitals. Legislators are called upon to support interconnected medical technology and improve patient care. Five important tasks from VDE's point of view:

• Establish interoperability: Existing standards such as HL7 FHIR and ISO/IEEE 11073 enable interconnected medical technology. They must be considered minimum requirements for future procurements. The digital transformation of healthcare facilities themselves must be facilitated.
• Promote investment: Hospitals need funding, particularly for networks, servers, cybersecurity, and the procurement and integration of medical technology. Such funding programs should be designed for the long term.
• Clarify AI issues: AI-based medical devices require guidelines on issues of accountability, validation, and liability. Appropriate regulation provides certainty for manufacturers and users. 
• Expand training opportunities: Medical technology, IT, nursing, and clinical staff need ongoing training and the flexibility to set up and operate digital systems safely.
• Create incentives: Hospitals that successfully implement interoperability, standardized, and digital processes should benefit financially