Artificial Intelligence at the service of care

On April 18, 2024, an important event at ExpoSanità highlighted the evolution of digital tools in healthcare, underscoring the significant transformations brought about by the digital revolution. This event was a platform to discuss new opportunities in healthcare, emphasizing improved connectivity, efficiency, and personalized treatments. 

Telemedicine was a central theme, showcasing how it enables the delivery of medical care at a distance. This technology is crucial for improving access to healthcare for populations in remote or underserved areas. By overcoming geographical barriers, telemedicine enhances the reach and quality of medical services, making healthcare more accessible and efficient. Remote patient monitoring tools were also highlighted as essential components of modern healthcare. These tools allow doctors to monitor patients with chronic diseases in real time, enabling timely interventions. The ability to track patients' health status remotely ensures that medical professionals can provide proactive care, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities. Immersive technologies are making significant strides in addressing the needs of adolescents and individuals with special educational needs. These technologies offer innovative ways to engage and support these populations, providing tailored interventions that cater to their unique requirements.

In the Emilia-Romagna region, innovation actors are actively promoting progress through collaboration between Clust-ER Health and Clust-ER Innovate, as part of the European project AMBITIOUS. This initiative aims to tackle the challenges facing the healthcare ecosystem by leveraging European funding tools to create partnerships that enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. The event featured several notable speeches and discussions. Demographer and statistician Bovini Gianluigi provided an analysis of demographic trends, comparing local and macro-scale data. Pierluigi Strippoli presented the PNRR project on intellectual disability in pediatrics, with a focus on using AI to support children with Down Syndrome. A panel discussion on pediatrics and adolescence included insights from Marta Luesma Meseguer, co-founder of the technology startup Includia, who discussed how immersive technology aids adolescents with physical and cognitive disabilities. Professor Susanna Esposito highlighted the increasing use of innovative technologies in pediatrics and the evolving skill sets required by doctors to effectively utilize these advancements. 

The Ambitious project was showcased by Clémence Foltz, who detailed the tools and territorial aggregation capabilities offered by the initiative. Two use case examples were presented by Silvia Chiesa, a psychologist and UX researcher at RE:LAB, and Mirko Orsini, a software engineer and CEO of DataRiver. These examples demonstrated the practical applications of digital tools in healthcare and their impact on patient care. The event at ExpoSanità provided a comprehensive overview of the ongoing innovations in the healthcare sector. It highlighted the strategies implemented to promote progress, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region. The discussions and presentations underscored the transformative potential of digital tools in healthcare, paving the way for a future where medical care is more connected, efficient, and personalized. 

As the digital revolution continues to unfold, the healthcare industry stands to benefit immensely from these advancements, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for patients worldwide.