In June 2024, Karolinska University Hospital hosted the EUHA Members' Assembly, which brought together leaders in EU healthcare sector for three days of collaboration and discussion, all under the theme of Rethinking Healthcare Systems. Among the key highlights of the event was the EUHA Symposium on Rethinking Healthcare Systems, where a select group of experts, including Prof. Petra Ritter, explored innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.
Session II Recap: Exploring AI’s Role in Healthcare Systems
The session of the EUHA Symposium focused on the impact of AI in healthcare, featuring contributions from Prof. Ritter, Prof. Mieke Van Hemelrijck (King’s College London), Dr. Muhammad Mamdani (University of Toronto), and Ayden Tajahmady (Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris), with Dr. med. Peter Gocke (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin) serving as moderator.
© Photographer: Fredric Möller Eklund
Discussions underscored the critical need for structured frameworks to support the effective implementation of AI in healthcare. Panellists highlighted the importance of updating certification standards to include ongoing, real-time testing of AI systems and implementing rigorous evaluation processes to ensure safe and reliable deployment.
Patient engagement emerged as a key theme, with a strong emphasis on transparent communication regarding data usage. Educating both healthcare professionals and patients about AI tools is vital for fostering trust and promoting responsible adoption.
EUHA member hospitals were urged to spearhead efforts in crafting comprehensive data strategies that incorporate input from all stakeholders. These strategies are seen as fundamental to ensuring ethical and effective integration of AI in healthcare delivery.
The EUHA initiative to promote resilient, sustainable, and digitally-driven healthcare systems is an ongoing effort, and the insights shared at the symposium will serve as a foundation for future collaborations and innovations in the field.