Blog posts - Page 3 of 21

Thaumatec HealthTech Industry Update | Bluetooth and WiFi in Medical Networks and Digital Health

Bluetooth and WiFi have become central connectivity standards for medical networks, digital health, and medical devices. They enable seamless data exchange, support remote monitoring, and enhance operational efficiency in healthcare settings.

Bluetooth in Medical Devices and Healthcare

Applications

Wireless Patient Monitoring: Bluetooth transmits patient data (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels) from medical devices to central monitoring systems or smartphones, enabling real-time, remote patient monitoring .

Wearables: Widely used in fitness trackers, glucose monitors, smartwatches, and smart medical clothing (e.g., smart T-shirts, smart diapers). These devices transmit health insights securely to healthcare providers .

Indoor Positioning & Asset Tracking: Bluetooth beacons track the location of medical equipment and personnel, improving resource management and response times in hospitals .

Telemedicine: Supports remote consultations by enabling the transfer of device data to clinicians during virtual visits.

Key Benefits

Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery-operated wearables and sensors .

Short-Range, Secure Communication: Makes it well-suited for personal area networks within hospitals and homes .

Interference Mitigation: Uses adaptive frequency hopping to avoid crowded channels, reducing wireless interference in medical environments .

Easy Integration: Many medical and consumer devices are compatible, simplifying deployment.

WiFi in Digital Health and Medical Networks

Applications

Hospital and Clinic Networks: WiFi facilitates large-scale connectivity across departments—connecting EMR/EHR systems, imaging devices, and monitoring stations .

Remote Patient Monitoring: Enables transmission of continuous data from medical devices (e.g., infusion pumps, heart monitors) to the cloud or care teams in real time .

Telemedicine: Powers virtual consultations and remote diagnostics regardless of patient location .

Wearables and IoMT: Connects multiple devices simultaneously for data aggregation and real-time analysis as part of the Internet of Medical Things ecosystem .

Key Benefits

Wide Area Coverage: Connects many devices across large hospital campuses or home environments .

Integration Capabilities: Allows seamless data sharing between devices, healthcare providers, and cloud platforms .

Supports Advanced Applications: Critical for AI-driven analytics, big data, and real-time clinical decision-making.

Enhances Patient Engagement: Supports apps and portals for patients to access health information and telehealth services.

Comparative Table: Bluetooth vs WiFi in Healthcare

Feature	Bluetooth	WiFi
Typical Range	1–100m (short-range)	10–100m+ (wide coverage)
Power Consumption	Very low	Moderate-high
Common Uses	Wearables, sensors, asset tracking, short distances	Medical networks, EHR, large device data streams
Data Rate	Up to 3 Mbps (BLE); higher for Classic Bluetooth	Up to multi-Gbps (WiFi 6/7)
Interference	Adaptive frequency hopping reduces interference	May be susceptible, requires robust management
Security Features	Advanced pairing, encryption	WPA2/WPA3, network security protocols
Best For	Personal, mobile, battery-powered devices	Hospital-wide or cloud-connected applications
Examples	Glucose meters, BP cuffs, smart garments	Infusion pumps, patient monitors, EHR terminals

Security and Regulatory Considerations

Both Bluetooth and WiFi require strong security practices:

Encryption: Mandatory for protecting sensitive patient data.

Authentication: Multi-factor and device authentication are standard requirements.

Regulatory Compliance: Devices must comply with healthcare data standards (HIPAA in US, GDPR in EU, etc.).

Innovations and Future Trends

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Enables multi-year battery life and supports mesh networking for wide hospital coverage .

WiFi 6/7: Brings high density, low latency, and robust connections ideal for expanding IoMT networks.

Device Interoperability: Growing trend towards unified ecosystems, integrating both Bluetooth and WiFi for flexible connectivity modes.

Conclusion

Bluetooth excels in low-power, secure, short-range device connections—ideal for wearables, sensors, and personal health gadgets.

WiFi provides high-speed, wide-area coverage that supports robust hospital operations, large medical data flows, and the growing ecosystem of connected healthcare devices and telemedicine services. Both technologies are foundational to the future of digital health and next-generation medical networks.

Sources

https://www.gethealthie.com/glossary/bluetooth

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10302901

https://www.actcorp.in/blog/role-wifi-advancing-healthcare-technology

https://www.qntmnet.com/wi-fi-in-healthcare-revolutionizing-patient-care-and-medical-technology

https://www.wi-fi.org/beacon/jay-white/the-benefit-of-wi-fi-connectivity-in-wearable-devices

https://www.infineon.com/dgdl/Infineon-WP_wifi_for_medical_devices_R3.2_FINAL_10_15_24-Whitepaper-v01_00-EN.pdf?fileId=8ac78c8c92bcf0b00192c395c8e73456

https://starfishmedical.com/resource/digital-health-communication-technology/

HealthTech Industry Update | 5G Technology in HealthTech

5G technology is transforming healthcare by providing ultra-fast, low-latency, and high-capacity wireless connectivity. These features enable new models of care, enhance patient outcomes, and pave the way for innovations in smart hospitals, digital health platforms, and advanced medical devices .

Applications in Medical Networks

Telemedicine and Virtual Care

Real-time video consultations become more reliable, with higher-resolution streams and minimal latency, making remote diagnosis and care more effective .

Network slicing allows healthcare providers to prioritize mission-critical services, such as emergency care traffic or virtual ICUs, ensuring speed and reliability even during network congestion.

Remote Surgery

Robotic surgery benefits from 5G’s ultra-low latency; surgeons can remotely operate on patients with near-instantaneous responsiveness, allowing procedures to be performed across geographies .

High-definition imaging transmission during operations is enabled by 5G’s broader bandwidth, supporting precise, guided interventions in real time .

Connected Ambulances and Mobile Care

5G-equipped ambulances transmit patient data, high-definition video, and vital signs to emergency departments ahead of arrival, improving preparedness and care for critical patients.

Digital Health Ecosystem Enhancements

Wearables and Continuous Health Monitoring

Wearable medical devices such as continuous glucose monitors, heart rate sensors, and oximeters leverage 5G for real-time, always-connected data streaming to healthcare providers .

Chronic disease management is improved, as clinicians can monitor conditions and receive alerts about anomalies, leading to timely interventions .

Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics

5G enables large-scale, rapid transmission of medical data from devices to AI-powered analytics platforms, supporting predictive diagnostics, personalized care, and better treatment decisions.

Edge computing, supported by 5G, allows some AI functions to operate directly on devices, reducing both response times and data privacy concerns .

Implications for Medical Devices

Application Area	Impact of 5G Technology
Remote patient monitoring	Real-time, high-fidelity data for chronic/acute conditions, enabling proactive care
Portable imaging (MRI/CT)	Quick, reliable upload of large imaging files from mobile units to specialists
Smart medication dispensers	Connected dispensers enable secure tracking of medicine adherence and timely remote adjustments
IoMT devices	Massive connectivity allows for device swarms in hospitals, managing logistics & safety

Key Advantages and Challenges

Advantages

Latency as low as 1 millisecond, vital for life-critical remote procedures and instantaneous alerts .

Bandwidth is exponentially increased, supporting simultaneous connections of thousands of devices per hospital or clinic .

Enhanced reliability ensures essential health services are prioritized, particularly in emergencies .

Expanding access to quality care for remote, rural, or underserved populations, reducing geographic barriers .

Challenges

Data security and privacy: The vast increase in connected devices and data transfer broadens the potential attack surface and requires robust security frameworks .

Integration: Updating legacy systems and ensuring interoperability with new 5G-enabled devices may require significant investment and planning .

Regulatory compliance: Adherence to evolving standards is crucial, as devices and networks must comply with healthcare regulations worldwide.

Conclusion

5G technology is revolutionizing medical networks, digital health, and medical devices by enabling faster, more reliable, and interconnected healthcare. Its benefits are seen across telemedicine, remote monitoring, connected medical devices, and AI-powered analytics, leading towards a future of patient-centric and accessible care—especially for those in remote locations. Successful adoption will depend on robust cybersecurity, seamless integration, and regulatory compliance .

Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8764898

https://sequenex.com/the-impact-of-5g-on-connected-devices

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10007389

https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/sponsored/how-5g-is-changing-the-medical-device-landscape

https://yadda.icm.edu.pl/baztech/element/bwmeta1.element.baztech-8828783d-b931-4457-a679-eeadd401fafd/c/znpolsl_org_2024_191_Okello_the_role.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949866X23000011

https://nybsys.com/5g-in-healthcare

https://www.uk-cpi.com/5g-in-healthcare

https://galendata.com/how-5g-is-impacting-connected-medical-technology

Thaumatec knowledge guide | LoRa in Medical Networks, Digital Health, and Medical Devices

Overview of LoRa Technology in Healthcare LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communication protocol designed for low-power, long-distance data transmission. Its notable features—long range, low power consumption, and reliable communication on unlicensed spectrum—make it well suited for medical networks and digital health applications.

Applications in Medical Networks and Digital Health

Remote Patient Monitoring

Wearable Devices:

LoRa enables real-time transmission of vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, temperature) from wearable sensors to healthcare providers, supporting proactive management of chronic diseases and post-operative monitoring.

Home and Rural Health:

Due to its extended range, LoRa facilitates the monitoring of patients in remote or underserved regions, bridging the digital divide where conventional cellular infrastructure is lacking.

Rural solar powered LoRa Gateway by Thaumatec Tech Group

Asset and Equipment Tracking

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS):

LoRa’s superior signal penetration allows uninterrupted communication within healthcare facilities, supporting asset tracking and location of important medical equipment like ventilators and PACS carts.

Hospital Workflow Optimization:

Tracking equipment with LoRa streamlines logistics, quickens access to critical tools, and reduces operational inefficiencies.

Medical Device Connectivity

IoMT Integration:

LoRa is instrumental in connecting a vast range of medical devices (Internet of Medical Things—IoMT), providing scalable solutions that can integrate thousands of battery-powered sensors for continuous data collection and communication.

Device Examples:

Blood glucose monitors, hospital beds, and smart medical scales are examples of devices using LoRa for regular status updates with minimal battery drain.

Emergency and Safety Solutions

Reliable Alerts:

LoRaWAN networks facilitate reliable emergency alert systems and nurse call applications even during infrastructure failures, contributing to enhanced patient safety and operational resilience.

Wearable Panic Buttons:

For elderly or vulnerable populations, LoRa-powered wearables provide location-based emergency alerts regardless of building or facility constraints.

Indoor Navigation and Smart Infrastructure

Wayfinding for Patients:

Hospitals leverage LoRa in conjunction with Bluetooth beacons for indoor navigation, helping patients and visitors efficiently find their way around complex facilities.

Smart Facility Monitoring:

LoRa sensors can track environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) to ensure medical storage compliance and improve overall facility management.

Key Advantages of LoRa in Healthcare

Use Cases and Real-World Examples

Remote COVID-19 Monitoring:

Sensors equipped with LoRa transmitted patient health data for remote tracking and disease surveillance during the pandemic.

3D-Printed Wearable Meshes:

Innovative, flexible LoRa-enabled wearables can continuously monitor health with minimal patient interaction, suitable for fragile populations in both cities and rural areas.

Smart Hospital Deployments:

Multiple healthcare systems have adopted LoRaWAN to manage infrastructure, improve equipment allocation, and coordinate care across distributed sites without extensive new cabling.

Regulatory and Implementation Considerations

Spectrum Compliance:

LoRa operates in regulated ISM bands (e.g., 868-870 MHz in Europe, 902-928 MHz in North America), avoiding expensive licensing and minimizing regulatory hurdles for healthcare institutions.

Minimal Interference:

Spread spectrum and operation outside crowded Wi-Fi bands reduce risks of signal disruption to critical life-support equipment.

Summary

LoRa is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling reliable, cost-effective, and scalable networks for medical devices and digital health applications. It bridges infrastructure gaps, enhances the reach of telemedicine, and introduces smarter patient safety and hospital management practices. The adoption of LoRa in medical networks continues to expand, promising further innovation in healthcare delivery and patient wellbeing .

Sources

https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-healthcare

https://www.digimedis.com/en/blog/lora-et-sante-connectee-une-revolution-pour-la-communication-medicale

https://eajournals.org/ejcsit/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2024/11/Review-on-LoRa-Communication-Technology.pdf

https://hellofuture.orange.com/en/digital-divide-lora-iot-devices-for-medical-monitoring/

https://truespot.com/healthblog/unveiling-lora-revolutionizing-rtls-in-healthcare

https://en.minewsemi.com/blog/leveraging-loRa-in-iot-smart-healthcare

https://www.zentis.nl/en/blog/LoRa-as-a-means-of-communication-for-medical-devices

https://www.iotinsider.com/iot-insights/technical-insights/the-role-of-lorawan-in-revolutionising-healthcare/

https://jooby.eu/blog/iot-devices-with-lorawan-in-healthcare-potential-for-the-medical-sector/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/6066354

https://resources.lora-alliance.org/use-case/use-case-aritium-viamed-lora-alliance

Thaumatec Knowledge Guide | Overview of Health Care Systems in the European Union

European Union (EU) member countries have diverse health care systems shaped by their unique political, historical, and socio-economic backgrounds. Despite these differences, all EU countries aim to provide effective, accessible, and resilient health care to their populations.

Main Types of Health Care Systems

EU health care systems generally fall into three models:

Beveridge Model (National Health Service):

Funded primarily through general taxation.

Health care is mostly provided by government institutions.

Examples: United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Denmark .

Bismarck Model (Social Health Insurance):

Funded by compulsory contributions to health insurance funds (often through payroll).

Providers are a mix of public and private entities.

Examples: Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria .

Private Insurance Model:

Limited in the EU, but some countries have significant supplementary private health insurance.

Examples: Netherlands (for higher-income groups), some voluntary insurance in France and Germany .

Comparative Table: Model Overview by Country

Note: All EU countries guarantee universal health coverage, though the depth and breadth of services vary.

Healthcare Offering for Patients

Key Features of Health Care Systems offering for Patients in European Union Member Countries

Note: All EU countries guarantee universal health coverage, though the depth and breadth of services vary

Health Care System Rankings

Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI) 2018 (Most Recent Comprehensive Ranking)

Scores reflect patient rights, accessibility, outcomes, range of services, prevention, and pharmaceutical access

Key Similarities and Differences

Similarities:

Universal coverage is a legal requirement in all EU countries.
Most systems are predominantly publicly funded, with private insurance as a supplement.
All countries face challenges with ageing populations, rising costs, and the demand for high-quality care.

Differences:

Funding Mechanisms: Some countries rely more on taxation (e.g., UK, Sweden), others on social insurance (e.g., Germany, France).

Access and Equity: Waiting times and regional disparities are more pronounced in some countries (e.g., Italy, Spain, UK).

Quality and Outcomes: Northern and Western EU countries tend to have better health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

Resources for Detailed Country Comparisons

The European Commission and OECD publish Country Health Profiles for each EU member, providing in-depth analysis of each system’s effectiveness, accessibility, and resilience.
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies offers a tool to compare health systems across countries based on organization, financing, and outcomes.

Summary

EU member states’ health care systems are among the world’s most advanced, but they vary in structure, funding, and performance. The Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and France consistently rank among the best for access, quality, and patient satisfaction, while some Eastern and Southern countries face more challenges with funding and outcomes.

Sources

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/workingpapers/saco/pdf/101_en.pdf

https://health.ec.europa.eu/state-health-eu/country-health-profiles_en

https://www.april-international.com/en/long-term-international-health-insurance/guide/guide-to-different-european-healthcare-systems

https://www.sanidad.gob.es/estadEstudios/estadisticas/docs/presentacion_en.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_Health_Consumer_Index

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/euro-health-consumer-index-by-country

https://www.health.org.uk/features-and-opinion/blogs/health-care-across-europe-shared-challenges-lessons-to-learn

https://www.numbeo.com/health-care/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2023&region=150

https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/monitors/health-systems-monitor/compare

Thaumatec Healthtech Industry Update | Advances in predictive medicine 2025

By 2025, predictive medicine is undergoing a transformative leap driven primarily by AI, machine learning, and multi-omics integration, reshaping healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized care. Here are the key advances and trends defining predictive medicine in 2025:

AI and Machine Learning Integration
Multi-Omics Expansion
Scale-Up of Cell and Gene Therapies
Digital Health Ecosystems and Wearables
Federated Data Analytics and Privacy
Operational Efficiency and Healthcare System Impact
Future Horizons Beyond 2025
Market and Impact

AI and Machine Learning Integration

Advanced AI algorithms and machine learning models analyze vast and diverse datasets—including electronic health records, genetic profiles, lifestyle, and environmental data—to predict disease risks and optimize treatment plans with unprecedented precision. This integration improves early disease detection rates by up to 48%, enabling interventions before symptoms arise and shifting healthcare towards prevention rather than reaction.

Multi-Omics Expansion

Combining genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and spatial omics provides deeper biological insights that enhance predictive accuracy. This holistic approach allows for better understanding of disease mechanisms and personalized therapies tailored to an individual’s molecular profile.

Scale-Up of Cell and Gene Therapies

Gene-editing technologies like CRISPR are moving from experimental trials to approved treatments, targeting genetic disorders, cancers, and rare diseases with precision. Advances such as base editing and epigenetic modulation are accelerating curative therapies.

Digital Health Ecosystems and Wearables

Wearable devices and telehealth platforms continuously collect real-time physiological and behavioral data, feeding predictive models to monitor health dynamically and personalize care pathways. This creates a seamless, patient-centered digital health ecosystem.

Federated Data Analytics and Privacy

Secure, privacy-preserving data sharing frameworks enable global collaboration on health data without compromising patient confidentiality. Federated analytics allow AI models to learn from diverse datasets across institutions, improving model robustness and equity in healthcare delivery.

Operational Efficiency and Healthcare System Impact

Predictive AI enhances hospital resource management, staffing optimization, and equipment maintenance forecasting, reducing costs and improving care delivery efficiency. Approximately 65% of healthcare organizations are projected to have adopted predictive AI solutions by 2025.
Ethical and Equity Considerations
As predictive models become widespread, continuous efforts are made to monitor and mitigate algorithmic biases to ensure equitable healthcare access and outcomes across diverse populations.

Future Horizons Beyond 2025

Emerging technologies like quantum machine learning and neuromorphic computing promise to exponentially increase predictive capabilities. The vision is a continuously evolving, real-time personalized medicine paradigm integrating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data for near-perfect health risk predictions.

Market and Impact

The precision medicine market is booming, valued at $151.57 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $469.16 billion by 2034, reflecting rapid adoption and technological breakthroughs that promise better patient outcomes at lower costs.
In summary, predictive medicine in 2025 is characterized by AI-driven, multi-dimensional data integration that enables early, personalized interventions and operational efficiencies, marking a fundamental shift towards proactive, precision healthcare.

Sources

https://lifebit.ai/blog/precision-medicine-trends-2025/
https://www.omdena.com/blog/predictive-healthcare-2025
https://www.byteplus.com/en/topic/396713
https://mededgemea.com/18-healthcare-breakthroughs-technologies-2025/

Thaumatec HealthTech Knowledge Guide | Cardiologic Medical Devices

Cardeology, more commonly referred to as cardiology, is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. It involves a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures supported by various medical devices specifically designed for cardiovascular care.

Cardiology and Cardiologic Medical Devices

Overview of Cardiology

Cardiology encompasses the study and treatment of heart diseases, including arrhythmias, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart conditions.

The field uses both non-invasive and invasive methods to diagnose and treat patients, employing a variety of medical devices to monitor, support, or correct heart function.

Types of Cardiologic Medical Devices

Cardiologic medical devices can be broadly categorized into diagnostic, monitoring, interventional, and implantable therapeutic devices:

Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices:

Stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers for basic clinical assessment.
Electrocardiograph (ECG) machines to record electrical activity of the heart.
Cardiac imaging systems such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI.
Implantable Loop Recorders (ILR) that continuously monitor heart rhythms over long periods.

Implantable Therapeutic Devices:

Pacemakers that regulate slow heart rhythms by delivering electrical pulses.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) that detect and correct dangerous arrhythmias by delivering shocks.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) devices that coordinate contractions in heart failure patients to improve cardiac output.

Interventional Devices:

Coronary and peripheral stents to keep blood vessels open.Balloon catheters for angioplasty procedures.
Ablation catheters used in electrophysiology to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmias.
Guidewires, vascular sheaths, and closure devices facilitating minimally invasive procedures.

Structural Heart Devices:

Prosthetic heart valves and valve repair devices including transcatheter valve replacement systems AVR, TMVR).
Artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices (VADs) that support or replace heart function in severe heart failure.

Regulatory and Safety Aspects

Cardiologic devices are often classified as high-risk medical devices, requiring stringent regulatory oversight to ensure safety and efficacy. In the European Union, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) governs the approval and monitoring of these devices, with expert panels including cardiologists contributing to device assessments.

Similarly, the U.S. FDA conducts regulatory science research focused on cardiovascular devices, addressing challenges such as durability, hemocompatibility, and electrophysiology safety to improve preclinical testing and clinical outcomes.

Innovation and Market Trends

The cardiology medical devices market is highly competitive and innovative, with major companies like Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific leading development. Recent advances include AI-powered diagnostic tools such as Ultromics EchoGo Heart Failure, which uses deep learning to improve detection and management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition traditionally difficult to diagnose.

Summary

Cardiology relies heavily on a diverse range of medical devices for diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart diseases. These devices include both non-invasive diagnostic tools and implantable devices like pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as interventional and structural heart devices. Regulatory frameworks ensure these devices meet safety and performance standards, while ongoing innovations continue to improve patient outcomes in cardiovascular care.

This summary draws on detailed information about cardiology instruments and devices, market segmentation, regulatory frameworks, and recent innovations in the field.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instruments_used_in_cardiology

https://alirahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/Cardiology-Medical-Devices-Market-Trends-2023.pdf

https://nyulangone.org/conditions/cardiac-device-management/types

https://www.medicalexpo.com/cat/cardiology-GT.html

https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Advocacy/medical-device-regulation

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-regulatory-science-research-programs-conducted-osel/cardiovascular-program-research-cardiovascular-medical-devices

https://www.barringtonjames.com/resources/blog/how-the-medical-device-industry-is-shaping-cardiology-innovation/

https://www.tuvsud.com/en/industries/medical-devices/cardiovascular-medical-devices

Thaumatec HealthTech Knowledge Guide | What are DiGA Digitale Gesundheits Anwendungen and in which countries is it existing ?

DIGAs (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen / Digital Health Applications) are digital health applications, often referred to as “apps on prescription,” which are certified medical devices designed to support patients in the treatment, monitoring, and management of various physical and mental health conditions.

These applications can be smartphone apps, web-based applications, or software for desktop use.

APPLICATIONS

They cover a wide range of medical fields such as diabetology, cardiology, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and more. DIGAs help patients by providing information, guiding exercises, symptom tracking, and sometimes enabling electronic data transfer to healthcare providers with patient consent .

RULES

DIGAs must undergo a strict approval process by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), ensuring they meet high standards for safety, functionality, data protection, and demonstrate a positive healthcare effect. Once approved, they are listed in the official DiGA directory, and patients insured under Germany’s statutory health insurance can receive them via prescription or health insurance approval, with costs covered by the insurer .

HISTORY

Regarding their existence internationally, DIGAs were first introduced and are currently established in Germany, where the legal framework was set by the Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz) in 2019. Germany is recognized as a pioneer in integrating digital health applications into standard healthcare reimbursement .

COUNTRIES

Following Germany’s lead, other countries have begun developing similar systems for digital health applications.

Notably, France and Belgium have established special approval processes for digital health applications, aiming to integrate them into their healthcare systems.

Austria has also been advancing efforts to incorporate DIGA-like applications into regular care since around 2020. Italy is also exploring the introduction of similar digital health application frameworks.

In Portugal a Whitepapers discovers detailed insights into the Portuguese digital health ecosystem and reimbursement mechanisms, provided by a panel of experts.

SUMMARY

What are DIGA?

Certified digital medical devices (apps/web applications) prescribed to support detection, monitoring, treatment, and management of diseases and disabilities, reimbursed by statutory health insurance in Germany.

Where do DIGA exist?

Primarily in Germany, with emerging or developing frameworks in France, Belgium, Austria, and Italy following Germany’s pioneering model.

This model is considered innovative and is setting standards internationally for digital health integration into healthcare systems .

SOURCES

https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/themen/krankenversicherung/online-ratgeber-krankenversicherung/arznei-heil-und-hilfsmittel/digitale-gesundheitsanwendungen.html

https://www.sbk.org/beratung-leistungen/e-health/apps-und-digitale-angebote/digitale-gesundheitsanwendungen-diga

https://gesund.bund.de/en/digital-health-applications-diga

https://digitalversorgt.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SVDGV-DiGA-Report24-DE.pdf

https://digitalversorgt.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DiGA-Report-2023-eng.pdf https://quickbirdmedical.com/en/belgium-digital-health-reimbursement/

Thaumatec HealthTech Industry Update | Important Europe HealthTech Events in June 2025

Here are the key HealthTech, Medical Device, and Digital Health industry events in June 2025 in Europe. These events provide excellent opportunities for networking, learning about regulatory changes, innovations, and trends across Europe.

Germany

European Medical Device Summit

Date: June 3-4, 2025
Location: Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf
Focus: Medical device development, design, regulatory affairs, AI in medical devices, IoMT, and compliance with EU MDR. Speakers include leaders from GN Group, Johnson & Johnson, Fresenius Medical Care, and others

https://emdsummit.com

MedTech Summit Europe

Date: June 16-20, 2025
Location: Berlin
Focus: Regulatory updates, compliance strategies, and developments in medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics

https://informaconnect.com/medtech-summit

The Netherlands

HLTH Europe 2025

Date: June 16-19, 2025
Location: RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam
Description: Europe’s largest health innovation event with 5,000+ healthcare leaders and innovators, focusing on healthcare ecosystem collaboration and innovation

https://europe.hlth.com

Switzerland

Swiss MedTech Day

Date: June 25, 2025
Location: Bern
Focus: MedTech innovation, regulatory discussions, and collaboration among entrepreneurs, regulatory experts, and policymakers

https://www.swiss-medtech.ch/en/swissmedtechday

Fifth WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices

Date: June 2025 (exact dates not specified)
Location: Geneva
Focus: Global medical device discussions hosted by WHO, relevant for regulatory and innovation stakeholders

https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/06/02/default-calendar/fifth-who-global-forum-on-medical-devices

France

HIMSS25 – European Health Conference & Exhibition

Date: June 10-12, 2025
Location: Paris, France
Focus: Digital health innovations and healthcare IT

https://www.himss.org/events-overview/european-health-conference-and-exhibition

UK

MedTech Innovation Expo

Date: June 4-5, 2025
Location: Birmingham, UK
Focus: Medical design and manufacturing technology, innovation showcases

https://www.thenec.co.uk/whats-on/med-tech-innovation-expo

Norway

The HealthTech Festival 2025

Date: on June 12, 2025

Location: Oslo, Norway

This event features exhibitions of innovative companies, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on transforming healthcare through technology.

Topics include new ways of working in hospitals, connecting the healthcare industry, and patient-centric, data-driven healthcare. The event also includes an exclusive investor meetup and a summer party.

http://www.norwayhealthtech.com/event/the-healthtech-festival-2025/

Thaumatec HealthTech Industry Update | Medical Device and Digital Health Highlights in April and Mai 2025

Several notable innovations and developments in medical devices and digital health emerged, highlighted by key events, regulatory updates, and technological advancements.

Medical Device Innovations

Design of Medical Devices Conference (April 28-30, 2025)
Top Medical Device Innovations Transforming Healthcare in 2025
Regulatory and Standards Updates (April 2025)

Digital Health Innovations

World Health Day 2025 and EU Digital Health Initiatives (April 7, 2025)
Geneva Digital Health Day 2025 (May 22, 2025)

Medical Device Innovations

Design of Medical Devices Conference (April 28-30, 2025)

This major conference in Minneapolis showcased cutting-edge innovations in medical device design, featuring workshops, keynote presentations, and technical sessions and the Highlights included:
AI-driven acceleration of medical device innovation, with sessions on “From Concept to Clinic” and “Smart Medical Devices” focusing on whole-person health.
Advances in cardiovascular neural intervention and robotic surgery.
Discussions on wearable medical technology and emerging medical innovations.
Presentations on regulatory standards such as ASME V&V 40 for device development.
Showcases of student designs and breakthrough innovations in MedTech.

Top Medical Device Innovations Transforming Healthcare in 2025

Key innovations that are shaping healthcare this year include:

AI-Powered Diagnostics: Deep learning algorithms improve accuracy and speed in interpreting medical images, reducing human error.
Wearable Health Monitors: Advanced wearables track vital signs like heart rhythm, oxygen, and glucose continuously, enabling remote patient monitoring.
Robotic Surgery Systems: Enhanced precision and minimally invasive procedures continue to evolve with robotic platforms.
Telemedicine Devices: Remote stethoscopes and portable ultrasound devices expand telehealth capabilities.
Smart Inhalers: Devices that monitor usage and environmental triggers improve asthma management.
3D Bioprinting: Progress toward printing functional organs for transplants.
Advanced Prosthetics with Neural Control: Prostheses controlled by neural signals offer more natural movement.
Personalized Cancer Vaccines: Custom vaccines based on tumor profiles improve treatment specificity.
Non-Invasive Glucose Monitors: Continuous glucose monitoring without finger pricks enhances diabetes care.
Implantable Drug Delivery Systems: Devices enable controlled medication release for chronic conditions.

Regulatory and Standards Updates (April 2025)

The EU Commission published new harmonized standards under the MDR and IVDR, focusing on sterilization and patient handling equipment.
MedTech Europe responded to consultations recommending balanced regulatory approaches to support industry sustainability and patient access.
The UK MHRA issued new guidance on Exceptional Use Authorization (EUA) for non-UKCA/CE certified devices to protect public health, and updated safety communication protocols.
The US FDA faced a court ruling vacating the Final Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs).
China’s NMPA released guidelines for clinical trial inspections to ensure data integrity and participant safety.
Australia implemented its Unique Device Identification (UDI) framework to enhance device traceability and regulation.

Digital Health Innovations

World Health Day 2025 and EU Digital Health Initiatives (April 7, 2025)

The EU emphasized AI-driven digital health solutions to improve maternal and newborn health. Key projects funded and managed by HaDEA include:

ManagiDiTH: A Master’s program developing digital transformation skills in healthcare professionals.
Advanced Digital Skills in AI and Health: Training programs focusing on AI applications, biomarkers, medical technologies, and health informatics.
DS4Health: A Master’s program training healthcare workers in AI, cybersecurity, and IoT with a citizen-centered approach.
SHAIPED: A project facilitating AI medical device development through regulatory optimization and real-world data usage to improve patient outcomes.

Geneva Digital Health Day 2025 (May 22, 2025)

This event featured global leaders discussing AI-driven innovations in diagnostics, patient care, and health system optimization. Highlights included:

Sessions on scaling digital health programs at national levels, focusing on implementation, sustainability, and impact.
“AI for LIFE” presentations showcasing practical AI applications in healthcare.
Hands-on workshops on digital health tools and frameworks.
Discussions on bridging research and policy for digital health equity in collaboration with WHO and Foundation Pierre Fabre.

SUMMARY

Overall, April and May 2025 saw significant progress in both medical device technology and digital health, driven by AI integration, regulatory advancements, educational initiatives, and collaborative events fostering innovation and implementation in healthcare systems worldwide.

These developments promise more precise diagnostics, personalized treatments, improved patient monitoring, and enhanced regulatory frameworks supporting safe and effective medical technologies.

SOURCES

Thaumatec HealthTech Industry Update | Current Advances on Hospital food, Catering, Digital Menus and Food ordering Systems

Advances in hospital food and catering have been significant over recent decades, focusing on improving nutrition, patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, food safety, and sustainability. Key developments include technological innovations, policy and regulatory improvements, and new service models.

Nutritional and Quality Improvements

Recognition of malnutrition as both a cause and consequence of ill health has led to government guidance and regulatory standards ensuring patients receive sufficient, nutritious food to support recovery and health maintenance.
Initiatives like the Food for Life scheme have expanded from schools to hospitals, promoting better food environments, quality, variety, and sustainability in hospital catering.
New blueprints and independent reviews, such as the one led by chef Prue Leith, recommend prioritizing nutritious, tasty meals for patients and staff, integrating nutrition into patient recovery and hospital governance.
Personalized nutrition is emerging, with future prospects of tailoring meals to individual genetic profiles and health conditions to optimize dietary interventions^[3].

Technological Advances

Hospitals are adopting digital meal ordering systems that accommodate dietary, cultural, and nutritional needs, improving communication between dietitians and caterers, reducing food waste, and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Food production and delivery processes are increasingly managed by sophisticated software to control cost, quality, and nutritional content, supporting models like room service that allow patients to order meals when ready.
Automated systems such as robotic delivery vehicles (e.g., Aethon’s TUG) are being used to transport meals within hospitals, freeing staff to focus on patient care and improving the meal experience.
Technology also supports food safety through monitoring temperature control, food handling, and hygiene from delivery to serving.

Service and Operational Enhancements

There is a shift from batch-style cooking to more individualized foodservice delivery models, improving freshness, quality, and convenience for patients.
Hospitals are upgrading kitchen facilities to provide 24/7 services, enabling access to meals and snacks at all hours for patients and staff.
Staff training and professional development for hospital caterers are being emphasized to maintain high standards in food preparation, hygiene, and allergen management.
Protected mealtimes, mealtime assistance, and environmental interventions have been implemented to improve food intake and nutritional status among patients.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Hospitals are increasingly focusing on reducing food waste, sourcing sustainable and local ingredients, and implementing energy-efficient kitchen appliances to minimize environmental impact.
Campaigns and policy efforts aim to leverage hospital purchasing power to support sustainable food production and reduce the negative effects of intensive farming on health and environmen.

Summary

The advances in hospital food and catering encompass a holistic approach that integrates nutrition science, culinary innovation, technology, operational efficiency, and sustainability. These improvements aim to enhance patient recovery, satisfaction, and safety while supporting staff well-being and environmental responsibility. The ongoing implementation of digital systems, professional standards, and sustainable practices marks a transformative era in hospital foodservice, with many recommendations already actionable and further innovations anticipated in personalized nutrition and smart food delivery systems.

How are hospitals implementing digital menus and food ordering systems

Hospitals are implementing digital menus and food ordering systems as part of a broader effort to improve patient nutrition, safety, and satisfaction while increasing operational efficiency and reducing waste. These systems are designed to be patient-centered, integrated with clinical care, and technologically advanced.

Key Features of Digital Menu and Food Ordering Systems in Hospitals

Integration with Patient Records and Care Plans

Digital meal ordering systems are linked to electronic patient records, allowing menus to be tailored to individual dietary needs and medical requirements. This integration helps ensure patients receive meals that align with their care plans and allergies, reducing risks and improving nutrition as part of treatment.

Patient-Friendly Interfaces

Many hospitals use tablet-based or device-accessible menus at the bedside, enabling patients to order meals conveniently whenever they want. For example, the University of California San Francisco Medical Center at Mission Bay equips each bed with a tablet on a swivel arm, allowing patients to browse menus, select meals, and schedule delivery times.

Dietary Compliance and Safety Alerts

The systems include built-in checks that alert patients if they select items not approved for their diets, helping maintain dietary restrictions while giving patients control over their choices. This feature supports safer ordering and patient empowerment.

Multilingual and Accessible Options

To accommodate diverse patient populations, digital menus offer multiple languages (e.g., English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian) and display detailed meal descriptions, including ingredients, spice levels, and nutritional information. This transparency helps patients make informed decisions and supports those with specific dietary needs such as vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, or pureed diets.

Advance Ordering and Flexibility

Patients can order meals in advance and schedule delivery times that suit their preferences, enhancing convenience and reducing food waste. Some systems also allow patients to order meals for visitors, with integrated payment options forthcoming.

Real-Time Updates and Efficiency

Orders are transmitted in real-time to kitchen staff via dashboards, enabling efficient meal preparation and delivery. This reduces the time between ordering and meal service and minimizes errors associated with manual or paper-based ordering.

Order Management by Patient, Not Bed

Digital systems track orders by patient rather than bed location, ensuring that if patients are moved within the hospital, their meal preferences and orders follow them, avoiding waste and confusion.

Reduction of Food Waste and Cost Savings

By accurately capturing patient preferences and dietary requirements, hospitals can reduce overproduction and waste. Digital ordering systems have demonstrated significant cost savings, such as a reported £180,000 saving at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust through improved food reduction and patient satisfaction.

Implementation Context and Drivers

The independent review of NHS hospital food led by Prue Leith recommended mandatory implementation of digital meal ordering systems in all hospitals by 2022 to improve nutrition, patient safety, and operational efficiency.

Digital meal ordering supports the concept of “food as medicine,” emphasizing the role of nutrition in patient recovery and health outcomes.

Systems like Civica Catering Management and eMOS are examples of software solutions that provide comprehensive meal ordering, nutritional management, allergy checking, and integration with hospital operations.

Summary

Hospitals are adopting digital menus and food ordering systems that provide patients with intuitive, personalized, and safe meal selection options. These systems integrate with clinical records to align food service with medical needs, offer multilingual support, enable advance and visitor meal ordering, and improve operational efficiency through real-time communication with kitchen staff. The shift to digital ordering reduces errors, minimizes food waste, enhances patient experience, and supports nutritional care as a vital component of hospital treatment.

SOURCES

https://www.digitalhealth.net/2020/10/hospitals-to-implement-digital-menus-under-food-review-led-by-prue-leith/

https://www.foodservicedirector.com/5-cutting-edge-functions-mission-bay-hospitals-high-tech-meal-order-system

https://www.civica.com/en-au/insights/digital-meal-ordering-improving-hospital-catering

https://www.sparktsl.com/blog/digital-meal-ordering

https://features.kingsfund.org.uk/2021/04/hospital-food-medicine

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-blueprint-for-better-hospital-food

https://www.refreshmentsystems.co.uk/hospital-catering-balancing-nutrition-taste-and-efficiency/

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/01/23/how-technology-can-help-to-improve-hospital-food-service

https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p28.shtml

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8537902

https://www.wrapmaster.global/en/2023/06/the-future-of-hospital-catering-improving-sustainability-and-reducing-food-waste-with-wrapmaster/

https://www.sustainweb.org/hospitalfood/details

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