Thinking health digitally - How a Karlsruhe-based company is helping to shape the future of medicine
Digitalization is also revolutionizing the healthcare sector. As a location with a strong innovation landscape at the interface of technology and science, Karlsruhe offers ideal conditions for pioneering solutions. Not only are new technologies being developed here, but also companies that meet the highest requirements for the responsible handling of sensitive healthcare data.
One example is fluidmobile, a company specializing in digital health applications that develops solutions to give patients better access to healthcare. We spoke to Christoph Eberhardt, Managing Director of fluidmobile, and discussed the opportunities, challenges and ethical issues of digital healthcare solutions.
More than just a trend: the digitalization of the healthcare industry
The coronavirus pandemic has acted as a catalyst for digital innovation and greatly accelerated the demand for digital healthcare solutions. Christoph Eberhardt sees this as a sustainable development: “Many companies have massively pushed ahead with their projects. The benefits of digital healthcare solutions are now clearer than ever, both for patients and providers.” Nevertheless, he warns against increasing commercialization and a possible loss of patient focus: “Technology must be developed and used responsibly in order to create real added value for society.”
Regulatory hurdles as an obstacle to innovation?
With its high standards and strong research networks, Germany offers a solid basis for innovation in the healthcare sector. However, there are structural challenges, especially when it comes to implementing new digital solutions. “We often lag behind when it comes to bringing innovations to market quickly and efficiently,” explains Eberhardt. He sees an advantage here for specialized companies that can integrate regulatory requirements into their development at an early stage and thus provide marketable solutions more quickly.
Data protection and ethics in digital healthcare
With the increasing digitalization of the healthcare sector, data protection and ethical issues are also coming more into focus. “The security and protection of personal healthcare data is our top priority,” emphasizes Eberhardt. “We rely on data encryption, strict access controls and independent certifications. At the same time, we attach great importance to transparency so that users know exactly what data is being collected and why.”
Another frequently discussed topic is the concern that digital solutions could replace medical professionals. However, Eberhardt takes a different view: “Our aim is not to replace doctors, but to support their work. Digital applications can help patients to take a more informed and responsible approach to their health without having to forego personal care.”
Karlsruhe as a location for digital innovations
Karlsruhe has established itself as an important location for digital innovations in recent years. With renowned research institutions, universities, numerous companies in the digital economy and a lively start-up scene, the city offers ideal conditions for companies working at the interface of technology and healthcare. “The region has enormous potential for digital healthcare solutions,” says Eberhardt. “The close collaboration between science and business creates an innovative ecosystem here that enables forward-looking developments.”
Future prospects for digital healthcare solutions
The digitalization of the healthcare sector will continue to accelerate – there is no question about that for Eberhardt. “We are only at the beginning of a comprehensive transformation. The challenge will be to keep the focus on the actual benefits for patients and to design digital solutions responsibly.” Companies like fluidmobile contribute to this by developing innovative, but at the same time ethically and clinically sound applications.
Karlsruhe will remain an important location for digital healthcare solutions in the future. Thanks to a stable economy, solid companies and close links between science and technology, the city offers good conditions for innovative developments in digital medicine – with the aim of driving forward patient-oriented solutions in a confident and sustainable manner.