Digitalization in healthcare

From left: Prof. Stefan Schulz, Medical University of Graz; Helmut Dultinger, General Practitioner, Austrian Society for General Practice (ÖGAM); Christoph Powondra, Karl Landsteiner University of Applied Sciences (KL); Verena Ossmann, ecoplus Platform Manager for Health Technology; Prof. Susanne Rabady, ÖGAM and KL; Prof. Rudolf Mallinger, Rector of KL (Karl Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences) and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Platform for Health Sciences; Prof. Sascha Klee, KL; Claus Zeppelzauer, authorized signatory of ecoplus, Head of Business & Technology

Digitalization is increasingly advancing in the healthcare sector, opening up new possibilities and opportunities – both in patient care and treatment, as well as in medical research. The quality and standardization of the collected data are of central importance. However, the text-based diagnoses often used in practice today cannot be evaluated electronically. Diagnostic coding provides a solution, where computer programs translate medical diagnostic terms into predefined, standardized codes.

To make Lower Austria an attractive research location for both the relevant industry and clinical research, the ecoplus platform for health technology is addressing data management in healthcare through several projects. On January 9, 2024, a background discussion on diagnostic coding with healthcare experts took place in the ecolounge.

Following introductory statements by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Susanne Rabady (Austrian Society for General Practice and Family Medicine ÖGAM and Karl Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences KL) and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sascha Klee (KL), an application-oriented, digital solution for the fast and accurate coding of diagnoses was presented. The system was developed by Dr. Christoph Powondra (KL) and Dr. Helmut Dultinger (General Practitioner, Austrian Society for General Practice) together with Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Schulz (Medical University of Graz). In addition to their scientific work, the researchers have extensive experience in medical practice, both in and outpatient settings, and this expertise has been incorporated into the new coding system.

Following the presentations, an intensive discussion took place among the 25 participants, addressing not only current and future diagnostic codes but also the realities of healthcare provision within and outside of institutional settings, such as private practices, outpatient clinics, therapy rooms, operating theaters, and hospital rooms.

At the end of the event, the participants unanimously committed to comprehensive digitalization and to the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the healthcare system for patients.