TECHNOLOGY 26.5% 73.5% 66.7% 33.3%
Far left: Figure 3. A patient survey carried out in Germany during 2023 sought to identify what percentage of respondents changed doctors or hospitals to continue their treatment.
Yes No
find it impossible to replace their current practices with telemedicine.
A comparison between Argentina and Germany on telemedicine app usage in the two countries during 2023 revealed that people in both nations prefer applications provided by their health provider. In Argentina, 52.6% also use WhatsApp for healthcare purposes (Figure 5), whereas in Germany, it is not used at all due to greater concerns about data security and privacy (Figure 6). Another tool that has been developed, and is increasingly used in the healthcare environment, is what is known as ‘Big data’ – a term that refers to large datasets that can be analysed to extract valuable information. In the context of healthcare, big data can be used to improve the quality of patient care, the efficiency of healthcare systems, and clinical decision-making. Modern organisations recognise the urgent need to collect, store, and analyse data to leverage these valuable assets. In the healthcare IT arena, Big data’s anticipated benefits include the development of more innovative and ‘intelligent’ services, improved disease management, optimal use of both healthcare budgets and limited medical equipment, and improved patient quality of life – by preventing emergencies, and predicting epidemics to respond more promptly.4 In summary, ICT is enhancing healthcare quality and reducing costs, but it is crucial to implement these advancements ethically, and in conjunction with human clinical judgment, to ensure effective and humanised care.
Changes in hospital design due to technology The hospital building is undoubtedly one of the most complex and demanding environments in terms of design and functionality – due to its size, rigorous facility demands, and high energy consumption. Over the years, technology has played a key role in transforming these buildings to enhance operational efficiency and healthcare quality. I will now focus on a number of key aspects of this technological transformation in the hospital environment:
Specialisation and flexibility Technology has driven greater integration and specialisation in hospital design, promoting specialised medicine and the development of outpatient-orientated hospitals. This has led to a redistribution of medical services, where outpatient care and primary medicine have gained ground over traditional hospitalisation. This reconfiguration of services has not only optimised resource use, but has also reduced costs within healthcare systems.
‘Hospital at home’ Technological advancements have facilitated the delivery
Yes No
of medical services in patients’ homes, complementing traditional hospital care. This involves effective coordination with general hospitals and telemedical support for clinical information management over the internet. Standardised home care ensures adequate quality of care and greater patient safety. The hospital of the future may look significantly different
from today’s. Rapidly evolving technologies, increasing consumerism, and demographic and economic changes, are expected to reshape hospitals worldwide. An increasing number of inpatient healthcare services are shifting towards home and outpatient centres; however, complex and critically ill patients will continue to require acute hospital services.5
Advanced hospital management Artificial Intelligence is being used to enhance energy efficiency and resource management in hospitals. Through machine learning algorithms, AI optimises HVAC systems, lighting, and other environmental aspects, based on variables such as outdoor temperature, humidity, and building occupancy. This not only reduces operational costs, but also improves occupant comfort and safety.
Security and monitoring AI systems enable early detection of issues such as fires, gas leaks, or intrusions in hospitals. Additionally, AI can monitor and analyse the building’s energy consumption, identifying areas for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The implementation of advanced technologies has facilitated the integration of sophisticated medical equipment, creation of more flexible spaces, and significant improvement in communication and connectivity among healthcare professionals. These advancements have streamlined hospital processes, and contributed
Left: Figure 4. In a survey among patients in Germany in 2023, 66.7% of the respondents said they had successfully transferred their health records.
Figure 6: Preferred healthcare ‘app’ use in Germany.
WhatsApp Zoom
provider Other 0 1 2 3 4
Platform health
0 (0%) 2 (25%)
5 (62.5%) 5 (62.5%)
5 May 2025 Health Estate Journal 33
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