Health Tech 2024: The Future Awakens, organized by WMHTC (West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster) and Create Central, was a groundbreaking event that showcased the latest innovations in digital health and their potential impact on communities. The event, held at STEAMhouse on October 21, 2024, provided a comprehensive exploration of emerging technologies in healthcare.
Event Highlights
The day began with an engaging keynote address by Lisa Page, Partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, who set the tone for the event by discussing the intersection of AI, XR, and future innovations in healthcare. This presentation provided a solid foundation for the discussions that followed.
AI and Data in Healthcare
The first panel session, “The New Frontiers of Health Innovation: Promise or Peril?” delved into the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Chaired by Tim Jones from Health Innovation West Midlands, the panel featured diverse perspectives from industry experts.
Key points from the discussion included:
– The potential of AI to enhance precision diagnostics and personalised treatment plans
– Ethical implications of AI in healthcare and strategies to address them
– The integration of AI into healthcare professionals’ practices
– Legal frameworks necessary for regulating AI in healthcare
– AI’s role in improving patient engagement and treatment adherence
The panel expertly balanced the promise of AI with the need for ethical considerations and maintaining the human touch in healthcare.
Extended Reality (XR) in Healthcare
The afternoon session, “Bridging Worlds: Can XR Truly Transform Lives, or Is It Just Virtual Hype?” explored the potential of XR technologies in healthcare. Chaired by Perninder Dhadwar from Innovate Health & Imobisoft, this panel brought together experts from various fields.
Highlights from this discussion included:
– Current applications of XR in patient care and medical training
– Strategies for making XR technologies accessible to all
– The potential of XR to improve patient outcomes in underserved areas
– XR’s role in enhancing patient education and engagement
– Addressing resistance to XR adoption in the public sector and wider community
The panel provided valuable insights into how XR is revolutionising therapeutic treatments, rehabilitation, and mental health therapies through immersive experiences.
Technology-Enabled Care and New Delivery Models
The event concluded with two sessions focused on technology-enabled care and new delivery models for health and care. These discussions, featuring experts from WM5G, local councils, and healthcare organizations, explored practical applications of emerging technologies in healthcare delivery.
Immersive Experience
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to explore the Tech and XR Zone, where they could experience firsthand the latest advancements in health technology. This hands-on approach allowed participants to better understand the practical applications of the technologies discussed.
Networking Opportunities
The event provided ample networking opportunities during lunch breaks and refreshment sessions. Attendees could also participate in tours of STEAMhouse, further enhancing the immersive experience of the day.
In conclusion, Health Tech 2024: The Future Awakens was a pivotal event that successfully brought together industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners to explore the exciting future of healthcare technology. The rich panel discussions, wealth of knowledge shared by expert speakers, and engaging audience questions contributed to a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the transformative potential of emerging technologies in healthcare.
