"Success is largely linked to the employees"

Handelsblatt Research Institute

Mr. Mägdefrau, which technology trends will have the greatest impact on the healthcare sector over the next five years?

Holger Mägdefrau

Digital platforms are likely to have the biggest impact. Overall, this is not a new technology, but our industry has only recently started to use it more intensively. For example, we are working with a start-up that has developed a platform for dermatologists. Patients can upload images there and get a medical opinion without having to go to a practice. This reduces the workload for both patients and doctors. At the same time, platforms help to deal with the shortage of doctors. And it pays off for health insurance companies in the form of lower costs.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

Is the influence of artificial intelligence also increasing?

Holger Mägdefrau

Yes, especially in the area of pattern recognition, some intelligent applications are already as good as doctors. The technology is there. And so is the data. It will now take a few more years - possibly even longer than 2030 - before the applications are increasingly available. They will then support doctors in their diagnosis, but will not replace them. AI speeds up processes. In principle, however, AI implementation in our industry takes longer than in other industries.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

For what reason?

Holger Mägdefrau

This is mainly due to regulation. The applications have to be approved as medical devices. And these technologies are of course also new to the approval authorities, which means that the review may take longer.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

Are there any other trend technologies that will play a particularly important role in your industry in the future?

Holger Mägdefrau

Yes, this applies to robotic process automation (RPA) and data science. RPA is closely linked to machine learning and has great potential, especially in the field of administration. Doctors, scientists and hospital staff, for example, can be freed from routine administrative processes.

And data science offers the opportunity to improve the quality of the database. High data quality is the basic prerequisite for almost all future applications in our industry - especially for digital platforms and AI.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

You already mentioned regulation. What effect does this have on the use of new technologies in your industry?

Holger Mägdefrau

Due to the higher security requirements that are reflected in regulation, it always takes a little longer for new technologies to be introduced in the healthcare sector compared to other industries.

With regard to the data that will form the basis for many applications in the future, data protection is particularly strict when it comes to patient information.

However, this also gives us an advantage. As a latecomer, we see through other companies what does not work with - in some cases new - technology. This helps us avoid disappointment.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

Are AI technologies also important for the development of your company?

Holger Mägdefrau

Yes, definitely. Generative AI also plays a major role for us. We have introduced our own chat GPT-based platform in the company, which ensures that our data remains within the company. There is great potential here, especially in terms of increased productivity.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

What other added value can you expect?

Holger Mägdefrau

In my view, there are two major areas here. Firstly, there is the rationalization offered by AI, for example in production or administration. The second area is diagnosis and treatment. We are still at the beginning here, but this promises great potential.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

What are your experiences with current AI applications in the company? Are you already achieving noticeable added value?

Holger Mägdefrau

Yes, indeed. We are increasing efficiency with our own ChatGPT application. Employees can find the information they need more quickly.

Handelsblatt Research Institute

Which factors are decisive for the success of AI projects?

Holger Mägdefrau

In my view, the success of AI projects is largely linked to the employees. It's about how well we manage to train the workforce for AI - across the board, not as specialists. It is also necessary to motivate them to use the applications.

Furthermore, it is important in our industry that all stakeholders are involved in the development of the applications. The application will only be a success if the companies, health insurance companies, doctors and nursing staff ultimately achieve added value with the application, i.e. if it is a win for everyone.