What is digitalization good for in healthcare? – Transforming patient care with smart solutions

This episode of Unmute All dives into the evolving world of digital healthcare with Ildikó Wippelhauser, Service Delivery Manager at Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions. In conversation with Péter Civin, the discussion explores how Germany’s hospital system is undergoing a technological transformation.

The conversation centers on the Krankenhaus Zukunft Gesetz (KHZG), Germany’s “Hospital Future Act,” which allocates billions in funding to modernize hospital infrastructure. From electronic patient portals to AI-driven diagnostics, Ildikó offers insights into how digital tools are reshaping workflows and supporting healthcare professionals.

From paperwork to platforms

One of the central themes is the shift from outdated, paper-based processes to fully integrated hospital information systems. Ildikó explains how DT-ITS’s IMED ONE solution helps hospitals digitize patient data, streamline internal communication, and connect departments more efficiently.

Real-time access to medical records not only saves time — up to 30 minutes per patient — but also improves the quality of care. Doctors and nurses can access test results, treatment plans, and medication instructions instantly, even on mobile devices, which leads to faster, more informed decisions.

AI in diagnostics and clinical support

The episode highlights how artificial intelligence is already making an impact. Through a partnership with Berlin-based startup Vara, AI is being used in 40% of Germany’s breast cancer screening centers to analyze X-ray images. The result? An 18% increase in early detection rates and a 70% reduction in radiology workload.

Another use case comes from university hospitals, where AI-powered systems help flag early signs of critical conditions like sepsis. By processing patient data in real time and issuing proactive alerts, clinicians can intervene sooner and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Enhancing the patient experience

Digital tools are also enhancing the patient journey. Hospital portals allow patients to enter their data, choose meals, and manage appointments — sometimes even before they arrive. Medication tracking systems ensure that every pill is documented, from delivery to dosage, ensuring accuracy and accountability at every step.

Supporting from behind the scenes

While patients may not see who’s behind the technology, Ildikó emphasizes the importance of the Hungarian teams who serve as the link between German hospitals and the development teams. Acting as a Single Point of Contact (SPOC), they facilitate communication, manage feedback, and help hospitals implement and customize the solutions to meet regulatory and operational needs.

Conclusion

This episode underscores how digitalization in healthcare isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about better outcomes for patients and smarter support for healthcare professionals. From AI to infrastructure, the conversation reveals how collaboration, innovation, and user-centric design are changing the way hospitals care for people.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, healthcare professional, or someone curious about how digital tools can save lives, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the future of medical care — and how we’re helping build it.

Listen to the episode here (Hungarian): https://www.deutschetelekomitsolutions.hu/podcasts/mire-jo-a-digitalizacio-az-egeszsegugyben/