The future of the diagnostics industry is digital
Almost 85% of VDGH member companies attach great importance to the digitalization of their products. The topic is multifaceted. Digital technologies can accompany diagnostics throughout the entire product life cycle as well as represent stand-alone diagnostics in the form of software. In the first case, the software is a component integrated into the device that enables more efficient, more compact and more powerful devices in the laboratory, at the point of care and for self-use. In the second case, diagnostic software analyzes data from one or more sources independently of the device. Artificial intelligence in particular can be used to generate more precise results and new correlations from the data. VDGH member companies are active in both areas and have already recognized many opportunities. However, they also face a number of challenges.
Digital health policy
Digital health policy has gained considerable momentum, particularly in recent years. The diagnostics industry can benefit from some of the new regulations in the coming years, for example in the area of data usage. However, it will also be confronted with stricter rules, for example in the use of artificial intelligence. The VDGH supports its member companies in adapting their supply concepts, products and strategies to the new laws in good time. At the same time, the association is committed to closing existing gaps in legislation and self-administration regulations. The aim is to shape the digital transformation of the diagnostics industry together with legislators and self-government.
From artificial intelligence to IT security
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers both great opportunities and new challenges for the diagnostics industry. For research and development with AI, companies are dependent on structured data, among other things. This data is not always available in sufficient quality. At the same time, they are particularly worthy of protection. For the VDGH and its members, issues relating to AI and data use are playing an increasingly important role - for example, how secondary data can be used in a data protection-compliant manner to further develop diagnostics. However, member companies are also facing new challenges. These primarily affect IT departments. The association has been concerned for many years with what they need to pay attention to in order to better protect their own company and products. Only with a secure and protected infrastructure and security by design can new AI-based diagnostic procedures be developed safely in the future, existing products be designed more efficiently and new business models in the outpatient sector and in the laboratory be developed sustainably.
Support from the VDGH
The digital transformation in the healthcare sector is in full swing. The VDGH is the point of contact for the diagnostics industry in the areas of big data, artificial intelligence, miniaturization and laboratory automation. These innovations are revolutionizing diagnostic procedures and significantly increasing the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostics. How digital will continue to shape the innovative strength of the diagnostics industry in the coming years is the central topic of the VDGH's digital committees.