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Get ready for Europe’s first digital health conference on cardiovascular disease

5 and 6 October in Tallinn, Estonia

Cardiology
Hospital Information Systems, Electronic Records, Clinical Decision Support

The first ever cardiac conference in digital health – ESC Digital Summit 2019 – is set for 5 and 6 October at the Creative Hub in Tallinn, Estonia.

The event brings together core groups that are at the forefront of the digital health transformation. Patient groups, healthcare professionals, technology developers, policymakers, regulators, and reimbursement officers will take a deep dive into pressing issues, such as cybersecurity and how to evaluate whether a technology is beneficial.

“Rarely do health professionals get involved in this debate,” said Professor Martin Cowie, Chair of the ESC’s Digital Health Committee. “Too often the conversations are only within one stakeholder group.”

“Cardiovascular medicine is on the cutting edge of the digital health field because there are so many different things to measure,” Prof Cowie pointed out. “Technology is getting better and better at measuring electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure, blood sugar, and so on. People are monitoring themselves and using algorithms or artificial intelligence (AI) to help them make the best choices.”

“Will artificial intelligence replace human intelligence?” is one congress debate. In Prof Cowie’s view, AI will amplify human intelligence. “Central to the conference is stripping away the hype without being cynical. Healthcare professionals will see the possibilities while developers will gain insights into regulatory requirements and clinicians’ need for good evidence before backing a new approach,” he said.

Collecting evidence for reimbursement authorities and regulators is challenging in the digital world where technologies change quickly. The congress will explore how much proof is sufficient. “We can’t wait five years for a huge clunky randomised trial, so there must be other methods of assessment,” said Prof Cowie. “We do need validation that a technology is not just new, it’s better.”

This comes to the fore in the congress debate “Wearables and mobile apps: precision medicine or the emperor’s new clothes?”. Prof Cowie noted that these technologies produce a “tsunami of data” – but are people healthier as a result? “In theory they look great – personalised, continuous, in real time. But if we are going to restructure teams to look at streams of information, even with AI in the background, we need to be sure it will improve outcome. Monitoring can also be counterproductive if it leads to anxiety,” he said.

A more nuanced approach is needed for wearables and apps, said Prof Cowie. Fitness trackers may help some people, but not others. Monitoring vital signs might be useful for a short period, rather than lifelong. “We will find a role for these technologies, but we should avoid uncritical acceptance that every wearable will improve health or make people feel better,” he said.

Cybersecurity is another hot topic to be scrutinised during the meeting. “There are a huge range of attitudes to data security. Some tech companies seem rather lax, European policymakers are tightening the rules and delivering fines, and citizens sit somewhere in between,” he said.

Estonia is a leader on interoperability, meaning how novel technologies integrate with existing systems. Delegates will hear how to develop an interoperable digital health ecosystem. And as a signal of the country’s interest in digital health, the Estonian Prime Minister is set to attend the opening session.

Stay tuned for the Technology and Innovation Pitch Presentations – a rapid fire of ideas and concepts across all fields of cardiology. “These will be stress tested by the event’s varied audience,” said Prof Cowie.

ENDS

Notes to editor

Authors: ESC Press Office
Tel: +33 (0)4 8987 2499
Mobile: +33 (0)7 8531 2036
Email: press@escardio.org

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About the ESC Digital Summit 2019  #ESCDigital

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is organising its first ESC Digital Summit in Tallinn, Estonia, on 5 and 6 October 2019.The event will bring together cardiologists, digital health pioneers, policymakers and industry representatives.

 

About the European Society of Cardiology

The European Society of Cardiology brings together health care professionals from more than 150 countries, working to advance cardiovascular medicine and help people lead longer, healthier lives.

 

Registration for journalists attending the ESC Digital Summit 2019

  • Free registration applies to accredited press
  • Credentials: A valid press card or appropriate letter of assignment with proof of three recent published articles (cardiology or health-related, or referring to a previous ESC Event). Read the ESC media and embargo policy.
  • Press registration is not available to industry or its public relations representatives, event management, marketing or communications representatives.
  • The ESC Press Office will verify the documents and confirm by email that your press accreditation is valid.
  • The decision of the ESC Press Office is final regarding all press registration requests.