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Visions of Healthcare in 2025

Today, healthcare is increasingly shaping up for a digital future, integrating technological advances that are transforming the way healthcare is delivered. Innovations such as social media applications, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools are enabling doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve efficiency, make care safer and overcome physical barriers. These technological advances not only facilitate more accurate diagnosis but also empower more effective patient monitoring and management.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the future of healthcare will necessarily involve the implementation of digital health strategies.

In fact, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) defines the National e-Health Strategy as “the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to Health”, highlighting the crucial role of ICT for the collection, analysis and dissemination of health data. In this context, some countries have already implemented advanced systems for managing medical information, as in the United Kingdom, where digitization is key to ensuring a more efficient and accessible health service.

The world’s best hospitals in 2024-2025

Choosing a hospital is a crucial decision that can significantly influence a patient’s recovery and well-being. In order to help patients make informed choices, Newsweek magazine, in collaboration with the analysis firm Statista, has published the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking, which highlights the most outstanding hospitals worldwide and by country.

In the most recent ranking of the 250 best hospitals in the world, US institutions once again top the list.

However, Spanish hospitals have gained prestige and have managed to stand out in this ranking. At ETKHO, we have actively participated in many of them.

The drive for precision and quantum technologies in the medicine of the future

The conference “Anticipating the Medicine of the Future,” organized by the Fundación Instituto Roche, brought together nationally renowned experts to reflect and debate on areas and trends that will be key in the future of medicine.

The seventh edition focused on Precision Phenotyping, Quantum Technologies, and Precision Nutrition.

This initiative is part of the Future Medicine Trends Observatory, established in 2017 to foster the generation and dissemination of knowledge about Personalized Precision Medicine and to help position Spain at the forefront of health innovation.

Hospital admissions, beds, annual costs, and the evolution of Spain’s national health system

The Spanish Ministry of Health has released an analysis of data related to hospitals and specialty centers in Spain, including bed capacity, annual costs, and a decade-long evolution from 2013 to 2022.

The report shows that Spain has a total of 751 hospitals, with 449 (60%) forming part of the National Health System (SNS).

Altogether, hospitals offer 155,077 installed beds, with 82.5% (126,004) within the SNS network and 17.75% (29,073) in the private sector. The total number of beds per 1,000 inhabitants decreased slightly, from 3.30 in 2013 to 3.24 in 2022. During the same period, outpatient care processes increased from 41.72% to 48.30%.

The industry’s investment in clinical research in Spain

How much does the industry invest in clinical research in Spain? In 2023, it was over €830 million. 

During the SEDISA Foundation Debates, various specialists shared their views on the present and future of healthcare research, as well as the role of the pharmaceutical industry and the digitalization of healthcare.

Concha Serrano, Trustee of Pfizer, stated during the event: “According to the latest research data, in 2023, €834 million were invested in clinical research in Spain by the industry. Fifty-two percent corresponds to studies in phases one and two, the most initial and complex phases.”

A national health strategy with a gender perspective

The working group Women Leaders in Healthcare (WLHC) organized the event “Health Does Have a Gender” in November to address the female health gap and its impact on social and economic sectors.

Women Leaders in Healthcare is a group driven by female leaders in Spain who aim to build and contribute solutions to current and future problems across all sectors influenced by health.

During the event, professionals from various sectors analyzed the situation in Spain regarding the gender health gap as a structural issue, the impact of bias in the diagnosis and treatment of women, and its economic and political implications.

At the debate held in Madrid, women from different fields called for the creation of a National Health Strategy with a Gender Perspective.

The 41st Hospital Engineering Seminar closes with continued success

Hospital engineering celebrates another milestone on its path toward excellence in the healthcare system. Over three days, the FIBES II Congress Palace in Seville became the national hub for hospital engineering, hosting the 41st Hospital Engineering Seminar.

This edition brought together more than 1,500 participants, 120 exhibiting companies, and featured 13 discussion panels, establishing itself as a key reference point for the healthcare sector.

Organized by the Spanish Association of Hospital Engineering (AEIH), the seminar once again tackled crucial topics related to hospital infrastructure and technology, from cybersecurity to the use of renewable energy sources.

Keys to the First Sectorial Report on the Social and Environmental Impact of the Pharmaceutical Industry

Innovative pharmaceutical companies provide society with one of its most valued assets, significantly contributing to public health and well-being: medicines.

The primary goal of this sector is to improve people’s lives through biopharmaceutical innovation.

Moreover, recognizing the interconnectedness of health and environmental care, the pharmaceutical industry has long integrated sustainability principles into its daily operations. This aims to create a positive impact on both individual well-being and the planet.

Medical burnout syndrome

Medical burnout syndrome has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its negative impact on both healthcare workers and the quality of patient care.

The WHO recognizes it as a phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been properly managed.

In healthcare, burnout is particularly concerning because it affects those on the frontlines of patient care, directly impacting safety and effectiveness in treatment.

Disruptive hospitals of today and tomorrow

At the end of September, the 2nd Congress on Disruptive Hospitals took place.

Organized by the Official College of Industrial Engineers of Madrid and the Association of Industrial Engineers of Madrid, in collaboration with the General Council of Industrial Engineers and the Spanish Institute of Engineering, the event brought together 23 international experts from leading institutions such as the Mayo Clinic in the United States and Morriston Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Over two days, participants discussed innovations that are transforming the healthcare landscape both nationally and globally.