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.

 

 

“Reengineering healthcare”: a necessary approach for the future 

During the congress’ opening, COIIM Dean Fabián Torres highlighted the role of engineers in all healthcare processes: “We are moving toward a type of healthcare where the patient is at the center, and we aim to deliver personalized care. Engineers are involved at every stage of this transformation, including the reengineering of processes within hospitals.”

Torres also pointed out the opportunity that strengthening the entire healthcare technology industry offers for national competitiveness and innovation, which would contribute to the goal of having industry represent 20% of the GDP: “We can position Spain as a leader in healthcare technology. Both our doctors and our engineers in these specialties are highly sought after around the world.”

César Franco, president of the General Council of Industrial Engineers, emphasized the role of technology in healthcare, stating that hospitals are now true digital systems: “The digitalization of healthcare is not an option; it’s a necessity.”

Regarding the role of engineers in this transformation, he stressed that their knowledge and experience are essential. He clarified, “It’s not just about technology, but about understanding the needs of the healthcare system and working hand in hand with healthcare professionals.”

Franco also underscored the congress’ theme, “Reengineering Healthcare,” stating that “it couldn’t be more appropriate, as we are talking about a profound change in the structures underpinning our healthcare system.”

In this regard, the president of the Council of Industrial Engineers affirmed that now is the right time to embark on a profound transformation of the healthcare system to ensure higher quality levels in medical services by using technologies such as digital twins and telemedicine.

Likewise, COIIM Dean Fabián Torres highlighted examples of innovation like theragnostics, nuclear medicine, proton therapy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the aim of reaching 20% of GDP in manufacturing technology driven by the sector.

 

The congress addressed some of the main innovations transforming the hospital system.

 

Disruptive hospitals of today and tomorrow

 

 

Innovations in bioprinting and 3d medical printing

A significant portion of the event was dedicated to innovations in bioprinting and 3D printing in the healthcare field.

Amy Alexander from Mayo Clinic presented advances in mechanical engineering applied to computational development. From the UK, Peter Evans and Lawrence Dovgalski from Morriston Hospital discussed the applications of these technologies in maxillofacial rehabilitation and the creation of customized prosthetics.

Additionally, Cristina Aragón from Serveo introduced the “Digital Twin” technology, which allows for the virtual simulation of healthcare infrastructures to optimize their operation and management.

 

 

 

The future of hospitals: interdisciplinary collaboration

The congress emphasized the need to integrate new professional profiles, such as industrial engineers, biomedical engineers, and technology experts, to work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals.

This cooperation is essential to ensure that innovations are effectively implemented and transform the healthcare system.

COIIM promotes this collaboration through its affiliated engineers program, inviting professionals from related disciplines, such as biomedical engineering and process engineering, to join the college.

These engineers bring valuable technical expertise in areas like technological innovation and hospital process optimization, playing a key role in the healthcare sector’s evolution.

 

 

 

Tackling the current challenges of the healthcare system

At the event held at the Spanish Institute of Engineering, the Minister of Health, Mónica García, emphasized the need to promote collaboration between the healthcare and engineering sectors to address the current challenges of the healthcare system.

The minister highlighted that in the process of transforming the national healthcare system, it is essential to involve other disciplines that have proven indispensable, as was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic: “The contribution of all professions gives a much more holistic vision of what our national healthcare system should be.”

Juan José Pérez Blanco, president of the Medical and Healthcare Engineering Commission, accompanied the minister at the closing.

Pérez highlighted the role of maintenance engineers in hospitals: “These engineers, who arrive with the mission of making the hospital function, often with less investment than is needed, are the ones who have been meeting the clear need for more engineers in hospitals.”

 

Share This

Copy Link to Clipboard

Copy