The international workshop, "Digital Transformation in Healthcare and Smart Hospital Development: International Experience and Application in Vietnam," is scheduled for June. It aims to advance electronic health records, smart hospitals, and the application of artificial intelligence in medical examination and treatment across Vietnam.

Organized by the Vietnam Medical Informatics Association (VAMI), TPP Global Healthcare Technology Company from the United Kingdom, and Health and Life Newspaper, the event will convene on 18/6 at the Sheraton Hanoi and 23/6 at the Hilton Da Nang. Participants will include leaders from the healthcare sector, representatives from provincial health departments, hospitals, and medical facilities, along with technology experts, policymakers, and numerous international specialists in digital health.

A patient views their own electronic health record on a phone. Photo: Hanh Hoang

A patient views their own electronic health record on a phone. Photo: Hanh Hoang

According to the organizers, the workshop comes as Vietnam implements its national digital transformation program and a strategic initiative for healthcare digital transformation. This effort seeks to foster modern, connected, and patient-centric healthcare services. The event will serve as a forum for domestic managers and health units to access the latest international experiences in developing digital infrastructure, governing health data, and applying technology in healthcare.

A central theme of the event is the pivotal role of electronic medical records (EMR) in establishing a modern healthcare system. Experts emphasize that EMR not only replaces traditional paper records but also serves as a fundamental data platform. This platform supports medical examinations, treatment, operational management, scientific research, and the development of artificial intelligence applications in healthcare.

When implemented uniformly, an EMR system enables comprehensive tracking of a patient's treatment journey, offering doctors quicker access to clinical information. It also facilitates data sharing among various units within the healthcare system.

International experts will present their experiences in implementing large-scale healthcare digitization programs. These range from establishing EMRs to developing integrated healthcare platforms that serve tens of millions of people. Practical lessons from successful nations will offer valuable references for Vietnamese regulatory bodies and hospitals in advancing smart hospitals and digital health systems.

Another significant topic is the future role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Experts will discuss how to integrate AI into EMRs to help doctors identify disease risks early, enhance patient safety, and improve treatment quality. Beyond clinical applications, AI can assist management and hospitals in predicting epidemics, formulating policies, optimizing operations, and increasing the efficient use of healthcare resources.

The workshop will feature several international experts in health technology. Among them is Frank Hester OBE, founder of TPP, one of the world's leading health technology companies. Solutions developed by TPP support healthcare delivery for over 80 million people in many countries. Other key speakers include Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quy Tuong, President of the Vietnam Medical Informatics Association, a specialist in health information technology and digital transformation in healthcare in Vietnam. Dr. Chris Bates, Director of Research and Data Analytics at TPP, a specialist in health data, public health research, artificial intelligence, and large-scale healthcare data analytics, will also present.

Frank Hester OBE, founder of TPP, one of the world's leading health technology companies, will present at the workshop. Photo: TPP

Frank Hester OBE, founder of TPP, one of the world's leading health technology companies, will present at the workshop. Photo: TPP

Speakers will delve into topics such as: building connected healthcare systems, health data interoperability, applying artificial intelligence to support clinical decision-making, big data analytics for public health management, and smart hospital models.

The organizers state that the workshop's objective extends beyond sharing international experiences. It also aims to create a platform for connecting domestic managers, hospitals, and technology companies with international partners. Through in-depth discussions, the event is expected to foster the adoption of electronic medical records, accelerate smart hospital development, and enhance health data utilization in Vietnam.

Amid rising healthcare demands, a rapidly aging population, and increasing pressure on the healthcare system, digital transformation is essential. It is seen as a critical step to enhance service quality, optimize resources, and improve public access to medical services.

Bringing together world-leading experts with domestic managers and healthcare units at this workshop is anticipated to generate new momentum for building a digital healthcare ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to achieve a smart, securely connected, and more efficient healthcare system for the people of Vietnam.

Yen Chi

Register for the Hanoi workshop here