Transforming German healthcare

: building connected ecosystems to enable seamless digital health: navigating prerequisites, essential partnerships and challenges

Abstract

The healthcare industry is going through a major shift towards digitalisation, which is changing the way it operates and its overall business strategies. This transformation opens up possibilities for improving the healthcare system by creating interconnected healthcare ecosystems. This dissertation examines how ecosystems can benefit their stakeholders by analysing the experiences of Switzerland and their implications for Germany. The study utilises eight expert interviews to acquire key insights. These ecosystems have the potential to optimise healthcare delivery, and encourage collaboration among stakeholders, resulting in a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system. Switzerland’s experience highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation, the right mindset, and promoting interoperability and added value to address the diverse needs of stakeholders. Strategic partnerships are crucial for building a connected health ecosystem, and selecting compatible partners is essential for fostering lasting collaboration. Health insurers, technology partners, and healthcare providers must work together to create a sustainable and effective ecosystem. However, there are several challenges that impede the growth of ecosystems in Germany, including fragmented market structures and resistance to change. Change management and regulatory alignment are amongst other factors crucial for tackling these challenges and promoting international data exchange. With the arrival of big tech companies in the healthcare sector, there are a multitude of opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed as well. This study significantly contributes to the understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare ecosystems, offering a comprehensive framework for future developments in Germany.

Date of Award	23 Oct 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Pedro Parada (Supervisor)