An international conference on leadership in healthcare discussed the challenges for leadership in healthcare in relation to new technologies. There was broad agreement that digitalisation is bringing new opportunities for the sector.

The lack of digital skills among healthcare workers is a challenge, Health Minister Valentina Prevolnik Rupel told the 14 June event. "Because technology is becoming more integrated in healthcare, it is crucial that our workforce is equipped with the needed digital skills," she said.

Digital technologies are a promising solution for the severe staff shortages, she thinks. Technologies can streamline administrative tasks, automate routine processes, enable online consultations, and drive innovation, which optimises the workflow efficiency and allows healthcare workers to better focus on providing quality care to patients, she said.

Digital Transformation Minister Emilija Stojmenova Duh touched on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and stressed that it can improve treatment outcomes through better diagnoses.

AI can also help recognise systemic inequalities, encouraging efforts for more fair healthcare systems. Stojmenova Duh is however aware of the potential risks, such as the bias of AI algorithms and privacy and security concerns.

"We have to ensure that healthcare will stay focused on caring for society and serving it," said Danica Purg, the head of the IEDC Bled School of Management. She added that the development of all staff is equally important, not just the leadership.

Head of the health sector at OECD Francesca Colombo said that healthcare systems are in need of a great reform. Investing in healthcare systems creates opportunities, she said, adding that preventive care is crucial.

The conference was organised as part of the Bled Institute for Leadership in Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (BILDAI), co-founded by IEDC and Roche Slovenia.

The institute brings together governmental bodies, businesses and educational institutions with the goal of developing excellence of leadership in the digital and AI sector.