Digi4Care Podcast Series

The Digi4Care Podcast Series offers an in-depth look at the digital transformation of healthcare across the Danube Region. Through conversations with clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and digital health experts, the series explores how innovative technologies can support earlier diagnosis, improve patient pathways, strengthen prevention, and contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems.

Each episode focuses on a key aspect of the Digi4Care project, from policy and financing considerations to the practical implementation of pilot activities across multiple European countries.

Episode 1: Introduction to the Digi4Care Project

The opening episode introduces the Digi4Care project, its objectives, and its vision for accelerating healthcare digitalisation across the Danube Region. The discussion explores the challenges slowing the adoption of digital health solutions, including fragmented systems, data interoperability issues, workforce shortages, and regulatory complexity. Listeners also receive an overview of Digi4Care’s integrated care model, knowledge platform, data management framework, training toolbox, and four pilot areas.

Speakers

• Réka Kovács, Project Coordinator, Digi4Care, Semmelweis University, Hungary

• Péter Pažitný, Health Management and Innovation Expert, Prague University of Economics and Business

Episode 2: Digi4Care Pilot 1 – AI-Supported Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Primary Care

This episode focuses on Pilot 1, which explores the use of artificial intelligence-supported fundus cameras for diabetic retinopathy screening alongside telemedicine stations for cardiovascular and diabetes risk assessment. The discussion examines how digital screening can be integrated into primary care settings and the practical challenges and opportunities associated with scaling these solutions.

Speakers

• Dr Borbála Bessenyey, Medical Doctor and Pilot Coordinator, Semmelweis University, Hungary

• Mira Ganova, CEO, Digital Health and Innovation Cluster Bulgaria

Episode 3: Digi4Care Pilot 2 – The Digital Ultrasound Revolution - POCUS

Pilot 2 investigates the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices in primary care, emergency medicine, and prehospital settings. The episode explores how portable, smartphone-connected ultrasound devices can support clinical decision-making and how telemedicine-based training models can help healthcare professionals acquire and maintain these skills.

Speakers

• Dr Viktória Vadas, Anaesthesiologist, Semmelweis University, Hungary

• Ákos Tiboldi, Anaesthesiologist and Intensive Care Physician, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, Austria

Episode 4: Digi4Care Pilot 3 – Digital Monitoring Between Clinical Visits

This episode examines how wearable devices, mobile applications, and clinical guidance can support the long-term monitoring of patients living with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The discussion focuses on continuous patient monitoring, data-driven care, quality-of-life assessment, and the transition from reactive to proactive healthcare.

Speaker

• Dr Diana Iovanovici, Medical Resident in Cardiology, University of Oradea, Romania

Episode 5: Digi4Care Pilot 3 – Digital Health for Post-Clinical Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is often one of the weakest links in chronic disease management. This episode explores how smart devices, remote monitoring systems, and artificial intelligence-supported tools can help patients remain engaged in rehabilitation programmes following cardiovascular events or chronic disease diagnosis. The discussion also examines the practical implementation and evaluation of digital rehabilitation models across participating countries.

Speakers

• Mira Ganova, CEO, Digital Health and Innovation Cluster Bulgaria

• Ákos Tiboldi, Anaesthesiologist and Intensive Care Physician, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, Austria

• Péter Vajer, General Practitioner, Gottsegen National Cardiovascular Center, Hungary

Episode 6: Digi4Care Pilot 4 – Digital Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

The final episode explores digital tools designed to support people living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive impairment in long-term and post-intensive care settings. The discussion covers cognitive training technologies, social robots, technology acceptance, health technology assessment, and the opportunities and barriers associated with introducing these solutions into care environments.

Speakers

• Kristina Randlová, PhD Researcher, Prague University of Economics and Business, Czech Republic

• Prof. Gordana Gardašević, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Episode 7: Digi4Care – Financing and Health Policies

Digital transformation requires more than technology alone. This episode examines the policy, financing, reimbursement, and regulatory frameworks necessary to ensure that digital health innovations can be sustainably integrated into healthcare systems. The discussion also explores how Digi4Care supports decision-makers through evidence generation, costing methodologies, action plans, and policy-oriented outputs.

Speakers

• Krisztina Davidovics, Legal and Health Policy Expert, Semmelweis University, Hungary

• Johannes Weiss, Health Expert, Austrian National Public Health Institute, Austria

• László Lorenzovici, Medical Doctor and Health Economist, Hospital Consulting, Romania

Together, these seven episodes provide a comprehensive overview of Digi4Care’s efforts to strengthen healthcare systems through digital innovation, while addressing the policy, organisational, and human factors necessary to ensure sustainable adoption and long-term impact.

Hosted and produced by Šimon Jeseňák

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