Healthcare professionals in Portugal debate innovation and patient-centered care

Medical professionals and regional leaders in Portugal are addressing the future of healthcare, focusing on innovation, care integration, and patient-centered approaches. At the I Congress of the Emergency Service of Santo António Hospital, Jorge Mendes, Vice-President of CCDR NORTE, emphasized the need to reduce regional inequalities by ensuring that a person's place of residence does not dictate the quality or speed of their medical access.

Discussions highlighted the importance of integrating different levels of care, including hospitals and primary health services, to improve continuity and efficiency. Technological advancements, digital transformation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence were identified as key opportunities to support clinical decision-making and service organization.

In a separate medical forum, the XIX Symposium of the Portuguese Association of Urology (APU) focused on the theme of “Patient-Centered Urology.” The event aims to shift the focus from specific surgical techniques—such as robotic or laparoscopic surgery—to the individual needs of the patient, ensuring that technology is selected based on the specific requirements of each case rather than forcing patients to fit a particular technical method.