On Tuesday 15 October, the 'knowledge picking day' took place at the beautiful Landgoed de Olmenhorst, and what a success it was! While the sun was shining, healthcare professionals and other policy makers came together for a meeting with the theme of the increasing role of digital care. Sometimes we are so busy in the moment that we forget about future plans and our speakers from Libra Revalidatie & Audiologie and Chapter Data inspired us to look further. 

Mayke Nuwenhoud-Bankers and Karin van Leeuwen from Libra Revalidatie & Audiologie shared their experiences about the digital transformation in healthcare. In a world where healthcare is becoming as digital as our agendas, it is essential to continue to take good care of clients in this transition to hybrid care, where technology and personal attention go hand in hand.

This was reinforced by the insights of Sander Klinkenberg and Daan Bouman of Chapter Data, who highlighted the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI offers unprecedented possibilities, such as the use of self-learning chatbots for various tasks, from customer service to diagnostics, and thus helps to reduce the administrative burden. Sander emphasized: “Every AI application starts with making your data usable''.

In a world where banking, shopping and even communication are becoming increasingly digital, it is important that everyone with or without disabilities has access to these digital services. During the knowledge picking day, the importance of healthcare providers and patients was central. Innovations must be useful for both, for example by increasing self-reliance, self-management and prevention, and must also contribute to accessibility, involvement and helpfulness in healthcare. "The focus must be on providing qualitative and personal care, where possible," says Sander.

The day ended with a unique activity: picking apples from our own apple trees that we planted on the estate in the name of our participants and Helpdesk Digital Care. This activity symbolizes not only the collaboration with our partners, but also the fruitful results of our joint efforts. Because just like with digital care, we only really reap the rewards when we continue to grow together!