How can digital health applications become fairer, more inclusive, and better? In conversation with host Rasmus Cloes, Prof. Dr. Ansgar Gerhardus explains how a new framework helps to evaluate digital services in a structured way – so that they not only work technically, but also really reach the people for whom they are intended.

New health apps are created every day – but not all of them are useful or safe. The new framework developed by Ansgar and his team helps to maintain an overview and systematically evaluate digital tools. Similar to the TÜV for cars, it provides clear guidelines for ensuring the quality of digital interventions before they are put into practice.

From target group understanding to data protection and accessibility, the framework covers all relevant dimensions that are crucial for equitable digital healthcare. It also highlights issues such as language, access, and cultural sensitivity—aspects that are often neglected.

Who benefits from the framework? Startups, developers, health insurance companies—anyone who works with digital health solutions benefits from the structured approach. It not only helps identify problems early on, but also saves resources in the long term. Especially in the early stages of development, it is invaluable for avoiding blind spots and creating more equitable offerings.

Ansgar reports on two pilot projects – including a chatbot for family caregivers – and how the framework helped identify critical issues early on. A university also used it to self-evaluate an extensive program – with the conclusion: “We wish we had had it sooner!”

The framework is currently available as a Word document and may soon be available as an online tool. The goal is to make it even easier and more intuitive to use, including a reminder function, filter options, and integration into project management workflows. After all, structured development is the first step toward greater equity in digital public health.

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Skinuvita has made it its mission to provide people with chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis with an effective and safe light therapy that they can use in the comfort of their own home – supported by digital infrastructure and medical monitoring.

Jan talks about his personal journey: as a sufferer, he is familiar with the restrictions of regular doctor visits and long journeys. The idea for Skinuvita arose from this everyday pressure – and developed over years into a certified medical device with an app, device and medical support.

In conversation with Rasmus, Jan discusses the hurdles that health startups in Germany have to overcome: lengthy studies, regulatory requirements, data protection, technical security – and the skepticism of many players in the healthcare system. Find out how Skinuvita was still able to convince partners in dermatology and health insurance companies in this episode.

Another topic: the role of digitalization and AI. Jan describes how modern technology helps to evaluate therapy data, control dosages, and visualize treatment progress. At the same time, Skinuvita stays close to the patient – and to the doctors, who are centrally involved in the treatment process.

Finally, Jan talks about the future: What other applications are conceivable? What vision does Skinuvita have beyond phototherapy? And what advice does he have for other founders looking to get started in digital health? This episode provides valuable insights for anyone working at the intersection of health and technology.

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Finally, everything digital? The electronic patient file promises better care and important research data - a breakthrough or another unused offer? Host Rasmus Cloes discussed this with Sabrina Jacob, head of the TK state office in Bremen. A conversation about digital opportunities, data protection and the future of healthcare.

The electronic patient file (ePA) is being introduced in Germany and is intended to serve both individual patients and healthcare research. Sabrina Jacob from the Techniker Krankenkasse explains the practical advantages of the ePA, such as access to all relevant medical records in one place, which should avoid duplicate examinations and improve care overall.

An important topic in the conversation is data protection. Sabrina explains how securely the data is stored in the EPR and what measures have been taken to close possible security gaps. She emphasizes that despite existing challenges, basic security standards are ensured.

She also talks about the potential of the EPR for health services research. The data collected could enable medical research to make great strides and develop personalized therapeutic approaches. She explains which applications in medical practice could be improved or even made possible by the EPR.

A central question in the podcast is whether the introduction of the EPR actually represents a digital revolution or rather a first important step on the road to comprehensive digitalization of the healthcare system. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of a step-by-step approach that makes it possible to learn from practice and continuously improve the product.

Finally, they discuss the challenges that still need to be overcome to make the EHR usable across the board – from technical hurdles to the question of how less tech-savvy or older people can be integrated into the digital transformation. Sabrina also outlines a vision for the future in which digital tools like the EHR could play a central role in a more efficient and patient-friendly healthcare system.

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Mosquitoes are not only annoying bloodsuckers, but also transmitters of dangerous diseases such as dengue fever. Every year, millions of people worldwide become infected, especially in tropical regions. But how can digitalization help to detect outbreaks faster and stop the spread of the disease?

In this episode, host Rasmus Cloes talks to Jennifer Horstmann, a doctoral student at the University of Bremen. She talks about her work on the DENCAI project, which was awarded the University of Bremen Transfer Prize and is improving dengue control in Thailand using artificial intelligence and mobile apps. An algorithm detects suspicious cases of the disease and supports local health workers in tracking and analyzing them. We take a look behind the scenes of development: What challenges are there in digitalizing public health in emerging markets? How does the collaboration between computer science and public health work? And could such technology also play a role in Europe, where dengue mosquitoes are increasingly spreading due to climate change?

A particularly exciting part of the episode: Jennifer explains how students can actively participate in such projects and why the interaction of different disciplines is so important. We also learn how the experiences from Thailand can be transferred to other diseases and regions. Tune in and learn how digital public health solutions can change the world!

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