2024 was marked by international recognition and advancements in medical care
International impact and collaboration
Karolinska's strong reputation continues to have an international impact, securing its place among the top ten hospitals globally for the fifth consecutive year, according to Newsweek. The hospital was also recognized as a leader in the use of advanced technology in healthcare, ranking as the 13th smartest hospital in the world. This ranking considers the implementation of technologies like AI, robotics, and telemedicine to improve patient care. Karolinska particularly stands out for its use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and treatment.
Karolinska is actively involved in collaborative efforts within Europe and the Nordic region through its participation in the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA) and the Nordic University Hospital Alliance (NUHA). These alliances foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practice implementation among leading healthcare institutions. The collaborations aim to improve healthcare delivery and innovation across borders.
In addition to its alliance involvement, Karolinska intensified its efforts to support healthcare in Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation in a turbulent global environment. The hospital also treats patients from other regions and countries, solidifying its role as a global provider.
Medical advancements and achievements
The hospital achieved world-class results in several areas. A study analyzing over 600,000 surgeries revealed increased survival rates, particularly among patients over 75, despite older age and more comorbidities. Mortality decreased both short-term (30 days) and long-term (365 days).
Karolinska performs the highest number of lung surgeries in Sweden, with over 600 operations in 2024. Minimally invasive techniques were used in 94% of lung cancer surgeries, facilitating quicker patient discharge. Moreover, 69% of all minimally invasive heart surgeries in Sweden are performed at Karolinska University Hospital.
Karolinska was also the first in Europe to perform operations using a new single-port surgical robot, offering significant patient benefits and enabling new types of surgeries. The hospital completed 100 surgeries with this robot in 2024, including prostatectomies, urological procedures, gynecological procedures, ENT cancer surgeries and colorectal procedures.
To conclude, Karolinska University Hospital's 2024 Annual Review showcases its continued excellence as a global leader in healthcare. Key highlights include:
- Ranking among the top 10 hospitals worldwide for the 5th consecutive year
- Achieving world-class medical results, particularly in heart and lung surgeries
- Being the first in Europe to use a new single-port surgical robot
- Maintaining strong international collaborations through EUHA and NUHA
- Improving survival rates for older surgical patients
- Excelling in specialized care across multiple medical fields
The hospital's focus on innovation, patient outcomes, and global cooperation solidifies its position as a premier healthcare institution with a far-reaching impact on medical advancements and patient care worldwide.