Singapore’s Woodlands Health visits Karolinska University Hospital
Sweden och Singapore share similar challenges within healthcare
Singapore and Sweden have many of the same type of challenges for the future of healthcare with a rapidly ageing population and a record low fertility rate which also means a shortage in healthcare workforce. During the visit, discussions centered around key areas where Karolinska and Woodlands Health could collaborate, sharing expertise to enhance patient care and healthcare efficiency.
Robot-assisted surgery as well as sterile technique were two areas where the two countries would benefit from sharing innovative ideas and best practice. A proposal was made for a Karolinska expert to visit Singapore and engage with the Ministry of Health and hospitals to share experiences around robot-assisted surgery as well as assess and guide improvements in Woodlands health’s sterile technique procedures.
AI and digital healthcare
A significant part of the visit focused on Artificial Intelligence. The delegation attended presentations on several key AI initiatives at Karolinska. One highlight was the Karolinska@home project, which leverages AI and digital solutions to enable hospital-level care in patients' homes, improving patient outcomes while optimizing healthcare resources. In Singapore they have the equivalent WH@home which opened up for many fruitful discussions and sharing of best practice.
Another key discussion revolved around The D’AIbetes project, which integrates AI to personalize diabetes management, allowing for early detection of complications and tailored treatment plans. Thanks to this visit, Karolinska’s Paolo Parini could establish a contact with Woodlands Health’s team working on digital twins, paving the way for potential research and development collaborations in predictive healthcare analytics.
Breast cancer and colon cancer fellowships
Oncology was identified as a key area for collaboration, particularly in setting up fellowship programs focused on breast and colorectal cancer. These programs would facilitate knowledge exchange and skill development for healthcare professionals in both regions.
They also learned about the SciLifeLab, with a presentation on data driven life science and women’s health cohorts and recent advances in predicting miscarriage and preterm birth. Additionally, they enjoyed a well-organized and appreciated tour of MedTechLabs, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and research initiatives.
Towards a long-term strategic partnership
The visit provided a platform for mutual learning and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in advancing patient care. Both Karolinska and Woodland’s Health share a commitment to high-quality, evidence-based healthcare, and this engagement lays the foundation for continued collaboration in clinical excellence, research, and innovation.
By fostering relationships with leading healthcare institutions worldwide, Karolinska University Hospital strengthens its role as a global hub for medical expertise and innovation. The visit from Woodlands Health serves as an example of how international cooperation can drive progress and improve healthcare delivery on a broader scale.