Tuttlingen – From the dialogue about wishes and possibilities to an innovative medical technology: The first “Meet the Maker” forum brought industry and clinics not only to one, but to five tables. Problems were named together, solutions identified - and surprisingly connecting elements were found.
Increasing regulations, bureaucracy and costs have added to the development work in medical technology. However, the need for new, improved systems, processes and products has not decreased, on the contrary. The new format was created to give the exchange a platform and impetus for innovation. "We have to think outside the box", appealed to MedicalMountains Managing Director Yvonne Glienke at the beginning, "work together more again, discuss, tinker, spin." Around 50 participants did that, about one third from clinics and two thirds from medical technology companies came. Initial impulses were given by PD Dr. medical habil. Martin G. Friedrich from the Georg-August University in Göttingen. He outlined leaps in development in medicine using the example of heart surgery, from the beginnings in the ice basin to the 4.0 era today. He warned against seeing the achievements as a means of maximizing profits. Rather, it is about more effectiveness and optimization of processes, about ideal working conditions and thus "ideal results" for patients. Martin G. Friedrich encouraged "creative dissatisfaction" and had an example at hand: In an operating room, there is humming, buzzing and bubbling at every corner. The noise is sometimes just below the pain threshold. As a solution, he presented an audio system for surgeons - and manufacturers meanwhile noted that they should focus more on noise reduction in product development.
Accordingly, one topic table was dedicated to the focus "Voice Control & Silent OP", the other groups to the complexes "Sustainability in (Medical) Technology", "Operating Room of the Future", "Assistance Systems & Robotics" and "Camera Technology". The common thoughts were sometimes more abstract, sometimes more concrete, were written down and presented on pin boards during the final round of presentations. What was probably not on anyone's mind at first: the question of better training for medical staff, especially surgeons, emerged as a connecting element. Be it through the direct handling of state-of-the-art instruments at an early stage, through courses on the subject of "applied medical technology" or through video recordings of interventions, with the help of which prospective surgeons can familiarize themselves more quickly with the craft.
And what was the balance of the players of the day? "I find it fascinating that you can enter into an intensive exchange with manufacturers and colleagues in order to address specific problems and perhaps even find initial solutions," said Prof. Dr. medical Boris Haxel (Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum Villingen-Schwenningen GmbH) on behalf of the medical profession: "I have an extremely good impression. Time flies.” The conclusion from the companies was also clear. "We had an open brainstorming session on various topics: Where is medical technology developing, what does the user need and how do we get to the future?" Sabrina Hellstern (Hellstern medical GmbH, Wannweil) described the "great spirit" of the event. “Further ideas emerge from the conversations that also take place between the World Café tables. It's really fun."
At the end, the participants were able to mark those topics on the pinboards that should be explored in more detail at follow-up appointments in small groups. The "Meet the Maker" forum will be back on a large scale next year: June 13, 2024 has already been set as the repeat date.
