HIMSS24 APAC in Seoul: Advancing Digital Health Transformation in the Region

The 2024 HIMSS APAC Health Conference & Exhibition, held in Seoul from October 1-4, marked a pivotal moment for digital health transformation in South Korea by fostering an exhilarating exchange of ideas and insights with healthcare trailblazers from around the world. 

The event, organized in partnership with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the Korean Health Information Society, Messe Esang and HIMSS, brought together healthcare leaders and technology experts to explore advancements in health IT and digital healthcare solutions. 

Major highlights from the conference included the launch of the new Analytics Maturity Assessment Model, designed to help healthcare organizations better leverage data and analytics to enhance patient outcomes. The updated AMAM model offers a structured approach to digital transformation, helping health systems evaluate and improve their analytics strategy, data governance, and supports the effective use of artificial intelligence technology.  

The conference also celebrated several hospital validations on the HIMSS maturity models, showcasing the region's commitment to healthcare excellence. 19 hospitals from across the APAC region achieved significant milestones in their digital health transformation journeys, including validations under the HIMSS Digital Health Indicator framework and AMAM, INFRAM, EMRAM and C-COMM maturity models.  

Asan Medical Center recently achieved a Stage 6 validation for INFRAM, marking the hospital as the first in Asia to receive this recognition, reflecting its strong digital transformation strategy, particularly in areas like AI integration and cybersecurity.  

Taiwanese hospitals like Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital were also celebrated as they showcased cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven diagnostic tools and telemedicine solutions. 

Attendees also had the unique opportunity to tour exemplary healthcare facilities and hospitals, including the Samsung Medical Center, one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in Asia. The tour showcased how these centers integrate AI, robotics, and advanced analytics to deliver exceptional patient care, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of smart hospitals. 

This year's HIMSS APAC event reaffirmed the power of cross-industry partnerships and innovations in driving forward digital health capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. HIMSS President & CEO Hal Wolf spoke with HIMSS TV on the level of healthcare innovation in the region and its unique emphasis on digital workforce, interoperability and analytics.