Taiwan Shines with 13 Hospitals Named Among World’s Best Smart Facilities

Thirteen hospitals in Taiwan have been recognized among the world’s “best smart hospitals,” with the Taichung Veterans General Hospital achieving the highest ranking at 85th globally. This recognition comes from a report released on March 6, 2024, by Newsweek and Statista, which evaluated medical institutions worldwide based on their use of technology and innovation in healthcare.

The rankings were determined through an international online survey that gathered insights from healthcare professionals and hospital managers. The assessment utilized the Statista Smart Hospitals Maturity Survey along with Joint Commission International accreditation data. A total of 350 hospitals from 30 countries were evaluated across ten areas of innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, robotics, patient safety technologies, and electronic functionalities.

Notable Rankings and Innovations

The Taichung Veterans General Hospital has made a significant leap, improving from 99th place last year to its current position. Other Taiwanese hospitals that received recognition include the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital at 116th, the Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at 120th, and the National Cheng Kung University Hospital at 140th. The Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital secured the 189th spot, while the China Medical University Hospital came in at 228th.

Additional hospitals on the list include the Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital (262nd), Taipei Veterans General Hospital (272nd), National Taiwan University Hospital (299th), Tri-Service General Hospital-Neihu Main Facility (308th), Taipei Medical University Hospital (328th), Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital (333rd), and Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital (339th).

The Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital particularly excelled in the category of patient safety technologies. Its chief executive officer, Yu Chin-pang, highlighted the hospital’s advanced use of AI to enhance patient safety measures. For instance, the hospital’s computer system now helps medical staff remember crucial procedures, such as ensuring that a double-J stent is removed from patients who return for follow-up appointments after urological surgeries.

The Future of Smart Hospitals

The recognition of these hospitals underscores a growing trend in healthcare where advanced technologies are increasingly employed to improve patient outcomes and optimize hospital operations. According to Newsweek, smart hospitals are expected to become more prevalent in the coming years, significantly transforming the healthcare landscape.

This recognition not only reflects the commitment of Taiwanese hospitals to integrating technology into their operations but also highlights the importance of innovation in providing quality patient care. As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of smart hospitals will be crucial in shaping the future of medical services worldwide.