In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the integration of technology has become paramount in improving patient outcomes, optimising clinical workflows, and expanding access to care. The rise of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT in 2022, has changed the view of citizens as regards artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications. This has triggered the foundation of various research groups to explore the use of large language models in healthcare, for purposes including literature review, documentation, translation, coding, decision support, and digital assistants, among others. The coming years will show to what extent the huge expectations raised by LLMs will be met, and which classical health IT areas will survive this technological transformation.

Since 2007, the dHealth conference has been providing insight into the research and application of up-to-date health IT solutions. Each year, this event attracts around 300 participants from academia, industry, government, and healthcare organisations. In keeping with its interdisciplinary mission, the dHealth conference series provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, decision makers and vendors to discuss innovative health informatics and eHealth solutions aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare by means of digital technology.

This year’s proceedings of the 18th edition of dHealth represent an up-to-date mirror of ongoing research in health IT in Europe. Topics range from the adoption of emerging technologies like LLMs, telemedicine and cloud computing, to the ethical, legal, social, and economic implications of health IT. Each paper contributes to the rich tapestry of research aimed at advancing digital health and improving patient outcomes. As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and ethical considerations will continue to shape the future of healthcare delivery, and ensure equitable access to quality care for all.

Graz, Hall in Tyrol, Vienna, May 2024

Dieter Hayn (AIT)

Bernhard Pfeifer (UMIT)

Günter Schreier (AIT)

Martin Baumgartner (AIT)