Norway’s digital solutions tackle healthcare’s most daunting challenges

Norway is leading the way in this transformation, with growing international interest in Norwegian solutions.

As Sindre Holme, then Head of Communications at Norway Health Tech, observed:

“Digitalisation is a global megatrend, and Norway is a role model for digital solutions in healthcare. In fact, Norway hosts many delegations from countries such as Germany that want to explore the latest digital health solutions.”

Demographic changes are putting pressure on already strapped national health systems. One of these is the “senior boom” in which people are living longer thanks to medical advancements, but many end up with chronic conditions that are resource intensive.

This growing demand for healthcare is exacerbated by service backlogs, rising expectations from patients and health risks posed by climate change The challenge is particularly acute given the global shortage of healthcare workers, which has already been defined as a crisis in Europe, while the World Health Organization (WHO) expects a global shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030.

Norwegian digital health innovators benefit from an ecosystem characterised by cutting-edge AI and life science research, innovative startups and scaleups, and close collaboration between healthcare providers, technology companies, research institutions and industry clusters. There is often a fast track from development in the lab to testing of new solutions in real healthcare settings, which accelerates innovation and adoption.

CheckWare delivers a software platform for digital patient participation built around patient-reported data. The solution can be used for any mental health or physical health service and any pathway. Designed for health trusts, hospitals and clinics, the platform provides access to all clinical and outcome measures needed in a given situation.

Dignio also delivers a software platform for home-based care. Using various Dignio home devices, chronically ill patients can measure their own temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood sugar level, weight, and lung function and capacity. The results are sent to the MyDignio app on the patient’s tablet. If necessary, a doctor or nurse will contact the patient to discuss the results.

Digital solutions are also creating a safer, more comfortable environment for patients being treated in hospitals.

Vitalthings has developed Guardian M10, a contactless patient monitor for continuous monitoring of vital signs. It provides real-time insights without the need for physical sensors, making it ideal for both high and low-intensity settings, such as emergency departments and orthopaedic wards.

DNV Imatis, meanwhile, delivers a mobile e-health solution that puts patient data at nurses’ fingertips. The solution aggregates data from hospital sensors and systems, such as electronic patient records, logistics and HR administration. Then healthcare workers can access this data in real time, regardless of their location, using tablets and smartphones, making hospitals a truly mobile workplace.

Complementing the mobile workplace, Sonitor Technologies delivers real-time location systems (RTLS) for hospitals and care facilities. An indoor positioning tool locates the exact real-time position of a patient, co-worker or asset, reducing search time and enhancing patient safety.

AI is a key component in logistical technology, helping to organise healthcare resources, optimise scheduling, and predict staffing and budgetary needs.

One company leveraging AI is Dossier Solutions, a provider of competency management software for hospitals. Most employees need ongoing professional training to do their jobs, but it’s difficult to keep track of who is qualified to do what in a large hospital. Adding to the challenge, competency information is often stored in Excel worksheets and loose-leaf binders. The software enables hospitals to consolidate all their competency and learning activities in a single digital platform. The results are impressive.

Another AI-powered solution is SynPlan, a digital platform to optimise healthcare workforce planning. The solution predicts future sick-leave absence and budget expenses, making planning more efficient and keeping costs under control. For more precise staff scheduling, the platform processes all available sources of staffing data, which helps managers to set up shifts with confidence.

The global digital health market is anticipated to reach some USD 1.8 billion by 2033. As healthcare systems seek solutions to workforce shortages, rising demand and increasing complexity, digital technologies will play an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery.

Norwegian companies are helping healthcare providers meet these challenges through solutions that improve patient participation, enable home-based care, strengthen emergency response and optimise healthcare operations. Together, they demonstrate how digital innovation can support more sustainable healthcare systems for the future.

Explore these solutions and others and connect directly with the companies that are helping shape the healthcare of tomorrow.