Successful science conference at the AFAS Theatre

After a delicious lunch and the chance to visit the stands, the participants chose three presentations to attend from a programme of 12 interesting topics. A wide range of speakers, including lecturers, (movement) scientists, podiatrists and researchers, discussed how the available data is already helping us to make decisions and what is happening in the field of science and data in the broadest sense of the word.

Topics covered included: digital healthcare, artificial intelligence in podiatry, the reliability of the pressure measurement plate and much more. The speakers looked ahead, but also took the visitors through all the bumps and potholes they might encounter along the way when they want to start working with data.

The honour of bringing the day to a close fell to Gildo Wanders, director of the Rondom Lopen Group and responsible for innovation and business development. He discussed the value of data collection from four different perspectives: that of the patient, the healthcare provider, the organisation and society. As the icing on the cake, Wanders presented the first patients like me dashboard within paramedical care. Because the team at Rondom Podotherapeuten has been collecting data in a structured, standardised way for many years, this dashboard has been made possible. The dashboard can provide healthcare providers and patients with insights into which treatments have been most effective, what the expected outcomes are, and how pain symptoms are reduced by comparing new patients with similar patients from the extensive database. A real asset within podiatry.

Networking and visiting stands

Between the various sessions, there was ample opportunity to engage in conversation and exchange knowledge. Over lunch, new contacts were made and the exhibitors’ stands were visited. With 11 exhibitors, each with their own stand, participants were able to explore the latest technologies, products and services relevant to the world of podiatry. After a day full of fascinating presentations and interesting conversations, the event concluded with a toast to a successful conference and a promising future for healthcare!

Positive responsesWe can look back on a highly successful conference and have received many positive responses. Many participants regarded the conference as an eye-opener regarding the possibilities of AI and how data and technology will shape the future of healthcare and podiatry. We also frequently heard that those who were unable to attend really missed out. The conference was not only seen as informative, but also as a source of inspiration and a good opportunity to network within the profession, including with the more than 50 podiatry students in attendance.

We would like to thank everyone who helped make the conference possible!