Digital health spaces in the city of Lisbon. The role of digitalization in linking boundaryless hospitals and smart health cities

Abstract Digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of society, including healthcare. The concepts of ‘Boundaryless Hospitals’ (BH) and ‘Smart Health Cities’ (SHC) represent a forward-thinking approach to healthcare that leverages digital technologies to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency and patient outcomes, including healthy mobility. This session delves into the complex role of digitalization in creating interconnected health and spatial environments where the flow of data and resources across physical and virtual barriers is optimized. BH embody a healthcare model where digital tools, health information systems and AI-powered diagnostics are integrated to provide care that transcends traditional hospital walls into the city. This approach not only facilitates greater accessibility and flexibility in patient care but also enhances the capacity for healthcare providers to offer personalized and timely interventions, embracing public health altogether. SHC integrates health technology into urban planning and public health services to create ecosystems that actively contribute to the health and wellbeing of their populations. Using big data analytics, IoT and other digital infrastructures, these cities support sustainable health practices, disease prevention, and efficient crisis response, promoting an overall healthier populace. This session will explore how digital health spaces can bridge the gap between these concepts. Discussions will focus on public health challenges and opportunities, examining the case of the city of Lisbon on how digital platforms can facilitate interactions between healthcare providers, patients, and urban environments. Best practices from pioneering projects around the globe will be highlighted. Participants will engage in comprehensive analyses of Lisbon case that demonstrate successful integration of digital health technologies in various contexts, contributing to the resilience and adaptability of healthcare infrastructures.