Success of the 14th TIC Salut Social Health Seminar: Decisive for the Digital Transformation of Health and Social Services

The 14th TIC Salut Social Health Seminar (Vic-Barcelona, 25 April 2025) was a great success, bringing together over 200 professionals, researchers and experts to discuss the future of the digital transformation of the health and social sector. Organised by the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) and the TIC Salut Social Foundation, the event is a key platform for examining how the new technologies can improve health and social services and analysing the challenges and opportunities brought by digitisation in these areas.

The seminar was based on a core theme, namely the relationship between technology and the professionals in the sector, highlighting the need to transform the healthcare model in view of the growing demand for services within a context of limited human resources. The aim of the event is to show how the new digital tools can be used, not only to optimise processes, but also to guarantee the quality of healthcare and respect citizens’ rights. The debate also addressed resistance to technology and how it can redefine the traditional roles of health and social professionals, opening up the doors to new professions within the sector.

The seminar began with institutional speeches by Josep Eladi Baños, the rector of the UVic-UCC,  Joan Guanyabens, the director of the TIC Salut Social Foundation, and Albert Castells, the mayor of Vic. They all highlighted the importance of promoting innovation and cooperation between institutions, professionals and technologies to improve the services for citizens.

Joan Guanyabens, director of the TIC Salut Social Foundation:

“The new technologies are allowing us to move towards a more efficient and inclusive health and social services system, and this seminar is an excellent opportunity to work together to address the needs and priorities that are becoming increasingly clear”.

Albert Castells, mayor of Vic:

“Vic City Council is continuing to advocate technological innovation in the field of health. “Today’s seminar is a step towards further cooperation between entities and securing a more modern and accessible health and social care model for everyone”.

Josep Eladi Baños, rector of the UVic-UCC:

“At our university we firmly believe that the digital transformation is key to improving health and social care. We feel proud to contribute to this process and form an active part of the innovation that benefits professionals and patients”.

One of the most notable speeches was given by Julián Isla, a Microsoft consultant, who addressed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare data management. According to Isla, AI can completely transform the way data are managed, creating predictive models that improve decision-making and the quality of services.

Julián Isla, consultant at Microsoft:

“Artificial intelligence has huge potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of health data management, allowing for more personalised care and significant improvements to the quality of the service to citizens”.

Moreover, the sessions on innovation enabled  the attendees to learn more about pioneering projects, including the MUVITY gamified tele-rehabilitation platform, which helps to make the rehabilitation process more interactive, and several AI applications to improve decision-making in primary care. An area for networking was also provided, in which the participants were able to establish professional connections and exchange experiences regarding the use of technology in social and health services.

The seminar confirmed its standing as a leading event in the area of digital health while consolidating its importance in the promotion of the digital transformation of the health and social system. The TIC Salut Social Foundation, with the collaboration of the TIC Salut Social Chair, reiterated its commitment to research and continuous training to improve the integration of ICT into social and health services.

About the TIC Salut Social Chair

The purpose of the TIC Salut Social Chair, created in 2013 by the TIC Salut Social Foundation and the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, is to promote research and teaching in ICT applied to health and social services. Its aim is to improve the quality of the care and the efficiency of the health and social system by means of projects and partnerships with domestic and international institutions. The chair promotes cooperation, reflection and innovation in this field.

About the TIC Salut Social Foundation

The TIC Salut Social Foundation is a public organisation that works towards promoting digital transformation projects in the health and social welfare fields in Catalonia. Its mission is to promote the efficiency and sustainability of health and social services through innovative technology, while guaranteeing equity, innovation, collaboration, transparency and knowledge transfer.

Contact persons

Gina Palau | Head of Communication at the TIC Salut Social Foundation | gpalau@ticsalutsocial.cat

Anna Aguilar | UVic Press Officer | anna.aguilar@uvic.cat