In a scenario where hospitals face daily challenges related to bureaucracy, scarcity of resources and the complexity of information systems, the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and Cybersecurity is a necessary and urgent response.
The SMART-CARE project, promoted by the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology and funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), aims to do just that: demonstrate at the ULS Viseu Dão Lafões how a strategic approach to data management can transform the way people manage, research and care in the Public Administration, with a direct impact on the efficiency of healthcare.
SMART-CARE and data as a strategic asset: the starting point
The growing complexity of hospital processes is often fuelled by a lack of interoperability between systems and the fragmentation of information. These factors contribute to a high administrative burden, with a negative impact on the quality of research and patient care.
SMART-CARE is a response to this need. It is based on a proof of concept that combines technology and strategy to empower healthcare institutions with data-based decision support tools, focusing on their acquisition, integration, governance, analysis and visualisation.
SMART-CARE: 3 strategic pillars for digital transformation in Public Health
Pillar 1: Integration and governance of hospital data
One of the central axes of the project is the centralisation and consolidation of data from various platforms in the hospital system, using ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools. This approach will make it possible to create a unified data repository, bridging gaps and inconsistencies and guaranteeing quality, security and interoperability.
In addition to the technical preparation of the data, with a focus on quality and pre-processing, the architecture to be developed will facilitate the cross-referencing of clinical, administrative and research information, allowing for a holistic and transversal view of hospital operations.
Pillar 2: Advanced data analysis and AI at the service of decision-making
The second component of SMART-CARE uses predictive modelling and statistical techniques to generate relevant insights for hospital management and strategic planning.
This intelligent data analysis will make it possible to predict trends, optimise resources, assess risks and simulate action scenarios, contributing to more informed, evidence-based and effectiveness-oriented decisions.
Pillar 3: Intelligent interfaces and automated reports with AI
The third axis of the project focuses on democratising access to information through intuitive and interactive interfaces, supported by automated reports and the use of natural language models (LLMs). These models make it possible to translate complex data into accessible language, ensuring that performance indicators and analyses are clearly available to all stakeholders.
By automating administrative tasks, the project aims to optimise the time of healthcare professionals and managers so that they can focus on critical areas: the well-being of patients and the strategic development of the institution.
In parallel, the project provides for the application of cybersecurity measures, ensuring that all data collected and processed is protected against unauthorised access and possible integrity risks. Trust in the digital infrastructure is fundamental to the success of the digital transformation of public administration, especially in sensitive contexts such as healthcare.
More than a technological transformation, SMART-CARE proposes a paradigm shift in the way the Public Administration can use data as a strategic resource. By improving operational efficiency and technological development (R&TD) and strengthening the quality of healthcare, the project will establish a replicable prototype for other hospital units and public institutions with similar challenges.
The SMART-CARE project aims to demonstrate that the integration of high-quality data, combined with AI techniques and Data Science tools, can redefine the future of hospital management in the Public Administration. Based on a robust and secure approach, this initiative points to a new paradigm: an ecosystem where data serves to reduce the administrative burden, improve efficiency and, above all, focus on people and the quality of the service provided.
