Keywords: Artificial intelligence, digitalization, data privacy, eHealth, Slovenia, health data.
Introduction:
AI has the potential to revolutionize medical decision-making by enabling faster and more efficient access to critical patient data. However, its integration into healthcare systems presents ethical and practical challenges, particularly concerning data privacy, security, and accuracy. In Slovenia, these issues are central to discussions on AI adoption, emphasizing the need for a reliable and transparent digital infrastructure. A key for AI implementation is the digitalization of health data, which provides the necessary foundation for AI-driven solutions.
Method:
This narrative literature review examines scientific and professional publications from the past four years, focusing on the development of AI and digitalization in Slovenian healthcare. Relevant sources were retrieved from scientific databases, including COBISS, Google Scholar, and PubMed, as well as official institutional websites such as the Ministry of Health and the Medical Chamber of Slovenia. The PRISMA methodology was employed to select and analyze literature thematically, identifying key challenges, ethical considerations, and opportunities for AI integration in Slovenia.
Results:
A significant milestone in Slovenia’s digital healthcare transformation was the implementation of the eHealth (eZdravje) project. This initiative facilitated the development of critical digital solutions, including eReferral (eNapotnica), ePrescription (eRecept), eBooking (eNaročanje), the Central Registry of Patient Data (CRPP), and the Electronic Health Record (eKarton).These systems enhance data accessibility, streamline healthcare processes, and provide the infrastructure for AI-driven healthcare applications. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly concerning data security, system interoperability, and public trust in AI-assisted diagnostics and treatment.
Conclusions:
The findings of this review underscore the essential role of digitalization in enabling AI adoption within the Slovenian healthcare system. While AI offers significant opportunities to improve medical efficiency and patient care, its successful implementation depends on regulatory frameworks, ethical oversight, and technological advancements. Future efforts should prioritise data security, fostering public trust, and ensuring the seamless integration of AI solutions into existing digital infrastructures.
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