Newsweek in collaboration with the data analyst company Statista Inc. ranks hospitals leading in the use of data and technology in daily clinical work and patient treatment.

Since 2021, Aarhus University Hospital has climbed from a ranking as number 19, to 15 and is now number 12 and the second best in Europe only exceeded by German Charité University Hospital.

- We need modern technology in a situation where our healthcare system is under pressure. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has come to play a role in more and more clinical contexts. It is important to us to work innovatively with technology, and we are very pleased to see that we rank among the world’s best smart hospitals, says Thomas Balle Kristensen, CEO at Aarhus University Hospital.

Aarhus University Hospital tests AI technology in the interpretation of x-rays. The x-rays of bone fractures are scanned by AI technology as well as by a doctor. The AI technology is fed with numerous x-rays of fractures, which enables the technology to pinpoint areas on x-rays to be studied further.

The tool cannot stand alone but helps the doctors to identify bone fractures on the x-rays. The aim is to establish a diagnosis faster and ultimately reduce waiting time for patients.

Statista points out specific initiatives at Aarhus University Hospital:

• Use of AI in imaging diagnostics
• Use of clinical decision-making in personalised medicine
• Use of medicine-dispensing robot to deliver individually packaged medicine
• Use of virtual reality to train/educate staff to support people with anxiety
• Use of 3-D prints in preparation for surgery.

Accessibility, integration, user satisfaction and successful implementation of already existing solutions are all included in the evaluation:

• Interprofessional electronic health record integrated with radiology, pathology, lab systems and telemedicine

• Telemedicine solutions are accessible to both patients and professionals on mobile phones and PCs

• Well-functioning web-based access on health issues for patients (in Danish: sundhed.dk)

• Clinical home office stations

• Use of patients and staff satisfaction surveys and broad communication of results

• Structured evaluation of new initiatives.

List of World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 is available at https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-smart-hospitals-2025