Health Tech of the Week: Towards a digital revolution in healthcare. A conversation with Agnieszka Nowak-Musiej

Medicine and technology are evolving rapidly—and so is our series. This time in HealthTech of the Week, we want to give voice not only to medtech companies but also to leaders shaping the future of medicine, both in Poland and globally. Our guest this week is Agnieszka Nowak-Musiej, an internist and diabetologist who has been deeply engaged in healthcare quality issues for years. In our conversation, we discussed the digitization of healthcare, patient empowerment, and the directions the system may take in the coming years.

Digitization in healthcare is an increasingly common topic—at conferences, in reports, and during strategic discussions. Yet it often sounds more like an ambitious idea than a present reality. From your perspective, what is the sector’s biggest pain point today?

The lack of data integration. Imagine a patient who is seeing several specialists—say, a cardiologist, a diabetologist, and a general practitioner. Each of them has a partial view of the patient, often only from one facility. As a result, therapeutic decisions are made without a full picture. It’s like treating in the dark. We do have the data—but it exists in silos rather than collaborating. Unfortunately, IT systems compete with or simply ignore each other.

So it’s not a matter of lacking data, but of failing to use it wisely?

Exactly. I often say—we have plenty of information. It might not always be of the highest quality, but it’s workable. The issue is we don’t know how to use it. There’s a huge amount of medical data, but it’s scattered, and sometimes even useless without broader context. Doctors lack tools that would give them quick access to a patient’s comprehensive medical history. This creates a risk of incorrect therapeutic decisions.

We’re talking about systems, but at the core of all this is the human being. Do patients have any control over what happens to their data?

Legally speaking, yes. But in practice? Very few patients know where their data goes, how long it’s stored, or who has access to it. Systems are opaque and hermetic. On one hand, we talk about GDPR and security, but on the other, patients have no real influence on how their data supports their care. Yet they should be the owners of that data—not just passive sources of it.

How do you assess data security in medical facilities?

It’s still a very difficult issue. Not long ago, there was a case in Poland where cybercriminals breached a company’s IT systems, encrypted the data, and demanded a ransom of several hundred thousand dollars—and that was just the tip of the iceberg. Health data is now one of the most coveted resources and, in my opinion, worth more than money. Yet, healthcare systems are often underfunded in terms of cybersecurity. Sometimes, data is stored locally on outdated servers without proper protections. That’s like keeping a safe in a cardboard box.

That’s a strong metaphor. But the point isn’t fear-mongering, it’s about realism?

Exactly. I want to emphasize that technology isn’t just patient apps. It’s the backbone of the system: backend, integration, security, and responsibility. Investing in digitization isn’t a luxury for startups—it’s a necessity if we want the system to work better, faster, and safer.

Speaking of startups, what’s currently the biggest barrier to entry into the medtech sector?

Regulations and market access. To launch a medical product, you have to navigate a jungle of certifications—CE, MDR, FDA—which costs time, money, and nerves. Hybrid solutions combining hardware and software face particular challenges. For small teams, it’s often a barrier they can’t overcome without strategic partners. We must also remember that tools exist to improve healthcare processes. Good innovation includes solutions that are true game changers in how care is delivered and how medical personnel work, while significantly improving health outcomes.

That brings us to the question: What kind of idea has a real chance of success today?

To me, the key is creating tools that genuinely support doctors in decision-making. For example, a system that automatically aggregates and organizes a patient’s medical data from various sources, creating a complete and dynamic picture of their health. The tool should be safe, reliable, and well-tailored to the needs of its users.

You also have a personal interest in modern diabetology. Could you tell us more?

I’m fascinated by closed-loop systems—a combination of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring, managed by an algorithm that analyzes data and autonomously adjusts insulin dosing. This is real support for the patient. It reduces the time patients spend managing their condition daily and improves disease control. But it’s important to remember that even the best system can’t replace awareness. It’s still a chronic illness requiring daily engagement.

What’s your opinion on popular health trends, like the book “Glucose Revolution”?

It’s an interesting phenomenon. On one hand, I’m glad that people want to learn more about their health. On the other hand, that knowledge should come from reliable sources. Unfortunately, Glucose Revolution contains a lot of information that doesn’t align with medical science. Popular books or influencers often oversimplify complex physiological processes. It’s great when accessible content inspires lifestyle changes, but it becomes dangerous when it leads to harmful actions. A good example is when Doda encouraged people with Hashimoto’s disease to stop taking medications and replace them with supplements. Critical thinking should always accompany us when reading content outside verified medical sources.

And finally, how do you see different generations in terms of healthcare innovation?

It’s a fascinating topic. The silver generation often faces a digital barrier—many people (though we shouldn’t generalize) don’t use smartphones or trust apps. For them, simplicity and direct contact are key. Younger generations—like Gen Z—have completely different expectations. For them, it’s natural that everything works online, intuitively, and instantly. And they’re right—if healthcare is to be within reach, technology must be invisible yet effective.

Recently, I mentored a group of students during the Hack na Zdrowie project. The youth designed solutions to support childhood obesity prevention. I was incredibly impressed not only by their creativity but also by their high level of innovation. At the same time, their ideas were highly feasible and could bring significant health benefits in the future.

Thank you so much for this conversation, for the insights, and for the heart clearly visible in your approach.

Thank you! I hope this conversation reaches people who have influence over the system and shows that innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real, human need.

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].