The future of gynecology: Prof. Dr. Mandy Mangler in an interview

Prof. Dr. Mandy Mangler is a chief physician, runs two clinics, works enthusiastically as a podcaster (Gyncast), is a mother of five children and has now published a book. “The Big Gyn Book” is the new standard work that understands women of all ages and is also a must-read for men.

One of her favorite topics is digitalization in healthcare - a topic that may seem sober at first, but Mangler makes it clear how revolutionary it can be.

Prof. Dr. Mandy Missing:There is a study in which patients had a conversation with either an AI or a human. They were then asked which contact felt more human. Surprisingly, AI was perceived as more humane than human contact. That should give us something to think about. But if we manage to use AI correctly, we can together make our healthcare system better.

M.M.:If health data such as blood values ​​and test results are made digital and accessible to all doctors, AI could support diagnosis. An example: A doctor attends a birth at night, complications arise and fatigue affects her ability to make decisions. In such moments, AI can help make the right diagnosis. Studies show that the combination of algorithm and human delivers the best results.

M.M.:Yes, for example, that you are tempted to stop using your own head. If only AI has the expertise, we humans will be left behind. In addition, the AI ​​sometimes makes decisions that do not make sense because it does not understand certain contexts.

M.M.:There is a lack of medical care in Germany. The question is how the system can be optimized. One solution could be more independence for patients. For example, urine tests could be carried out independently, sent in and then discussed in a telemedical appointment. This would make it easier for patients in rural areas in particular to have access to diagnostics.

M.M.:There is a maturity level from 0 to 7, where 7 represents a completely digitized structure and 0 means no digitization at all. Germany is currently around 2.3. That is problematic.

M.M.:Latvia is an example; the Scandinavian countries are also far ahead in digitalization. There, each person receives a number at birth, so data such as the number of breast cancer cases or deaths during birth can be evaluated at the push of a button. This enables analyzes of how such cases can be reduced. Patients also have access to their health data there. In Germany, as a patient, I can only view my health data if I have a printed report.

M.M.:The really spectacular thing for me was making my clinic paper-free. A few years ago, large parts of my clinic were able to be digitized because we won a digitization competition. For example, we have introduced robotic visits and robot-assisted surgeries. I can drive around the clinic and visit patients using a small robot that looks like a Segway with a tablet. Through a study, we found that most patients like this virtual visit.

M.M.:We have to ask ourselves whether we can still afford this data protection. Doctors in Germany spend around 30 percent of their time on bureaucracy. This could also flow into the care of patients.

M.M.:Such tools are future-oriented. Women are only fertile a few days a month. Digital tools can help identify these days so that constant contraception is not necessary. There are now a few such trackers.

M.M.:You could start with a cycle app. There are apps for women going through menopause that document symptoms and general well-being. Endometriosis apps help those affected document their menstrual pain. You can then share this information with the doctor to discuss possible measures.