In the next decade, AI and machine learning is predicted to redefine family medicine by enabling personalised care, predictive analytics and enhanced decision-making.
We encourage researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts showcasing innovative projects, studies and interventions in quality and safety
Young GPs will benefit from dedicated sessions on career development, mentoring opportunities, and workshops on digital skills
Dr Erika Zelko has been EQuiP representative from Slovenia (2015 - 2022)
Born in Austria moved with her family to Slovenia where she attended Medical Faculty Ljubljana with further education in Austria, Germany, North Macedonia, Switzerland and Zambia.
She holds a Master's Degree at Public Health Department, Medical Faculty Ljubljana and her PhD thesis was on "Development of Methodology of Public Health Approach at the Roma Community"
She has been teaching for many years. She has been employed at Medical Faculty University Johannes Kepler University Linz since 2023.
Dr Zelko has a special interest in Palliative care. She has been a member of the Austrian Ministry of Health Group for "Facharztausbildung in Allgemeinmedizin" since 2022. She is a polyglot (fluent in Slovene, Croatian, German, English with some understanding of Serbian and Spanish)
We wanted to sit down with Erika to know more about 66th EQUIP European Quality & Safety in Family Medicine Conference 2025
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How would you introduce EQuiP to our readers? EQuiP, the European Society for Quality and Safety in Family Practice, is a leading organisation dedicated to advancing quality and safety in primary care across Europe. By fostering collaboration, research and education among healthcare professionals, EQuiP provides valuable insights and tools to improve healthcare outcomes. It serves as a platform for family physicians to exchange best practices and innovations, ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
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Why did you consider hosting the 66th EQUIP European Quality & Safety in Family Medicine Conference 2025? Hosting the 66th EQuiP Conference is a significant opportunity to bring together global experts, researchers, and practitioners in family medicine. By hosting this prestigious event, we aim to highlight Austria's commitment to advancing quality and safety in primary care while fostering international collaboration on emerging healthcare challenges.
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Why did you choose the theme “Quality and Safety in Family Medicine: The Impact of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine”? The 2025 theme reflects the transformative role of technology in healthcare. We selected this theme to explore how digital tools, and AI can enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and address safety challenges. Building on the success of the 64th conference's theme, which emphasised synergies between public health and primary care, this theme aligns with the evolving priorities of family medicine.
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What other topics will be dealt in the conference? The conference will address a range of pressing topics, including: (i) Ethical considerations in AI implementation, (ii) Digital literacy and training for family physicians, (iii) Patient safety in the context of technology integration, (iv) Collaborative care models leveraging digital tools and (v) Health equity and access in the digital age.
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Regarding the keynote lectures and speakers, what would you highlight? Attendees can expect thought-provoking keynote lectures from leading experts in AI, digital health, and family medicine. These sessions will provide insights into cutting-edge research, practical applications of technology, and strategic approaches to integrating innovation into everyday practice. Highlights will include case studies and success stories from Europe and beyond.
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What about abstract submissions? We encourage researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts showcasing innovative projects, studies, and interventions in quality and safety. Accepted abstracts will be presented in dedicated sessions, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and professional recognition.
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Regarding the social program, what does the conference offer? The conference offers a vibrant social program to foster networking and cultural exchange. Highlights include guided tours of Upper Austria family medicine practices, culinary experiences featuring local cuisine, and opportunities to explore Linz's rich heritage.
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Why should GPs Attend the Conference? This conference is a unique opportunity for general practitioners to gain insights into the future of family medicine, learn practical approaches to integrating AI and digital tools, network with peers and thought leaders and share experiences and challenges with an international audience.
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What does the Conference offer to young GPs? Young GPs will benefit from dedicated sessions on career development, mentoring opportunities, and workshops on digital skills. The conference will also provide a platform to showcase their work (posters and 5-Minute oral presentation) and engage with seasoned professionals in a supportive environment
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What Key Messages would you like the Conference to deliver? We expect the following key messages to emerge: The potential of AI and digitalisation to revolutionise family medicine, the importance of ethical considerations and equity in technology adoption, collaborative strategies for enhancing quality and safety.
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How is the Health Care system and Family Medicine in Austria? Austria's healthcare system is undergoing significant reforms, evolving from the traditional role of the general practitioner (Hausarzt) to a more specialized "primary care physician" (Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin). The emphasis is on providing comprehensive primary healthcare that integrates and coordinates care for patients.
Its current challenges are:
(i) Fragmented Care Access: Patients have unguided and unrestricted access to all levels of care, resulting in system inefficiencies and hospital dependency
(ii) Overemphasis on Hospitals: There are excessive acute care hospital beds and a hospital-heavy system structure
(iii) Coordination Issues: Challenging communication and interface management between healthcare providers and levels of care
(iv) Cost and Service Inefficiencies: Rising costs of specialised medicine, divergent provider interests, and lack of separation between essential primary care and high-end medical services
(v) Patient Behaviour: Practices such as "doctor shopping" are facilitated by lack of gate-keeping in Healthcare-System and lower health literacy of the patients
General practitioners (GPs) in Austria typically work in hospitals, private practices, group practices, or primary healthcare units. Their responsibilities include: (i) Diagnosing and treating diverse illnesses in a general population (ii) Preventive care and health promotion (iii) Managing chronic and palliative care for aging populations. (iv) Collaborating with specialists, hospitals and other health professionals (iv) Initiating rehabilitative measures and addressing social and psychological patient needs.
The Primary Health Care (PHC) Act (2017) set the foundation for reform, emphasising accessible and holistic primary care. As of now, 75 PHC projects are operational in both rural and urban areas, including initiatives for paediatric care. Efforts focus on collaboration among healthcare professions and establishing nationwide agreements, with some regional contracts pending. The reform seeks to ensure a well-coordinated, patient-centered and efficient healthcare system that adapts to societal needs.
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What is happening in Austria on digitalisation and artificial intelligence in 2024/2025? In 2024/2025, Austria is prioritising digital transformation in healthcare, with initiatives focusing on electronic health records, telemedicine, and training programs for healthcare professionals to navigate these advancements.
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What do you think will be the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning on Family Medicine in ten years’ time? In a decade, AI and machine learning will likely redefine family medicine by enabling personalised care, predictive analytics, and enhanced decision-making. However, ensuring ethical use and preserving the human touch in patient care will remain paramount.
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Which book are you reading? Do you recommend it? I am currently reading two books. The first one is Weariness by Jon Fosse, the final volume in Fosse's trilogy. This series offers profound insights into the story of a Norwegian family spanning centuries. The second book I’m reading is a bit more controversial: The Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad. It tackles current social issues from a unique perspective, challenging the reader with viewpoints that often diverge from mainstream societal narratives. I highly recommend both
Join us in Linz Austria between 8 - 10 May https://conference.qualityfamilymedicine.eu/
Abstract Submission Deadline: 20 February 2025