The use of mobile devices is growing in different daily activities. Initially, this trend started with young people, but older adults are now increasingly using these devices as well. Technological equipment is improving and now includes various sensors to acquire physical and physiological data. The development of these systems is part of the broader advancement of information and communication technologies (ICT) for well-being. e-Health and m-Health solutions extend beyond the treatment and monitoring stages of different diseases; they also play a role in prevention, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing bad habits. These solutions can work together to help people live better lives, emphasizing healthcare that begins not only in hospitals but also at home. 

Telehealth and telemedicine refer to the use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare services. Technological advancements have transformed healthcare, with significant contributions from data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and health-related mobile applications. The demand for telemedicine has increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the availability of systems and improved access. This shift has moved healthcare monitoring and recovery from institutions to patient-centered care delivered at home. Furthermore, patient empowerment is now a focal point in healthcare evolution, enabling individuals to manage their health and adapt to chronic diseases. Technological advancements support this empowerment by providing access and remote support, helping to overcome geographic barriers and promoting equal access to healthcare. 

Databases, networking, graphical interfaces, data mining, machine learning, intelligent decision support systems, and specialized programming languages are among the technologies and research areas currently contributing to medical informatics. The motivation for this special session is to bring together researchers and practitioners interested in the application of ICT to healthcare and medicine, particularly in support of individuals with special needs. The development of these solutions for medical purposes must comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), emphasizing the importance of data privacy. Research studies related to the security and privacy of information are also crucial for the acceptance of these technologies.

In the field of medical rehabilitation and assistive technology, ICT applications have significantly enhanced the quality of life and facilitated the full integration of all citizens into society. Cloud computing and network connections enhance the exchange of information and the improvement of systems in various fields, including healthcare and traffic management. These developments should involve close collaboration with healthcare professionals. Various solutions are currently being developed in this field, contributing to improving the quality of life and interacting with other developing technologies for social support. This multidisciplinary and broad subject is vital for well-being, and authors from all related fields are encouraged to submit papers presenting their recent work or engaging in scientific discussions. 

Topics

Authors are solicited to submit original, previously unpublished papers in the following, but not limited to, topic areas:

• The Role of Mobile Devices in Modern Healthcare

• Advancements in e-Health and m-Health Technologies

• Telemedicine: Benefits and Challenges in Rural Areas

• Patient Empowerment through Health Apps

• AI in Healthcare: Transforming Diagnosis and Treatment

• Data Privacy in Medical Informatics: GDPR Compliance

• Machine Learning Applications in Healthcare

• The Impact of COVID-19 on Telehealth Adoption

• Cloud Computing in Healthcare Systems

• Internet of Things (IoT) for Remote Patient Monitoring

• ICT Solutions for Chronic Disease Management

• Enhancing Quality of Life with Assistive Technologies

• Data Analytics in Patient-Centered Care

• Innovations in Telehealth for Elderly Care

• Securing Health Data in Digital Health Platforms