From Dialogue to Action: Experts Advance the VHT-AI Joint Statement During Health Policy Platform Writing Session

As part of the EU Health Policy Platform (EU HPP) Thematic Network, Bridging the gap between innovation and adoption: building the foundations for trusted AI and Virtual Human Twins in health and care, experts from across Europe gathered for a collaborative writing session to shape the Network’s Joint Statement. Building on the momentum of the recent thematic webinar, the meeting focused on refining the policy recommendations that will support the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Human Twins (VHTs) across European healthcare systems.

The initiative, coordinated by VPH – The Society for In Silico Medicine, aims to bring together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, regulators, patients, and industry representatives to transform innovation into practical healthcare solutions. The Joint Statement will build on the recommendations of the EDITH-CSA Virtual Human Twin Roadmap, providing actionable guidance for regulators, healthcare providers, and decision-makers.

Key priorities for responsible adoption

Discussions during the writing session highlighted several priorities that emerged as essential for accelerating the implementation of AI and Virtual Human Twins in healthcare.

A recurring theme was the need to strengthen trust. Participants stressed that AI systems must be interpretable and understandable not only to technical experts but also to healthcare professionals, patients, and society at large. Improving transparency will be fundamental to increasing confidence in AI-supported clinical decision-making.

Education was identified as another critical enabler. Participants agreed that digital literacy and AI competencies should become part of the education and continuous training of healthcare professionals. Rather than focusing solely on clinicians, the recommendations emphasise supporting the wider healthcare workforce through reskilling initiatives and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The discussion also reinforced the importance of patient and societal acceptance. Successfully integrating Virtual Human Twins into healthcare will require meaningful engagement with patients and citizens, ensuring that technological advances are aligned with societal expectations and healthcare needs.

Finally, participants underlined the need for robust governance and continuous evaluation. Clear governance structures, aligned regulatory frameworks, and periodic assessments of implementation progress will be essential to ensure that policies evolve alongside rapidly advancing technologies.

Looking ahead

The ideas collected during the writing session will be incorporated into the next draft of the Joint Statement, which will continue to evolve through contributions from stakeholders across the European health ecosystem.

The VHT-AI Thematic Network represents an important opportunity to build consensus around the policy, regulatory, educational, and societal foundations needed for trustworthy AI and Virtual Human Twins. By bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines, the initiative aims to help ensure that these technologies can move beyond innovation and deliver real benefits for patients and healthcare systems across Europe.

Do not miss the second meeting on August 26th

More info and registration here