Vol 10, No 2 (2025)

This editorial explores the transformative potential of generative AI, particularly embodied intelligence. It also highlights ethical considerations, advocating for the responsible integration of AI technologies to ensure beneficial outcomes, improved healthcare accessibility, and breakthroughs in scientific advancement.

The April HDRx conference highlighted ongoing challenges in healthcare. While artificial intelligence can help in recognising rare conditions, human judgment and compassion remain essential. Healthcare must strike a balance between technological innovation and the human elements of empathy and partnership, ensuring that the focus remains on alleviating suffering and supporting patients throughout their journeys.

This study examined how health payer status influences patterns of coexisting chronic diseases in US adults. Participants in safety-net programs showed higher multimorbidity rates, while the uninsured exhibited the most pronounced disease clustering. This clustering intensified with an increase in coexisting conditions, suggesting shared underlying pathways. Clinicians can improve outcomes by targeting these shared mechanisms—especially metabolic dysfunction—through integrated preventive care.

The sexual health of breast cancer patients is an underexplored area in clinical and patient care, significantly impacting survivors’ confidence and intimacy. Eromar is a co-created design intervention that uses interactive cards to guide self-reflection and partner communication about sexual health. Eromar bridges communication gaps, fosters emotional resilience, and empowers women to address sensitive topics, helping them reconnect with their femininity.

Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience fatigue and cognitive impairments, which hinder their ability to complete daily tasks. Fragma, a wearable bracelet, provides real-time feedback on energy levels, allowing patients to break tasks into manageable steps and align activities with their energy capacity. Fragma helps patients avoid exceeding their physical limits.

The WeBreath project is a multidisciplinary initiative developing a wearable system for continuous respiratory monitoring outside of hospital settings. WeBreath integrates bioimpedance and acoustic sensor technologies within a human-centered design approach to provide real-time respiratory tracking. This project demonstrates how collaborative, human-centered design can drive healthcare innovations that enhance patient experience while meeting clinical needs and future market potential.