Severance Hospital has been named a Leader in AI Innovation by Newsweek, a prominent American news magazine. The hospital earned this recognition for its successful implementation of digital technologies in real-world clinical settings, including an advanced monitoring system that detects early signs of patient deterioration and an artificial intelligence (AI) model that predicts cancer metastasis risk.
On Thursday, Severance Hospital announced its selection as an AI innovation leader in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2027 evaluation, conducted in partnership with global research firm Statista.
Newsweek introduced the AI Innovation Leader category for the first time this year. This new designation recognizes hospitals that are at the forefront of integrating AI technologies into healthcare, driving innovation through practical applications in patient care and hospital operations.
The evaluation encompassed hospitals from 33 countries worldwide. The assessment criteria included peer recommendations from medical professionals (67.5%), a digital maturity survey assessing the adoption of technologies such as AI, robotics, and telemedicine (30%), and possession of digital health certifications (2.5%).
As part of its Next Severance strategy, the hospital has expanded its use of digital technologies in clinical settings. This includes implementing systems that predict and manage demand for hospital beds, operating rooms, and intensive care units.
A standout example is SeVue, a patient monitoring system that integrates data from various medical devices throughout the ward. SeVue compiles real-time patient vital signs, detecting early warning signs of deterioration and promptly alerting medical staff. The system also enhances patient management and staff efficiency by interfacing with electronic medical records (EMR).
The hospital has also developed LiMPC, an AI model that predicts the risk of liver metastasis in pancreatic cancer patients. This innovation addresses the challenge of detecting liver metastasis in initial computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which can limit treatment planning.
LiMPC utilizes 21 variables from electronic medical records, including blood test results, age, and gender, to predict the risk of liver metastasis that may not be visible in imaging exams. This prediction is made without requiring additional tests. Validation studies using data from various Korean medical institutions have shown an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 80%.
Severance Hospital continues to pioneer digital innovations in patient care. Since introducing robotic surgery in 2005, the hospital has established standardized surgical processes, implemented medical staff certification programs, and developed a comprehensive education and evaluation system. This year, Severance became the world’s first single medical institution to perform 50,000 robotic surgeries. Looking ahead, the hospital plans to leverage its vast clinical experience and data to further expand AI and digital technology applications in patient care.
This recognition reflects the tireless efforts of the entire staff to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into the inical practice, all aimed at providing superior care to the patients, said Dr. Lee Kang-young, President of Severance Hospital. It’s committed to creating a healthcare environment where the medical professionals can work more efficiently and focus more intently on patient care through the strategic use of AI and digital technologies.
In a previous accolade, Severance Hospital ranked second overall in Newsweek’s recent World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2027 evaluation, based on its top rankings across multiple clinical fields. The hospital secured the top national spot in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and obstetrics. Notably, its orthopedics department ranked sixth globally, while endocrinology placed tenth worldwide.
