Can't remember your talk with the doctor? AI has the answer
Dutch startup develops solution to make medical information understandable for patients and their environment.
Published on July 30, 2025
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Almost 5 million Dutch people do not understand medical information sufficiently, especially in cases of serious diagnoses, language problems, or old age. Dutch startup Ditto has developed a free tool that translates complex medical language into understandable information. Research shows that patients become more involved in their treatment when they understand what is happening. The Ditto app can automatically translate conversations, letters, and treatment plans to the language and knowledge level of the individual patient.
The personal experience behind Ditto
Bart Voorn, co-founder of Ditto, developed the tool out of a personal need. When his father was in the hospital, he noticed how difficult it was to understand what was going on.
“You're very worried and try to listen to the doctors and nurses as best you can, but it's often very difficult information,” says Voorn. He explains that at the time, he had several WhatsApp groups with family members to share and discuss the information. Ditto can simplify this process by automatically translating conversations, letters, and treatment plans into understandable language. The data remains the sole property of the patient and is processed using medical Dutch language models.
The doctor's perspective
Professor Geert Kazemier of Amsterdam UMC sees Ditto as a valuable addition to the consultation. He notes that patients become more involved in their treatment when they understand what is happening. A clear explanation that can be read or listened to afterwards helps enormously. Doctors also recognize that they regularly use jargon and that there is limited time to explain everything.
In the coming months, hospitals will investigate whether the medical translation app contributes to a better understanding of illness and treatment. A positive effect is expected, particularly for terminally ill patients, for example, if they better understand what additional treatment means for the quality of their remaining life.
Innovation for the patient
Ditto focuses on vulnerable patient groups, such as the elderly and people with lower health literacy. The app is designed not only to improve communication between doctors and patients, but also to enable patients to share information with caregivers and friends. The app can send a summary directly to caregivers and friends so that they are also kept informed.
How the app works
The Ditto app allows patients to record conversations with doctors or upload medical texts. The AI then summarizes the information in simpler language. The app is a godsend for people who have no medical background or who have difficulty understanding complex information. The app is not only intended for use in hospitals or doctors' offices, but also in everyday life. “Innovation in healthcare does not always come in a white coat,” say the founders. “In addition to all the developments focused on technology for healthcare providers, we focus primarily on the patient. Healthcare takes place in your daily life. Ditto is also in your pocket outside the walls of a hospital or doctor's office.”
In the coming months, hospitals will investigate whether the medical translation app contributes to a better understanding of disease and treatment. Ditto will continue to focus on innovation in healthcare, with the patient at the center. The collaboration with the Patient Federation enables Ditto to further develop the technology based on patient needs. The ultimate goal is to improve communication between doctors and patients, so that patients are better informed and can make well-considered decisions about their health.
