OTWorld 2026: Working Together for the Patient

How can we achieve seamlessly integrated care—from acute treatment through rehabilitation to assistive technology and follow-up care? The OTWorld 2026 World Congress will address this question in a series of sessions. From May 19 to 22, the World Congress and international trade fair in Leipzig will bring together experts in medicine, orthopedics (and orthopedic footwear), physical therapy, and science from around 90 countries.

Congress President Dr. Doris Maier deliberately placed the topic of integrated care on the agenda. “I envision care as a small universe: hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, orthopedic technology, therapists, and payers—each area is like its own planet orbiting the patient,” explains the Medical Director of the BG Unfallklinik Murnau. Integrative care means that these sectors view themselves as a single system and collaborate as closely as possible so that the patient does not get stuck at interfaces or face long waiting times. “The focus is always on the patient and their treatment outcome. Only when everything is coordinated do patients, healthcare professionals, and the entire healthcare system benefit.”

Thinking of Care as a Network

A panel discussion on May 20 will bring together representatives from hospitals, rehabilitation, physical therapy, orthopedic technology, and payers. Under the title “Integrative Care – Thinking of Care as a Network,” they will discuss how cross-sector collaboration can succeed in practice and what obstacles exist. A workshop on May 21 will focus on the legal aspects of interdisciplinary collaboration. Under the title “Interdisciplinarity – Is Cooperation Penalized?”, the speakers will demonstrate how complex care pathways can be organized and cooperation can be implemented in a legally compliant manner. The focus is on clear responsibilities and reliable structures that enable effective collaboration.

Meeting Point for Pedorthists

Within this framework, OTWorld.shoe-technology stands out as a distinct focus. The exhibition area in Hall 1 serves as a central meeting place for pedorthists from Germany and abroad. Manufacturers and specialized service providers showcase their latest developments—ranging from modern manufacturing methods and digital production processes to innovative materials. This offers trade visitors the opportunity to directly compare products, ask experts questions, and take home practical solutions for their daily work.

The Meeting Point will once again be at the heart of OTWorld.shoe-technology in 2026. This communication and knowledge hub is jointly organized by the Competence Center for Orthopedic Shoe Technology and the Study Group for Orthopedic Shoe Technology e. V. and offers a space for professional exchange and networking.

The theme for 2026 is “Diabetic Foot Syndrome.” Here, visitors can expect a tour with various stations that illustrates the care of the diabetic foot in a clear and practical way. At the stations, typical care situations, treatment approaches, and care procedures are presented in an accessible manner. The focus is on an interdisciplinary perspective and the connection between medicine, technology, and care.

In 2026, the German Orthopedic Footwear Technology Association (SpiOST) will be a partner of the OTWorld.shoe-technology exhibition area for the first time. At the SpiOST booth, there will be space for exchange, discussions, and networking—as well as information on current topics and developments in orthopedic footwear technology.

For more information: https://www.ot-world.com/en