Cardiovascular disease incidence is increasing in the Middle East. Studies attribute this rise to socioeconomic development and a shift from rural to urban life. In addition, the studies also highlight the impact of lifestyle and fatty and sugar-rich dishes, both of which are associated with metabolic syndrome and heart disease.  

Different studies confirm these trends. A group of researchers found that metabolism syndrome has an attributable risk of 11.7 per cent in the development of coronary heart disease. According to a systematic literature review, obesity prevalence in the Middle East was 24.5 per cent, while 15.6 per cent of the population may smoke cigarettes linked to cardiovascular disease.  

Consequently, heart disease is becoming a significant health problem in the Middle East. However, technology is increasingly coming to aid. Here’s how: 

Promoting a healthy lifestyle: According to the head of the Saudi Heart Association, Dr. Waleed Al-Habib, 45 per cent of Saudi deaths are due to heart diseases, most of which can be prevented. Hospitals can use multiple channels, such as social media, mobile applications, and newsletters, to raise awareness about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Using tools to automate social media feeds and send out newsletters to at-risk populations regarding risks of obesity, smoking, and consumption of sugary and fatty foods can have a positive effect. 

Related: Harness technology to detect heart diseases early

Identifying disease markers: With more than 30 per cent of the Saudi population at risk of developing heart diseases and many more elsewhere across the Middle East, identifying disease markers is essential. Identifying biomarkers early on can help divert resources and medical attention to at-risk populations. Three critical technological advances to identify disease markers are: 

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to analyse past healthcare data of patients and target patients with particular heart disease-related biomarkers.  
• Equipping hospitals and labs with advanced diagnostic tools which identify heart disease markers.  
• Making affordable heart disease screening devices widely available outside cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. 

Conducting regular screenings: Hospitals and health care providers must encourage patients to opt for regular screenings. This includes not only lab tests but also other kinds of evaluation. Protect Your Heart is one such initiative. Dedicated mobile applications can also be used to send reminders and notifications to patients and those at risk to get screened for heart disease at regular intervals based on historical data and predictive analytics.  

Providing timely care: Timely care can prevent heart attacks and further deterioration of heart health. Remote patient monitoring systems can help prevent disease progression and provide valuable information to treatment providers. In a country like Saudi Arabia, the applications of RPMs are vast.  

Hospital and healthcare automation

Many studies have pointed out the importance of making healthcare more accessible to people at risk of developing heart disease. Providing reassurance and guidance and enabling telemedicine are effective strategies to ensure treatment adherence and continuance. However, hospitals and healthcare providers need better technology to do that.  

Thankfully, multiple tools exist to automate patient communication, identify disease markers, and manage treatment. Moving forward, one can expect further development using technological tools to enhance heart health.  

 

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered the mainstay of current therapies for viral arthropathies, albeit they frequently only offer partial relief. Numerous studies have documented widespread abuse of NSAIDs among COVID-19, dengue, and chikungunya patients. NSAIDs can be used to treat severe arthralgia, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against doing so in suspected chikungunya patients until it has been determined that they do not have dengue. Acetaminophen is recommended by consensus guidelines for treating dengue fever from the WHO and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although NSAIDs are contraindicated due to a possible increase in bleeding risk, which could result in thrombocytopenia as a side effect. 

At least 165,000 fatalities, 650,000 hospitalisations, and 30 per cent of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) related hospital admissions around the globe are attributable to NSAIDs, mostly because of bleeding, heart attacks, strokes, and renal impairment. Additionally, overusing this class of medications can result in kidney damage, and kidney patients may experience its side effects at a high rate of three to four times. This is particularly crucial because clinical experience and publications have shown that kidney involvement was found in up to 75 per cent of patients with COVID-19. Similarly, obese, elderly and liver compromised patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of hospitalisation or ICU admission. Also, liver injury and abnormal liver function were reported in nearly one-fourth to half of the hospitalised patients or patients who recovered from COVID-19. Acetaminophen and antibiotics were the most reported drugs for liver injury among hospitalised patients. Liver function tests should be performed among these types of hospitalised patients before prescribing NSAIDs and Acetaminophen.  

Hypertension or cardiac involvement was the most common pre-existing comorbidity in foetal cases of COVID-19 and chikungunya patients. NSAIDs have numerous potentially deleterious effects on immune function, and they interact with many drugs which are used in patients with cardio- or cerebrovascular disorders: they attenuate the effects of diuretics, beta-blockers, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT-2) blockers, thus leading to uncontrolled hypertension or aggravation of heart failure.  

Related: The Growing Threat of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya

Sleep disturbance is reported in close to 40 per cent of COVID-19 and some 30 per cent to 60 per cent chikungunya patients (due to severe arthropathy). The use of benzodiazepines is contraindicated among COVID-19 patients with various antiviral medications, increases the risk of delirium and respiratory depression. However, physicians should recognise that concurrent use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and NSAIDs was related with a 75 per cent increased risk of upper GI bleeding and should advise patients appropriately if they choose to utilise SSRIs for the same. This is particularly concerning because NSAIDs are frequently taken daily or sometimes many times per day, and SSRIs are typically prescribed for daily usage.  

Maintaining the body's hydration level is more crucial than bringing down the temperature with painkillers, especially in dengue or COVID-19 patients. In children, using too much Acetaminophen syrup or suppositories might irritate the stomach, preventing proper digestion, leading to vomiting, and even necessitating hospitalisation. With very few exceptions, most hospitalisations or ICU admissions among those individuals might be avoided by just avoiding dehydration at home with saline and fruit juice, or by simply drinking more water. 

Some recent studies warrant concurrent administration of antioxidants and omeprazole along with NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients, which needs further investigations, of course. 

Resistance training with NSAIDs, along with professional guidance are highly recommended for post-COVID and chikungunya pain-discomfort management. Mindfulness-based therapies for insomnia management are recommended for both types of patients.  

NSAIDs are contra-indicated in dengue fever. In addition to recommending daily follow-up, dengue patients who are being followed as outpatients must be counseled on appropriate home care and on attending to warning signs warranting an earlier return to the clinic for re-evaluation. Along with tepid sponging, Acetaminophen is advised for fever relief.  

Finally, it is recommended that pain modulation therapy, especially with NSAIDs, is important for the management of outpatients with early symptoms of COVID-19. Co-administration of NSAIDs with low-dose systemic corticosteroids has been advised to reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with chikungunya, only if the benefits outweigh the risks. In both cases, other comorbid situations should be carefully considered.  

Prevention techniques are most effective for most contagious diseases — theoretically. Along with them, some non-drug treatment options should be exercised among such patients with viral diseases after careful consideration of patients’ comorbidities. Modern care gives more emphasis to patient care and counseling over drug use. And caution should be taken before any drug intake as none of them are free of their adverse effects. Proper body workout, patient counselling for motivation, maintaining hydration, and nutritious food intake are necessary to regain body fitness, to improve immune function and quality of life. 

 
Disclaimer: The study does not promote the use of steroid painkillers in any forms in any of the stated viral conditions. 

 

References available on request. 

 

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Abdul Kader Mohiuddin is a registered pharmacist with the Bangladesh Pharmacy Council and an alumni at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University. His views are not biased and believes that facts can be changed with time.  

 

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The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in partnership with AbbVie Biopharmaceuticals and Axios Home Care Services, recently announced the launch of a three-year awareness campaign to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention of Hepatitis C. The campaign, titled “Early Detection of Hepatitis C” is part of the “EKSHEF” screening initiative for the early detection of communicable and non-communicable diseases.  

Dr. Ramadan Ibrahim AlBlooshi, Acting Director of the Public Health and Protection Department at the Dubai Health Authority, said that the campaign is aligned with the UAE and World Health Organization’s goal to eliminate the hepatitis C disease by 2030. It also falls under the UAE’s sustainable development goals. 

The programme involves a range of awareness campaigns as well as free check-ups for individuals aged 18 years and above. The screening activities will take place across malls, workers’ accommodation sites, government organisations and public spaces across Dubai. 

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus can cause acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from mild illness to serious, lifelong illness including cirrhosis and cancer. The World Health Organization estimated that approximately 290,000 people died from hepatitis C disease, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) in 2019. 

Related: Micro-elimination efforts can support Middle East governments in fully eliminating hepatitis

Although the prevalence of the disease is low in the UAE, Dr. AlBlooshi highlighted that it is important to raise community awareness as the disease can go undetected, adding that nearly 80 per cent of people infected with hepatitis C do not develop symptoms. The latest antiviral drugs and treatments are further leading to a cure for nearly 95 per cent of people suffering from this disease. 

Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion at Education at the Public Health and Protection Department at DHA, added that the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness among all Dubai residents aged 18 years and above to reduce transmission, treat individuals, stop disease progression, reduce mortality and ultimately eliminate the disease in Dubai altogether. 

“Our primary focus at the Public Health Protection Department in this campaign is to raise awareness of the disease. We plan to raise the level of health awareness for individuals through field visits across government entities, malls, and workers’ accommodations in Dubai,” she said. 

At the campaign launch, Dr. Hassan Sabah, General Manager — Gulf and Levant at AbbVie, emphasised the importance of screening and early detection of the hepatitis C virus, noting that the campaign support programme directs patients to obtain and adhere to treatment, and provides moral support which patients often lack in the stages of treatment. 

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Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common peripheral nervous system diseases that affect adults globally. It is a chronic clinical condition where symptoms include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet.  

Peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain are highly prevalent in the general population with an estimated one in 10 people and one in two diabetics. As the total number of diabetic patients in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa is projected to reach 603 million by 2045, it is estimated that approximately 50 per cent of these patients will develop peripheral neuropathy in their lifetime.  

A close look at statistics shows that Saudi Arabia alone ranks second highest in the Middle East and seventh in the world for diabetes, with over 65 per cent of its population affected, followed by the UAE, which recorded around 35 per cent. 

Related: Breaking Borders: Providing World-Class Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Disorders in U.S. & Abroad

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy is an unmet need with less than one-third of physicians being able to recognise signs of peripheral neuropathy, leaving around 80 per cent of patients undiagnosed and left to suffer in silence. Additionally, up to 50 per cent of patients are asymptomatic, and therefore often remain undiagnosed and at risk of insensate injury. Undiagnosed cases further contribute to high rates of morbidity and mortality led by diabetes. 

Without successful intervention, estimates show that by 2050, one-third of 9.7 billion people may develop diabetes, half of those may experience peripheral neuropathy and half may suffer from neuropathic pain, which is frequently associated with severe symptoms such as depression, anxiety and poor sleep. 

Collective action to raise awareness of this condition is essential, as early diagnosis is key to enabling better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life. Damaged nerves can also be regenerated if nerve care damage has not progressed too far. Each contact with a patient is an opportunity for primary care physicians to play a key role in diagnosing the condition.  

As some patients might have difficulties in describing their symptoms properly, proactively probing for characteristics of peripheral neuropathy such as numbness, pins and needles and tingling sensation, lancinating, stabbing or electric shock-like pain can be a good starting point. Easy to perform sensory tests such as vibration perception testing, pinprick test, monofilament test, etc. take no longer than a few minutes and guide the diagnosis, while laboratory tests can help refine the diagnoses. 

Other than knowledge about the condition, information on who is at risk, the consequences of peripheral neuropathy in relation to reduced quality of life, and increased risk of foot ulcers need to be disseminated to the public to encourage early self-referral. Once the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy has been made, it is important to educate patients on its dangers. 

At the same time, scientific forums help leaders and health experts from across the globe inspire, share and exchange clinical insights to help improve nerve health via understanding the etiology of peripheral neuropathy, conducting five simple steps of diagnosis, and providing timely management including improving B vitamins deficiencies. 

It is critical that the full ecosystem of healthcare practitioners, pharmacists, key opinion leaders, government, media and companies come together to raise awareness of this acute public health issue, which is affecting millions of patients. 

References available on request. 

Tarek Abdelaziz is the General Manager at P&G Health Middle East. 

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Urological, sexual and mental health, among others, are key areas that men need to help to prioritise in order to secure better health. As the healthcare community marks Men’s Health Awareness Month in June, Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London hosted a virtual media briefing led by healthcare expert and general medicine practitioner Dr. Vikas Mehta to highlight different aspects of men's wellness that lack attention and pose a danger to their health.  

As men age, they are likely to encounter conditions that leave a significant impact on their quality of life. Recognising and addressing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining good health. Dr. Mehta said that there are several physical signs men need to pay attention to, but when it comes to discussing them with their physicians, they tend to feel uncomfortable and miss the chance to receive proper treatment. 

"For men, the symptoms that affect their lives are things that they are not very comfortable talking to others about," said Dr. Mehta, who is also a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health. "Often, these conditions are treatable." 

Related: The weight of men’s mental health

Raising awareness, providing appropriate medical care, and creating a safe space for discussions can empower to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being. 

Urological symptoms and sexual health 

The need to urinate frequently is a common symptom that men should not ignore, as it may indicate either prostate or bladder issues, or even diabetes. Painful or difficult urination requires a follow-up with a specialist as similar situations may lead to bigger concerns. Erectile dysfunction, for example, treatable, and may indicate the need for cardiac screening. Dr. Mehta explained that issues with blood vessels in one part of the body could be an indication of similar problems elsewhere. Another important aspect of sexual health is undergoing a testicular exam to detect any lumps or abnormalities. 

Men’s mental health 

Dr. Mehta underlined the significance of mental health for men. Men should pay attention to their mental well-being and seek help when needed, especially in high-stress professions such as banking and law. Identifying when and where to get support is crucial for maintaining good mental health. 

Musculoskeletal health and workouts 

A decrease in the ability to exercise as well as prolonged recovery from injuries may be signs of musculoskeletal issues, which includes muscle wasting and inflammatory problems. Physical activity and stress management are interconnected, according to Dr. Mehta, so those that are unable to engage in exercise due to musculoskeletal conditions may experience negative effects on their mental health. Screening for conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases, particularly if there is a family history, is also recommended. 

Respiratory health 

Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath during exercise or routine activities, and chronic cough should not be ignored. Dr. Mehta advised seeking screening and evaluation for possible respiratory conditions, including adult-onset asthma and COVID-related problems. Snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep may be signs of sleep apnoea and other respiratory issues. These problems can lead to poor sleep quality, which is associated with various health problems such as high blood pressure, increased appetite leading to diabetes, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. 

Ear, nose, and throat health 

The rise in remote work and increased use of headphones has contributed to an increase in symptoms such as tinnitus, hearing disparities between ears, and ear pain. Men experiencing chronic sore throats, particularly smokers, or those with white lesions in their mouths should undergo examination for throat cancers. 

 

Dr. Vikas Mehta

Additionally, individuals with unexplained chronic congestion should be screened for nasal polyps, and a feeling of one nostril being more obstructed than the other may be a symptom. The need to clear the throat or a sensation of something caught in the throat may be signs of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. 

Diabetes in men 

Frequent thirst may be an indicator for diabetes and should prompt screening. Heavy alcohol consumers should also undergo screening for diabetes, Dr. Mehta recommended. 

Overall, it is crucial for men to pay attention to their health and be proactive in discussing any symptoms or concerns with their healthcare providers. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, should be vigilant and offer unbiased suggestions to encourage men to address their symptoms and seek diagnosis in a timely manner. After all, early intervention means better health outcomes and a positive impact on men’s health regardless of age. 

 

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After an intense three-day contest, Ainnova Tech won the Innov8 Talks pitch competition at FIME 2023. The health tech start-up was founded by an experienced team to create solutions for the early detection of diseases using artificial intelligence (AI). They are currently working on launching VisionAi, a platform to prevent blindness and detection of early onset of diabetes.

As part of their prize, Ainnova Tech will now get the chance to compete at the ‘Innovator of the Year’ at Arab Health 2024, taking place in Dubai, UAE, and a complimentary exhibition stand at FIME 2024.

Related: FIME 2023 takes the lead in giving back to the community

The first runner-up was awarded to Medicsen and their innovative needle-free smartpatch. The company was founded to improve the quality of life of people living with chronic diseases. Their first needle-free and wearable drug delivery wearable device has harmless waves that increase the size of natural skin pores, and it is painless and safe as the pores close when the device stops.

While Hera Health Solutions were given the second runner-up position. They are a pharmaceutical device company specialising in researching, developing, and commercialising long-acting treatments through proprietary bioerodible drug delivery implants. The bioerodible drug delivery technology aims to eliminate the costly and painful removal procedure of current contraceptive arm implants to provide women with a safe and effective solution for contraception.

All three winners will receive mentorship packages from Tampa Bay Wave, Manutara Ventures, and GEN Accelerates

Related: Addressing the role of information as a determinant of health

The Innov8 Talks consisted of a competition among 18 innovative early and middle-stage start-ups from all over the globe who pitched their groundbreaking ideas on stage across three days.

“The Innov8 Talks at FIME are a veritable powerhouse of innovation and future insights, not just a competition. It's a platform where groundbreaking ideas in healthcare are put to the test. As a judge, I'm not just looking at presentations—I'm witnessing the genesis of the next revolutionary advancements in healthcare,” remarked Dr. Richard Munassi, the Managing Director of Tampa Bay Wave. “Every pitch, every idea, brings us one step closer to a future where healthcare transcends the constraints of today.

Visit the Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) in Miami to learn more.

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Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) marked the graduation of 136 students in a special ceremony at the Dubai Opera on Thursday. Among the graduates, 56 are in medical residency and 18 in fellowship courses, both of which are part of the postgraduate speciality programmes offered at the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) alongside Hamdan bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, the College of Nursing and Midwifery, the College of Medicine and the Deanship of Postgraduate Medical Education. Around 78 per cent of the talents consisted of accomplished female learners, and 35 per cent were Emirati nationals.

“I decided to pursue medicine because I wanted to make a change in people’s lives and discovered that community medicine would help me do this on a global scale,” said Maha Ali AlSuwaidi, Emirati, who graduated from the College of Medicine. “I applied to this field and may be the only resident who got accepted this year. We are still waiting for the results. From there, I am looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for me. I might look at being a part of a medical talk show in the future as well,” she said.

Related: Raising a new generation of medical students

UAE resident and MBRU graduate Montaser Nabeeh Khalil Al Smady said he is excited to start his residency programme in the UAE and looking forward to pursuing internal medicine or emergency medicine. He hopes to be accepted in one of his specialties of interest soon and take his career forward from there.

“Medicine is a broad field. I believe there is a lot to learn and a lot to go through in terms of experience. And of course, it is a noble speciality where you can give back to the community and do a lot of good in it while having a solid career with a bright future. When we pursue medicine, we are not just treating patients, but we are also contributing to the expansion of healthcare — whether it is through medical research or hospital operations. It is quite rewarding,” he added.

Related: MoH-Pfizer Nebras to boost nursing and midwifery research in UAE

MBRU matches students to various residency programmes not only in the UAE but also across the globe, which demonstrates its academic excellence.

“We are very proud of our students, and I am happy to say that 30 per cent of them are likely to find a position in the US or Canada to start their residency,” said Prof. Suleiman Al-Hammadi, Dean of College of Medicine at MBRU. “We should also not forget the parents and the support they give their children makes a big difference in this field.”

The graduation event was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, MBRU Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) as well as His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of DAHC.

UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi was the guest of honour who congratulated the students from the International Space Station (ISS). Al Neyadi has been involved in several medical experiments in collaboration with UAE-based universities such as MBRU.

“Medicine and space exploration are interconnected and without comprehensive medical preparation we are not able to undertake space missions, conduct scientific research, contribute to the advancement of humanity and bring all the benefits of technology and space down to earth,” he said in an opening speech.

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Saudi’s Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP) was launched to restructure the sector into a comprehensive and effective health ecosystem to meet the requirements and achieve the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. The programme has been designed to achieve a series of strategic objectives including improving the quality and efficiency of health services, facilitating better access to healthcare services, promoting prevention of health risks and enhancing traffic safety.  

While the programme aims to create a comprehensive and integrated, value-based healthcare ecosystem in the Kingdom, it also aims to effectively address and overcome certain core challenges faced by the system to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.  

According to the HSTP delivery plan report, approximately 90,000 cases of premature deaths are caused due to a chronic illness and the average life expectancy is 5.2 years below the global average. These statistics call for increased adoption of preventive care measures required to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory and congenital diseases, diabetes, mental health, strokes and decrease incidents of traffic accidents.  

The report further states that Saudi’s present healthcare model increasingly focuses on treatment rather than prevention, making it imperative to engage and empower individuals and communities to choose healthy behaviour and make positive lifestyle changes to decrease the risk of developing life-threatening health conditions.  

Another challenge facing the system is the steady increase in population of the Kingdom expected to reach 39.4 million in 2030. As more people demand provision of quality health services, the region must invest in developing infrastructure to include electronic, digital and remote services that ensure seamless delivery of effective healthcare solutions.  

Related: How healthtech solutions are shaping primary care in Saudi Arabia

Additionally, there has been a growing need to strengthen governance systems that assist in reducing healthcare challenges and improve the quality of health services provided. To aid this, polices and legal frameworks need to be reviewed and updated to allow for further collaboration and integration between government entities and the private sector that involve discussion of opportunities and implementation of required tasks.  

Road safety policies and regulations must also be revised to align with best practices and comprehensive standards, to reduce the increasing number of deaths caused by road accidents in the Kingdom. Doing so will also help alleviate the pressure off the healthcare system that would otherwise have to reconsider the costs associated with providing healthcare rehabilitation to the affected. 

There is also a need to implement treatment protocols and mechanisms that could help monitor outcomes and provide beneficiaries access to healthcare services regardless of their place of residence or category of provider. Additionally, the industry must work towards educating and empowering its workforce by providing access to various development programmes thus paving way for their personal growth and that of the industry as a whole.  

Despite its challenges, the programme aims at providing improved healthcare outcomes and will focus on promoting public health and disease prevention, along with strengthening access to health services through optimal coverage, comprehensive and equitable geographical distribution, and expanding the provision of remote health services. 

Empower innovation for a sustainable future by joining us at Global Health Exhibition from October 2 to 4 at Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center as we bring Saudi and global healthcare communities together to connect, network, and do business. Click here to register.

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The Transformation Zone at FIME 2023 is one of the most anticipated features of the show, with the Transformation Talks serving as a powerhouse of innovation and future insights. This dynamic space brought together thought leaders, innovators, industry experts, and tech giants from the US and Latin America. High-profile speakers discussed topics such as AI in healthcare, advances in telemedicine, digital health transformation, and more.

On day one of the Transformation Talks, Dr. Garth Graham, Director and Global Head of Healthcare and Public Health, Google / YouTube, Miami, Florida, US, spoke to a packed audience of healthcare professionals on the importance of information dissemination to improve health outcomes.

When it comes to healthcare and public health today, the days of billboards, phone calls and flyers are gone. Today, there are multiple modalities from which people get their information, such as video or WhatsApp. Accessing healthcare information online or “Googling” symptoms is already a major part of the global patient experience. But verifiable information is often behind paywalls, which restricts access. This acts as a barrier to receiving health information that could ultimately lead an individual down the wrong path. The question then is, how do we navigate and change these patterns in the future?

Related: Health tech innovation in the spotlight as FIME 2023 opens doors

Dr. Graham highlighted: “Information is a determinant of health, and so we have to think about the information that's credible, obtainable, authentic, relatable, and actionable. Today, there is almost too much information that's accessible. How we deliver information to communities at scale is one of the primary factors that determine the health of the community. If you think about the typical patient journey, you tend to think mainly about service delivery. But how can you empower the patient with the information? As we saw during the pandemic, the whole world was also battling an infodemic, with a lot of fake news doing the rounds. So, learning from that experience, thinking about the context and quality of information and information connectivity, and how to effectively engage people, is essential.”

He stressed that whether it is talking to communities in Indonesia, Paris, England, Brazil, or the Bronx, healthcare systems need to ensure that people have access to information from scientific sources that answers all their questions clearly and in a relatable and engaging manner.

“A lot of information today is user-generated, and for individuals who work in healthcare, that makes many of us uncomfortable,” said Dr. Graham. “Because the kinds of people generating this health information are not always those from scientific or authoritative sources. Some of this content also comes from people who are part of patient journeys and sharing their personal experiences. The advent of AI now allows the opportunity for challenging inaccurate health information, which can be corrected and spread to communities that scale.”

He concluded: “Doctors don't own all the health information. The healthcare system doesn't own all health information. Therefore, the question is, how do we create and engage in that overall spectrum and recognise the role of the individual and community and recognise the role of healthcare delivery systems to help deliver that information? More importantly, we need to focus on delivering continuing and engaging information. The goal is to work towards a healthcare delivery system that recognises the impact of disseminating accurate information and helps deliver that information at scale.”

AI to the rescue

Earlier in the day, Dr. David Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer & VP of Healthcare, Microsoft, New York, US, kickstarted the Transformation Talks session by spotlighting artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in enhancing patient outcomes.

Dr. David Rhew

He shared that while AI has become prevalent across several industries, its impact on healthcare will go a long way in improving patient experience, health outcomes, and access and quality of care.

Dr. Rhew explained: “AI, machine learning or deep learning have the ability to understand and anticipate the next word and the next concept. By anticipating what comes next, we can actually do things that we could never envision before.”

Related: Omnia Health Magazine May - June 2023

The industry is currently facing several challenges, such as increasing staff burnout, health costs, and lack of care for underrepresented and vulnerable populations. By leveraging AI, organisations can help tackle some of these challenges.

Dr. Rhew highlighted AI could be used to ease some of the administrative burdens of the healthcare staff. For example, doctors spend around six to eight hours documenting notes. Using AI tools can cut this time in half, allowing the clinician to express empathy and connect with patients as human beings. These notes can also be edited easily and input directly into electronic health records. AI is also helping the industry move its focus from a reactive model to a more proactive one by helping predict a bad outcome before it happens and intervene as necessary.

Visit the Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) in Miami to learn more.

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