HOSPITALS issue 73 November/December 2023 by The Arab Hospital Magazine

Issue 73/ 206 - NOV/DEC 2023

NEWS

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Publisher Arab Health Media Communication

HOSPITALS MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS DURING WAR Hospitals were established with the mission to save the lives of those suffering from life-threatening disease or injury and to provide medical care/service, relieve pain and provide healing. The concerted effort to develop the work of hospitals and expand their services around the world is based specifically on this principle and this mission. This is exactly why hospitals remain neutral in times of crises and wars. They receive priority attention during natural disasters to be able to perform their missionary role in the service of community health and safety. However, these values are not respected at all times. There are those who go beyond the lofty principles of the hospital’s role and exploit it for political or military interests, while others do not give importance to its humanitarian role and to medical neutrality amidst the attacks and cruelty of wars. This is what we have been witnessing throughout history in more than one region in the world, the latest of which is the ongoing war in Gaza, which has led to 20 hospitals being out of operation so far, a greater number being exposed to bombing and damage, and the loss of essential materials to perform a major, more urgent role due to casualties. Recently, the World Health Organization called on everyone to take action to spare hospitals from war targets, saying: “The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza is not functioning as a hospital anymore.” This is in addition to the targeting, death, and injuries that paramedics, medical teams and relief convoys are exposed to! Based on humanitarian responsibility, we urgently call for sparing hospitals from war, for they are meant to save lives. Hospitals’ great humanitarian role goes beyond what is decided by politics or determined by wars. Please let hospitals operate, let the people have a chance to survive, to live! Publisher

President Simon Chammas schammas@tahmag.com Executive Vice President Mirna Khairallah mirna@tahmag.com Senior Editor Elham Najem editorial@tahmag.com Content Executive Jessica Achkar editorial@tahmag.com Editors Aline Debes, Mark Steven, Don Karn, Andrew Weichert, Colette Semaan, Abbas Moussa Content Marketing Manager Jessie Chlela jessie@tahmag.com Creative Director Rania Khalil rania@tahmag.com Business Development Manager Wadih Chammas wadih@tahmag.com IT Manager Elie Yammine elie@tahmag.com Photographer Hanna Nehme Advertising advertising@thearabhospital.com

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CONTENTS

52 Embracing Automation... The Robot's Introduction to Green Hospital

Dr. Alya Al Mazrouei

WCMQ - IPH

CEO of Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital

Advancing Wellbeing Through Lifestyle Health

Yasir Khan

Kevin Ali

Clinical Director, Oracle Health, Middle East

NEWS

CEO and Board Member of Organon

58 Dr. Alya Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Clemenceau Medical

16 For the First Time in the Middle East: Al Qassimi Hospital Utilizes 'Smart Headband' for Remote Heart and Artery Surgeries 20 Department of Health – Abu Dhabi announces partnership with M42 to advance Precision Medicine in Abu Dhabi 22 Burjeel Holdings, London’s St. Christopher’s Hospice Join Hands to Advance Palliative Care in the UAE 24 DHA Director-General Inaugurates 3 Key Healthcare Events at Dubai World Trade Centre 28 3rd MENA Ophthalmology Congress organized by Al Ahli Hospital highlights progress in eye care 32 St. George’s University’s True Blue Campus Gets A Mini Makeover For Term Start 34 Groundbreaking NextGen Medicine under the spotlight at Medlab Middle East 38 M42: Abu Dhabi's global health-tech innovator takes on sustainability challenges at COP28 40 Saudi Ministry of Health, BD forge strategic partnership to advance the Kingdom's Healthcare Sector 42 The 69th International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine (ICASM) kicks off in Abu Dhabi with around 600 participants from all around the world

Security through Connected Technology

MEDICAL TECH

FEATURES

18 Accuhealth: Remote Patient Monitoring Helps Doctors Provide Better Care for Patients

INTERVIEWS

48 WCMQ - IPH, Dr. Ravinder Mamtani and Dr. Sohaila Cheema

Center Hospital in Dubai (CMC Hospital Dubai) 68 Dr. Caitlin Huckell, Instructor in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Co-Director Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar 74 John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings 76 Yasir Khan, Clinical Director, Oracle Health, Middle East 80 Kevin Ali, CEO and Board Member of Organon 84 Baylor’s St. Luke Medical Center, Dr. Sebastian Winocour, Dr. Alastair Thompson, Dr. Karla Arabela Sepulveda

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

62 David T. Rubin, MD: Undaunted in his quest to improve the lives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive ailments, Provided by UChicago Medicine 92 The Fully Automated Laboratory System at Clemenceau Medical Center affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International (Beirut-Lebanon)

ARTICLES

44 Al-Ahli Hospital: International Healthcare Accreditation… A Framework for Continuous Quality Improvement

70 Controlled Medication Management: Transparency and

52 Embracing Automation The Robot's Introduction to Green Hospital

95 Healthcare Corporate Social Responsibility 99 Nurses in the Medical Sector 102 Community Safety and Mental Health 108 Revolutionizing Diabetes Care

Quality Reliability Patient Care

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NEWS

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NEWS

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NEWS

For the First Time in the Middle East: Al Qassimi Hospital Utilizes 'Smart Headband' for Remote Heart and Artery Surgeries

l Qassimi Hospital, one of EHS’ medical facilities, has introduced an innovative medical technology for the treatment of heart diseases. This breakthrough involves the use of a "Smart Headband" for performing catheterization procedures and treating arterial diseases. This remarkable medical achievement is the first of its kind in the Middle East region. The new technology relies on a smart headband that features a camera and a headset. Through this headband, communication with any doctor or surgical expert around the world is made possible. The camera captures surgical procedures in high-definition and exceptional clarity, broadcasting them live and in real-time. Meanwhile, the headset enables communication with the remotely located doctor, allowing them to see exactly what the operating doctor sees in the operating room. This immersive experience allows the remote doctor to provide guidance, share knowledge, and perform surgical interventions safely and precisely, leveraging diverse expertise and crossing geographical boundaries. This reflects Emirates Health Services’ commitment to advancing and excelling in medicine and healthcare, solidifying its position as a leading center for innovative medical applications and advanced medical technology on both local and global levels. Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, Chief Executive Officer of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, highlighted the growing importance of innovative medical advancements and improving patients’ lives with the integration of modern technologies in healthcare services. “As organizations worldwide are continuously turning to smart solutions and embracing new and creative ideas in response to the global changes, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts have led to more effective and efficient treatments, aligning with EHS’ vision and strategies to enhance the healthcare sector and improve patient care quality”, he says. Dr. Al Nooryani emphasized the significance

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of adopting medical innovations to enhance diagnosis and treatment, expressing confidence that these technologies will elevate EHS as a leading healthcare center offering advanced medical services and technologies in the region. Highlighting the hospital's commitment to utilizing advanced technologies to enhance patient care and improve surgical outcomes, Dr. Al Nooryani explained that Al Qassimi Hospital, in collaboration with the specialized company responsible for manufacturing the smart headband technology, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first healthcare facility to successfully perform a surgical procedure using the smart headband. One such procedure involved the implantation of a device called "The Guardian" into the atrial pocket of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. The hospital recently showcased their innovative approach by live streaming a chronic occlusion procedure performed by Dr. George Cyanus at the Swiss Heart Conference. Additionally, the hospital conducted another successful surgical procedure using the smart headband, this time for valve implantation. Regarding the advantages of the smart headband technology, Dr. Al Nooryani emphasizes its ability to save time, effort, and costs while enhancing surgical precision. The technology eliminates the need for specialized doctors and experts to travel and physically be present during surgeries to oversee them in person. Instead, the smart headband enables their virtual presence, allowing for remote supervision and enhancing the expertise available during surgeries.

AL QASSIMI HOSPITAL'S PIONEERING EFFORTS IN LIVESTREAMING SURGICAL PROCEDURES DURING CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES IN FOSTERING KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AMONG ACADEMICS, RESEARCHERS, AND EXPERTS ACROSS VARIOUS FIELDS. BY SHARING EXPERIENCES, DISCUSSING RESEARCH FINDINGS, AND ACQUIRING ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, THESE CONFERENCES PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

My Clinic in Saudi Arabia implements Centricity™ Cardio Enterprise to help transform process & reporting eﬀiciencies Time savings have helped in boosting patient capacity for Echo studies by 40%1

“By introducing Centricity™ Cardio Enterprise 2 from GE HealthCare we have reduced interruptions as images are now accessible in the oﬀice and the total time of an Echo study has been cut from 1 hour to 25 minutes – this saves 35 minutes per examination.” - Dr. Munawar Al-Majnoni, Head of Cardiology at My Clinic, President of the Saudi Society of Echocardiography

1 Data provided by the My Clinic Cardiology department as of May 2023

2 Centricity Cardio Enterprise is a solution comprised of Centricity Cardio Workflow and Centricity Universal Viewer

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Remote Patient Monitoring Helps Doctors Provide Better Care for Patients

ccuhealth is a healthcare technology company that was established in 2018 by a team of cybersecurity professionals. They identified several problems with traditional primary care experiences, including inefficiencies, as well as concerns about exposure to illnesses. These issues were negatively impacting both patients and doctors, especially in cases where patients had chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension that required consistent monitoring. A paradigm shift took place that reinvented the way healthcare was delivered.

Fully Managed Patient Care Accuhealth provides Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions to clinics and enterprises and is the only vendor with a full suite of easy-

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to-use devices, services in over 300 languages, and 4G cellular connectivity available on all major carriers in 190+ countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These devices – blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, pulse oximeters, weight scales, touchless thermometers, and peak flow meters – enable doctors to track real-time biometric data from the comfort of the patient’s home. By integrating data from the daily device readings with our proprietary software platform 'Evelyn' into any clinic Electronic Health Record system (EHR), Accuhealth offers doctors a comprehensive view of a patient's past health patterns, present conditions, ongoing treatments, and the ability to detect potential health issues before they intensify.

IN THE MIDDLE EAST, WHERE CONDITIONS LIKE DIABETES, HYPERTENSION AND COPD ARE PREVALENT, ACCUHEALTH'S RPM SOLUTIONS OFFER TIMELY AND CULTURALLYSENSITIVE CARE, ENSURING PATIENTS RECEIVE THE BEST POSSIBLE SUPPORT.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

Our AI-powered software platform ‘Evelyn’ provides a dashboard of data serving as the central hub between doctors and patients. Doctors gain valuable insights about their patients through Accuhealth’s additional touchpoints, often identifying or helping prevent potential adverse healthcare events before they worsen and keeping patients out of the hospital emergency room. Data shows that patients enrolled have an 80% reduction in hospital readmission, 20% increase in medication adherence, and marked health improvements in as little as 26 days, as well as further sustained and improved health in the long term (365 days and longer).

Seamless EHR Integration and Patient Onboarding Electronic health record (EHR) integration is critical for RPM success to ensure that doctors have uninterrupted workflow and can easily generate quality reports using the RPM data. Our user-friendly, no-cost, proprietary EHR integration is a hallmark of Accuhealth’s turnkey RPM solution and places readings into data fields in the doctors’ EHR. Our EHR integration engine seamlessly integrates with every EHR in the marketplace, such as Epic, Cerner, and many others. In addition to managing all the hardware and software, we offer services in 300+ languages, including Arabic, and a 24/7/365 clinical monitoring team. Through this, doctors can deploy a successful remote patient monitoring program immediately and without disruption to their current practice. The clinical monitoring team oversees the complete service, allowing for a scalable, patient-centric approach that optimizes advantages for both the patient and the doctor.

(based on the average cost of $13,800 per trip to the hospital as per the U.S.-based healthcare system). Due to being monitored in the comfort of their own homes, patients’ satisfaction was improved through this safe and easy way to have chronic conditions monitored. In addition, patients who previously lacked access to consistent care through in-person, ad-hoc visits due to mobility issues, lack of transportation, and other insufficient resources had a more equitable experience through RPM. Getting doctors set up with Accuhealth’s Remote Patient Monitoring has significantly improved management of chronic diseases and minimized barriers to care. The value of in-home monitoring and extending the continuum of care beyond the clinic walls is tremendous. With a robust care management program, patients feel empowered by taking ownership of their health via the Accuhealth user experience, which dramatically improves self-management and care plan adherence, patient satisfaction, and engagement. Accuhealth’s end-to-end RPM solution proves critical for local healthcare delivery, and we are pleased to be bringing our award-winning solution to doctors in the Middle East including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In the Middle East, where conditions like diabetes, hypertension and COPD are prevalent, Accuhealth's RPM solutions offer timely and culturally-sensitive care, ensuring patients receive the best possible support.

ACCUHEALTH PROVIDES REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING (RPM) SOLUTIONS TO CLINICS AND ENTERPRISES AND IS THE ONLY VENDOR WITH A FULL SUITE OF EASY-TO-USE DEVICES, SERVICES IN OVER 300 LANGUAGES, AND 4G CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR CARRIERS IN 190+ COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UAE, SAUDI ARABIA, AND QATAR.

For more information please visit WWW.ACCUHEALTH.TECH/MIDDLE-EAST-ENG

Proactive Healthcare Made Easy and Done Right Thanks to Accuhealth remote patient monitoring, 16,804 hospital visits were prevented in the United States to date, resulting in an estimated savings to the U.S.-based government health insurance program of over $231 million

NEWS

Department of Health – Abu Dhabi announces partnership with M42 to advance Precision Medicine in Abu Dhabi

he Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a M42 company, announced a significant step towards the provision of precision medicine in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The partnership will enable physicians to access pharmacogenomic reports (PGx) for consenting participants of the Emirati Genome Program through Malaffi, the Health Information Exchange (HIE) platform, operated by ADHDS. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Ashish Koshy, Group Chief Operating Officer from M42. The MoU was signed by Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector Kareem Shahin, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Health Data Services, a M42 company. Based on the insights from the Emirati Genome Program (EGP), one of the largest population genomic initiatives ever undertaken, PGx reports will provide to doctors, for consenting EGP participants, with valuable information regarding their genetic profile and its influence and response to

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specific medications. The report will support the physicians in prescribing medication to each patient to enhance treatment outcomes and minimize the occurrence of adverse drug events. The integration of genetic data into clinical decision making marks a significant leap towards personalized medicine and safer healthcare. Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said: “It is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi to be one of the first places in the world to implement comprehensive pharmacogenomic reports for its citizens, securely available to their physicians to outline personalized treatment plans to patients. By understanding the genetic makeup of our community, we will be able to better predict, prevent and treat genetic and chronic diseases hence translating our vision of a ‘healthier Abu Dhabi’ for generations to come. By harnessing the power of data, we will be able to accelerate the integration of breakthrough solutions that meet the distinct health requirements of Emiratis - reinforcing the Emirate’s position as a leading destination for innovation in healthcare.”

BASED ON THE INSIGHTS FROM THE EMIRATI GENOME PROGRAM (EGP), ONE OF THE LARGEST POPULATION GENOMIC INITIATIVES EVER UNDERTAKEN, PGX REPORTS WILL PROVIDE TO DOCTORS, FOR CONSENTING EGP PARTICIPANTS, WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR GENETIC PROFILE AND ITS INFLUENCE AND RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS. THE REPORT WILL SUPPORT THE PHYSICIANS IN PRESCRIBING MEDICATION TO EACH PATIENT TO ENHANCE TREATMENT OUTCOMES AND MINIMIZE THE OCCURRENCE OF ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS.

NEWS

‫ﺷﺮﻛـﺔ أﺑﻮﻇـﺒﻲ ﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﺒـﻴﺎﻧﺎت اﻟـﺼـﺤﻴﺔ‬

ABU DHABI HEALTH DATA SERVICES

Kareem Shahin

Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi

The PGx reports offer insights into the compatibility of various medications, aiding physicians in avoiding potentially harmful drug-to-drug interactions. Furthermore, the PGx reports will support reducing healthcare expenses, by initiating treatment with the correct medication and dosage upfront.

intricately shape drug responses, steering the healthcare landscape towards greater efficacy and safety. The Emirati Genome Program is a significant national project that is critical to the realization of the National Genome Strategy, which aims to build a comprehensive and sustainable genomic ecosystem to transform healthcare services and help people live better. The program uses the latest whole sequencing and artificial intelligence technologies to generate high-quality data that enables scientific research and discovery, leading to personalized and preventive healthcare for the UAE’s citizens and a comprehensive understanding of rare genetic disorders and new treatments. Malaffi is the region’s first Health Information Exchange platform that safely and securely connects public and private healthcare providers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Malaffi, operated by ADHDS enables the meaningful, real-time exchange of important patient health information between the healthcare providers, creating a centralized database of unified patient records, improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes. The platform connects the entire healthcare sector with more than 2,700 healthcare facilities in the emirate, empowering over 47,000 clinical users with access to 2 billion unique clinical records.

Kareem Shahin, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Health Data Services, an M42 company said: “M42 is working to transform traditional healthcare and the robust connected healthcare infrastructure that we have established in Abu Dhabi will play a big role in this. Through the synergy of Malaffi Health Information Exchange and the integration of cutting-edge AI technology and genomic data, we are now enabling the practice of precision medicine at scale, crafting a blueprint for global success. This endeavour not only serves the best interests of our residents but also sets a remarkable precedent for global healthcare initiatives.” On a broader scale, integrating this comprehensive genomic data within the HIE sets the stage for extensive research and advanced population health analytics. This will boost breakthroughs in personalized medicine and deepen the understanding of how genetics

THE PGX REPORTS OFFER INSIGHTS INTO THE COMPATIBILITY OF VARIOUS MEDICATIONS, AIDING PHYSICIANS IN AVOIDING POTENTIALLY HARMFUL DRUG-TO-DRUG INTERACTIONS. FURTHERMORE, THE PGX REPORTS WILL SUPPORT REDUCING HEALTHCARE EXPENSES, BY INITIATING TREATMENT WITH THE CORRECT MEDICATION AND DOSAGE UPFRONT.

NEWS

Burjeel Holdings, London’s St. Christopher’s Hospice Join Hands to Advance Palliative Care in the UAE

urjeel Holdings, one of the leading healthcare providers in the MENA region, and St. Christopher’s Hospice, recognized as the first modern hospice and one of the global pioneers in palliative care, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a compassionate community in the UAE, with a hospice at the focal point of the initiative. The partnership between both entities also marks the establishment of a comprehensive hospice in the country at Burjeel Holdings’ flagship Burjeel Medical City. “This agreement represents an opportunity to make a positive, lasting change in the field of healthcare. I am confident this partnership will not only benefit the two institutions but will also contribute to serving the community. Through such collaborations, we can face challenges, seize opportunities, and create a better tomorrow,” Sheikh Ahmed said. The MoU was signed on behalf of Burjeel Holdings by Mr. Omran Al Khoori, Member, Board of Directors, and President, Business Development, and on behalf of St. Christopher’s Hospice by Dr. Heather Richardson, Director of Education, Research, and End-of-Life Policy. The compassionate community established through this partnership will focus on delivering palliative care services that address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. It will offer pain management, psychological support, counseling services, and a range of complementary therapies to ensure patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. The aim is to engage with the wider community to raise awareness of the issues faced by patients and their families dealing with a life-limiting illness. Mr. John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, commented on the significance of this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join hands with St. Christopher’s Hospice, a globally recognized institution in the field of palliative care. This col-

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THE SIGNING OF THE MOU REPRESENTS A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN THE UAE’S HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE AS THE INITIATIVE IS SET TO TRANSFORM HOW END-OF-LIFE CARE IS DELIVERED, OFFERING EXTENSIVE SUPPORT AND COMFORT TO PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE MOU WAS SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF SHEIKH AHMED BIN HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED AL NAHYAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UAE SAILING AND ROWING FEDERATION.

THIS HOSPICE WILL SERVE AS A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN PALLIATIVE CARE, PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE AND TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE FACILITY WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OFTHE-ART MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND STAFFED BY A DEDICATED TEAM OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WITH EXPERTISE IN PALLIATIVE CARE.

laboration signifies our commitment to enhancing palliative care services in the UAE and underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality healthcare services to our community.” St. Christopher’s Hospice, founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders, is renowned for its work in palliative and end-of-life care. The hospice is internationally recognized for its compassionate and holistic approach to patient care, making it an ideal partner for Burjeel Holdings in this ambitious undertaking. “We are proud to partner with Burjeel Holdings. The collaboration between our two entities will have a lasting impact on individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses in the UAE. It will also shed light on the importance of compassionate end-of-life care and its positive effect on patients’ quality of life and the well-being of their loved ones,” Dr. Heather Richardson said. The scope of the partnership also includes joint research and educational endeavors and the establishment of a palliative care research base in the UAE. The MoU also seeks to create specialized training pathways for nurses and doctors across the UAE, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to provide high-quality palliative care. As part of the collaborative efforts, the entities will explore further the development of palliative care services throughout the UAE. Additionally, establishing the first hospice in the UAE is a significant milestone.

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NEWS

DHA Director-General Inaugurates 3 Key Healthcare Events at Dubai World Trade Centre

is Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, officially inaugurated three key healthcare events at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 11th edition of Dubai Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Otology), the 8th edition of Annual Radiology Meeting in UAE(ARM), and 10th edition of International Family Medicine (IFM) have all commenced side-by-side with a respective program for each specialization that features some of the most prominent physicians and specialists in their field. H.E. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi toured each event hall and witnessed the display of knowledge-sharing and advancements in technology while being accompanied by Dr. Ahmad Alamadi, Event Chairman of Dubai Otology, Hashim Alawadhi, President of the Radiographers Society of the Emirates, Dr. Alia Al Sayegh, Chairperson of ARM - Radiology Scientific Committee, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Chairperson of IFM, and several international dignitaries and industry professionals. H.E. Al Ketbi highlighted that Dubai has established itself internationally as a leading destination for hosting events and conferences. He highlighted that such healthcare events provide an excellent platform for healthcare pro-

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THE COMBINED ATTENDANCE EXPECTANCY FOR ALL THREE EVENTS ARE 12,000 VISITORS FROM 52 COUNTRIES, 170 SPEAKERS THROUGHOUT 84 SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS, AND OVER 130 BRANDS DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE EXHIBITION FLOORS.

fessionals from all over the world to exchange knowledge and expertise and discuss the latest advances in the field with an aim to provide the highest quality of healthcare to patients and further enhance health systems. Al Ketbi expressed his appreciation for the efforts made to ensure the success of these specialized exhibitions in the UAE. He also commended the significance of these events and the crucial role they play in developing key partnership opportunities with esteemed healthcare entities in the UAE and internationally. From his side, H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Executive Chairman of all three events, stated: “The organization of these three distinct and specialized events serve as a resounding testament to our unwavering commitment to our vision of fostering collaborative healthcare, not only within the United Arab Emirates, but also on a global scale. These initiatives exemplify our dedication to the advancement of medical practices and transfer of knowledge for the future of healthcare practice and patient care. Furthermore, it is imperative that we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Dubai Health Authority for their consistent and unyielding support in our shared mission to elevate the standards of the healthcare sector.”

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NEWS

Dubai Otology The 11th edition of Dubai Otology explored a wide range of topics such as issues that affect ear health, facial nerve care, hearing improvement, and treatments for common problems like tinnitus and vertigo. By addressing these concerns, Dubai Otology underscored its commitment to enhancing knowledge and expertise in the vital fields of Otology, ENT, and Audiology that affect people from all walks of life. Dr. Ahmad Alamadi, Event Chairman of Dubai Otology, commented: “Dubai Otology has built itself to be a premier destination for specialists and working professionals to gather and collaborate on a knowledge sharing basis. Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to various factors, so we emphasize the focus on generating accurate scientific information that advances our profession to tackle these issues, in addition to exploring the many tools at our disposable made possible through the developments in technology.”

Annual Radiology Meeting ARM is the annual event that unites radiologists, radiographers, manufacturers, distributors, and government representatives to strengthen collaboration efforts in advancing public health through radiology. The agenda features 24 scientific sessions, an exhibition, a Radiology Business Hub serving as a B2B platform, and more than 20 poster presentations with hands-on workshops conducted by specialists. ARM is supported by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. Dr. Alia Al Sayegh, Chairperson of ARM Radiology Scientific Committee, stated: “We have commenced the eighth edition of ARM on a high note today, focusing on updated techniques in diagnostic imaging to provide better detection and diagnosis to treat our patients. Radiology is the key diagnostic tool for many diseases and plays a vital role in monitoring treatment and predicting outcome, for up to 80% of diagnostic problems can be

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achieved through basic use of X-rays and ultrasound examinations.”

International Family Medicine IFM contributes towards the betterment of health by enhancing the Family Medicine concepts inclusive of health promotions, prevention techniques and guidelines, curative programs, promoting equality for accessing health and medical services, and providing effective health programs to the community. Many benefits of Family Medicine include reducing healthcare cost, increasing healthcare quality, and providing access to healthcare across the country. IFM is supported by the Dubai Health Authority. Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Conference Chairperson of IFM 2023, stated: “We are immensely proud to open the momentous 10th edition of IFM today, which stands as a testament to our commitment of enhancing primary healthcare. IFM enjoys the company of such profound healthcare professionals and enthusiasts alike, for we must know that family physicians are the only specialists qualified to treat most ailments and provide comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages — from newborns to seniors.” Dubai Otology, ARM, and IFM are specialized events organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding, and supported by several prominent regional and international medical societies.

DUBAI OTOLOGY, ARM, AND IFM ARE SPECIALIZED EVENTS ORGANIZED BY INDEX CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS – A MEMBER OF INDEX HOLDING, AND SUPPORTED BY SEVERAL PROMINENT REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SOCIETIES.

NEWS

3rd MENA Ophthalmology Congress organized by Al Ahli Hospital highlights progress in eye care

he 3rd MENA Ophthalmology Congress has brought together regional leaders and medical professionals in the field of ophthalmology for a remarkable learning and networking experience in Doha. The two-day congress organized by Al Ahli Hospital opened in Doha to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research findings, and best practices among professionals in the field. It focused on basics, newer developments, and advanced diagnostic and treatment options for eye problems in children and adults. Chairman of Scientific Planning Committee of the Congress and ophthalmologist at Al Ahli Hospital, Dr. Gangaprasad Amula said, “We have invited about 15 speakers from other countries, all specialists in their speciality. They talked not only on the present scenario, they had been updating on research and potential collaborations in the field of ophthalmology.” The congress has gathered around 300 practitioners, including physicians, nurses, allied health, and pharmacists. “We want to exchange ideas between the experts and us and see where we can collaborate and try to reach all the latest updates in the field of ophthalmolo-

NOV.DEC 2023 28

gy,” said Dr. Amula. The congress is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) defined by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions – Accreditation Section. It is approved for a maximum of 17 hours. Head of Staff Training and Development, Al Ahli Hospital, Dr. Loui Al Fakhri said, “Now all practitioners from different disciplines need CPD credits to renew their licenses. The Ministry of Public Health mandates it. Healthcare practitioners have to achieve a certain amount of credits in two years. Hopefully, this congress proved them 17 such credits and took them almost half the way to the requirement.” The congress is designed for participants to understand the latest advancements and research findings related to diagnosis, treatment, and surgical techniques in the field of ophthalmology, identify the unique challenges faced in various areas of ophthalmic conditions by different populations; explain and exchange strategies for addressing the challenges faced by interaction with panellists; and identify and discuss ethical considerations, regulatory issues, and compliance standards that are relevant to ophthalmology practice and research.

THE CONGRESS FOCUSED ON BASICS, NEWER DEVELOPMENTS, AND ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR EYE PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

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Liquid biopsy in breast cancer – Less invasion more precision

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NEWS

St. George’s University’s True Blue Campus Gets A Mini Makeover For Term Start

s St. George’s University (SGU) Grenada, in the Caribbean, welcomes its newest students for the fall 2023 term, the University has made several improvements to enhance its picturesque True Blue campus. These changes include several new spaces for new and returning students to explore. “We can’t wait for our students, faculty, and staff to return to share these improvements to our already beautiful campus,” said Dr. Glen Jacobs, provost at SGU. “With students’ success as our top priority, these additions and renovations will continue to make SGU an outstanding place to live and learn.” The upgraded campus will feature greater capacity for more hands-on training and access to new technologically advanced equipment— with the goal of further enriching campus life and the student experience. Here are a few of the expansion and redevelopment efforts students, faculty, and staff can look forward to enjoying this term.

•

Charter Hall Radiology Lab: SGU completed Phase 1 of renovations for the Charter Hall Radiology Lab that allows the lab to support live-animal training. The next phase will be to complete an interior upgrade including new furniture. New Classrooms: In the coming weeks, the top floor of St. David’s Hall will be transformed into incorporate two additional classrooms and a breakout room. Each classroom will hold 120 students and will have the latest audio/visual technology with recording capabilities. The classrooms will be designed in the group study format with large tables and outlets conveniently located in the floor at each table. Communications Rooms: The south side of the top floor of St. Andrew’s Hall will be completely refurbished to construct seven new rooms to support the Communications

NOV.DEC 2023 32

•

David Anthonisz

THE UPGRADED CAMPUS WILL FEATURE GREATER CAPACITY FOR MORE HANDS-ON TRAINING AND ACCESS TO NEW TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED EQUIPMENT-WITH THE GOAL OF FURTHER ENRICHING CAMPUS LIFE AND THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE.

•

curriculum. The area will also feature a large classroom geared towards communications training. Each room will be equipped with the newest A/V tech with recording capabilities, allowing students to view their recorded sessions right after completion. Welcome Centre: At the request of SGU’s Student Government Association (SGA), SGU has increased the seating capacity in the Welcome Centre’s food area. A wraparound quartz countertop was installed, as well as fixed high-top tables with new stools. Electrical outlets were also installed around the perimeter of the countertop so that users can charge their electronics as needed. This new renovation will provide roughly 40 seats in the air-conditioned area. SGU Bookstore: The bookstore will be sporting a brand new look. New flooring, new doors, and track lights were added to modernize the store, where students have access to all of their SGU merchandise needs.

“SGU provides an invaluable campus experience for all, and we believe these improvements will continue to do just that,” said Christina Verderosa, SGU’s Director of Operations. “This term, our campus community will have full access to the facilities that set SGU apart as a leader in providing a unique and exceptional student experience.”

NEWS

Groundbreaking NextGen Medicine under the spotlight at Medlab Middle East

Tom Coleman

eading researchers in NextGen medicine will convene at the 2024 edition of Medlab Middle East, the region’s largest medical laboratory exhibition. A cutting-edge field of healthcare, NextGen medicine uses genome sequencing to create targeted healthcare strategies for specific populations and individuals across a range of diseases and rare conditions. In collaboration with Express Med Diagnostics and Research, Medlab Middle East will host a new zone and conference dedicated to NextGen medicine, when the event takes place from 5 to 8 February. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH) based in the US, defines the 'genome' as the complete set of DNA instructions present in a cell, which contains all the necessary information required for an individual's development and functioning. In 2003, the Human Genome Project successfully developed the first complete sequence of the human genome, paving the way for one of the most transformative breakthroughs in science and healthcare.

NOV.DEC 2023 34

Dr Karolina Kobus, Head of Genomics and Precision Medicine Lab Technology and Innovation Advisor at Express Med Diagnostics and Research, said: “In recent years, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics and artificial intelligence (AI) have allowed research centres worldwide to initiate scientific programs, discover new molecular pathways and develop personalized therapies. There are three key components of NextGen medicine – prevention, early detection, and the development of targeted treatments. The future of medicine is all about moving away from a "one-size-fits-all' approach, to more personalized health strategies. Screening strategies must be adjusted to the local reality as this will ultimately save lives, improve health outcomes, and reduce the costs associated with ineffective treatments. “Global differences in the prevalence and distribution of diseases and their risk factors is a complex phenomenon determined by population history, adaptive evolution, environmental, social, demographic, cultural and genetic factors. Genomic inheritance is unique for every population, and this means that disease patterns might differ in a Caucasian individual compared with those native to the Middle East, for example. While significant progress has been made in genome projects in the Western world, we must acknowledge that the current human genome that is widely referenced is mainly based on data from Caucasian individuals.” The goal for researchers is to replace the old ‘linear’ reference genome with a ‘graph’ genome that better represents genetic diversity across populations. In May 2023, the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (HPRC) published an update on the human pangenome based on 47 individuals, which represents a wider genetic diversity. The Arab population however is still underrepresented in the human reference genome, a situation that researchers around the region are working to rectify.

THE GOAL FOR RESEARCHERS IS TO REPLACE THE OLD ‘LINEAR’ REFERENCE GENOME WITH A ‘GRAPH’ GENOME THAT BETTER REPRESENTS GENETIC DIVERSITY ACROSS POPULATIONS. IN MAY 2023, THE HUMAN PANGENOME REFERENCE CONSORTIUM (HPRC) PUBLISHED AN UPDATE ON THE HUMAN PANGENOME BASED ON 47 INDIVIDUALS, WHICH REPRESENTS A WIDER GENETIC DIVERSITY. THE ARAB POPULATION HOWEVER IS STILL UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE HUMAN REFERENCE GENOME, A SITUATION THAT RESEARCHERS AROUND THE REGION ARE WORKING TO RECTIFY.

NEWS

Tom Coleman, Group Exhibition Director, Informa Markets Healthcare, said: “The Middle East genome projects have the potential to contribute significantly to global science and improve healthcare in the region. This field of study is extremely promising, and the findings could lead to major advancements in the treatment of various illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. “Medlab’s partnership with Express Med Diagnostics and Research at Medlab Middle East will showcase the latest advancements in medical technology, precision diagnostics and medical laboratory solutions. Chaired by Dr Karolina Kobus, the NextGen Medicine Conference will bring together top industry experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals who are driving innovations forward. The conference will share the latest updates on regional genome projects and delve into pressing topics such as early cancer detection, precision oncology, preventative health screening, and longevity.” In March 2023, the UAE launched a 10year National Genome Strategy to support the development and implementation of genomic research projects and improve public health priorities in the UAE. The project aims to accelerate developments in personalized medicine and combat chronic and genetic diseases. The Emirati Genome Program is the founding project of the UAE’s National Genome Strategy and will explore the genetic profile of Emiratis using cutting-edge DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence.

NOV.DEC 2023 36

Kobus added: “As shown by recent research, it is important to improve human genetics studies by including diverse ethnic groups. This will help us to better understand the risk, and design appropriate treatments and screening strategies accordingly. Country-specific genomes and cancer genomes programs are critical as they will provide a road map of the reference human genome and a landscape of mutations across many disease types in Middle Eastern patients.” The NextGen zone at Medlab Middle East is a unique platform in the region that will bring together a diverse group of experts and professionals to discuss the latest advancements in NextGen medicine. The conference will attract lab technicians, genetics scientists, medical oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, and representatives from pharmaceutical companies, who will engage in productive discussions about recent developments in the field. The exchange of ideas will pave the way for progress in NextGen medicine. Medlab Middle East is expected to welcome more than 30,000 visitors and 900 exhibitors, with representation from 180 countries. Tracks at the event include Laboratory Management, Haematology, Quality Management, Clinical Microbiology, Histopathology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Genomic Interpretation, Future of the Lab, Immunology, Blood Transfusion Medicine, and Sustainability in the Lab. The Medlab Middle East Congress returns for another year, providing education and solutions to advance laboratory skills to over 5,000 delegates.

IN MARCH 2023, THE UAE LAUNCHED A 10-YEAR NATIONAL GENOME STRATEGY TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GENOMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS AND IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITIES IN THE UAE. THE PROJECT AIMS TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENTS IN PERSONALIZED MEDICINE AND COMBAT CHRONIC AND GENETIC DISEASES. THE EMIRATI GENOME PROGRAM IS THE FOUNDING PROJECT OF THE UAE’S NATIONAL GENOME STRATEGY AND WILL EXPLORE THE GENETIC PROFILE OF EMIRATIS USING CUTTING-EDGE DNA SEQUENCING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

NEWS

M42: Abu Dhabi's global health-tech innovator takes on sustainability challenges at COP28

The COP28 Presidency has pledged to introduce an official, high-level health initiative, emphasizing establishing robust and inclusive healthcare systems that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

42, a first-of-its-kind global tech-enabled healthcare company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is set to have presence at the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) as the summit’s Principal Health Partner. M42, which integrates G42 Healthcare’s unique medical and data-centric technologies with Mubadala Health’s world-class provision of care, will promote dialogue at the intersection of healthcare, technology and sustainability at the global summit. COP28, taking place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, will include a dedicated health day (December 3) for the first time, in recognition of the impact climate change has on global health. In line with this, M42’s efforts at COP28 aim to spearhead a monumental transformation towards tackling urgent climate challenges while advancing the frontiers of healthcare. With a deep understanding of the intricate link between health, technology and the environment, M42 is uniquely positioned to contribute to three distinct areas related to the climate crisis. First, M42's network of leading assets delivers world-class patient care, strengthened by state-of-the-art solutions and innovative research, to tackle healthcare challenges that are exacerbated by climate change. Additionally, M42 has built on its proficiency in healthcare technology and AI to pioneer the creation and implementation of climate-adaptive technologies. Additionally, M42 has been leading collaborative initiatives within the healthcare sector - including embracing sustainable methods, minimizing waste and optimizing resources - to diminish its worldwide carbon footprint. COP28, a global gathering of heads of state, climate experts, political leaders, youth activists, and civil society from nearly 200 nations, will address the urgent challenge of climate change. A significant milestone at COP28 is the inaugural Health Day and climate-health ministerial, set to be co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with multiple nations.

NOV.DEC 2023 38

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais

M42 WILL HELP DRIVE FORWARD DISCUSSIONS AND ACTIONS AROUND SUSTAINABILITY IN GLOBAL HEALTHCARE AS THE SUMMIT’S ‘PRINCIPAL HEALTH PARTNER’.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, said: “In the year that COP28 is hosted by the UAE, M42 – as a global health-tech company with a presence in 27 countries - has a key responsibility in furthering the sustainability vision of the UAE’s wise leadership. M42’s role as the summit’s Principal Health Partner enables us to shape and influence dialogue at the critical intersection of healthcare, technology and climate change. “We are excited to join visionary changemakers from around the world at this pivotal moment to impactfully disrupt the global healthcare landscape and increase awareness of the industry's potential for positive environmental and societal impact.” The initiative to enhance the visibility of healthcare at COP is timely, given findings by the international non-governmental organization (NGO) ‘Health Care Without Harm’ that the global healthcare sector currently acts as the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases when listed as a country. M42's COP28 initiative is led by a dedicated taskforce and supported by M42’s Executive Leadership team, with industry experts and partners contributing to the success of the endeavor. As the Principal Health Partner, M42 will have a prominent presence in the Blue Zone, where it can host strategic meetings and negotiations to further partnerships with like-minded organizations from across the world. It will also have a stand within the UAE-led Green Zone, specifically within the Innovation and Technology Hub’s Healthcare Cluster. It will serve as a platform to promote awareness and engage with youth, civil societies, NGOs, the private sector, and global communities.

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Saudi Ministry of Health, BD forge strategic partnership to advance the Kingdom's Healthcare Sector

he Saudi Ministry of Health and Becton Dickinson Saudi Arabia announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the healthcare sector in the Kingdom. This initiative aligns with the ministry's efforts to enhance its healthcare services in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi National Transformation Program for automation and digitalization in medication dispensing and medication access for the public healthcare sector. As part of the collaboration, both organizations will leverage their extensive capabilities and expertise to facilitate the digital transformation in healthcare. They will harness modern technology tools to support the healthcare infrastructure in the Kingdom, reduce the burden on healthcare professionals, and ensure the delivery of world-class medical services in alignment with the Kingdom's vision. The Ministry and BD Saudi Arabia will furthermore drive digital transformation and automation of medication dispensing kiosks at the ministry's affiliated hospitals. The collaboration falls under the ‘BDAIAH’ initiative, which will define the joint working methodology between the two organizations.The partnership intends to launch BDAIAH in hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health, with medical practices and technologies aimed at achieving better medication management. Roland Goette, President of BD EMEA, commented, “Our partnership with the ministry is poised to be a catalyst for the healthcare sector's growth in the Kingdom, harmonizing seamlessly with the latest global advancements. Our primary goal is to enhance the quality of services accessible to the Kingdom's population. We are committed to contributing by introducing our cutting-edge healthcare automation solutions and seamlessly integrating technological innovations into the

NOV.DEC 2023 40

infrastructure of healthcare institutions. This concerted effort will usher in an era of more advanced and efficient healthcare services, all with a profound focus on patient well-being.” Throughout this collaboration, BD Saudi Arabia will provide its latest innovations and cutting-edge automation services to fulfil the partnership objectives with the Ministry of Health.This will be achieved by leveraging capabilities and expertise, including technology-integrated Connected Medication Management (CMM) solutions that enhance medication management through data-driven systems like electronic health records, mobile applications, and other connected devices. These data-driven solutions help to enhance patient outcomes, reduce medication errors, and improve healthcare quality. The project strives to align with Vision 2030’s digitalization and automation strategic vector by offering advanced, integrated, and comprehensive software and hardware solutions that assist healthcare facilities in managing medication orders, dose tracking, barcode scanning, and medication usage reviews.

ALIGNED WITH VISION 2030, AND THE SAUDI NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM FOR AUTOMATION AND DIGITALIZATION IN MEDICATION DISPENSING AND MEDICATION ACCESS FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SECTOR, THE PARTNERSHIP STEMS FROM THE BD AUTOMATION INITIATIVE APPLIED IN HEALTHCARE ‘BDAIAH’, THAT AIMS TO INTEGRATE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY AND FACILITATE EFFICIENT HEALTHCARE IN THE KINGDOM.

Join us at Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh at booth H2.C30 to learn more or Visit bd.com/en-mena © 2023 BD. All rights reserved. BD and the BD Logo are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company. All other trademarks are the peoperty of their respective owners BD-59600

NEWS

The 69th International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine (ICASM) kicks off in Abu Dhabi with around 600 participants from all around the world.

he activities of the 69th International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine (ICASM), in Abu Dhabi with around 600 participants, including 180 experts and specialists in the field of aviation and space medicine from the UAE, other Arab countries, and delegates from across the world. The participants discussed their latest aeromedical research, the best practices and innovations in the field of aviation and space medicine, taking advantage of the great opportunity provided by the Congress to communicate and exchange ideas in the field of aviation and space medicine. For the first time in the Middle East, (ICASM) was organized in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and the Middle East and North Africa Conferences Company at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel from October 27th to 29th.

Opening the Congress, Mubarak Al Shamisi stressed the importance of selecting Abu Dhabi to host the 69th edition of (ICASM), as Abu Dhabi is a rapidly growing hub for business and tourism, and it owns a legacy of hosting exceptional international meetings and conferences. He also said that Abu Dhabi is considered a global centre for culture and heritage in a distinctly modern outlook, with a strong tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship. “In this culturally diverse destination, home to more than 200 nationalities, we are a true melting point of cultures,” Al Shamsi added. For business events, Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of both purpose-built and unique venues, he said, noting that Abu Dhabi has been named by NUMBEO as the world’s safest city for six years running. And in 2022, it was also the top Middle East city for association meetings as per the ICCA’s ranking.

NOV.DEC 2023 42

THE CONGRESS WAS INAUGURATED BY MUBARAK AL SHAMISI, DIRECTOR OF ABU DHABI CONVENTION & EXHIBITION BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM – ABU DHABI, PROFESSOR ERIK HOHMANN, PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE, DAVID GRADWELL, PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF AVIATION & SPACE MEDICINE, AND A NUMBER OF SENIOR OFFICIALS.

For his part, Professor Erik Hohmann said that over three days the Congress brought together professionals from all over the world to share insights, knowledge and best practices in the field of aviation and space medicine. He also said that an important scientific program was prepared for the participants, with 17.5 hours of continuing education for the participants accredited by the European Accreditation Council. “The Congress’s agenda is full of important sessions that discuss aviation and space medicine in all its aspects, which is of great scientific benefit to the participants,” he added. Professor Erik Hohmann thanked the UAE and the government entities supporting the conference, most notably the Civil Aviation Authority, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, and others. Professor David Gradwell also said that over 70 years, the International Academy of Aviation & Space Medicine has been keen to bring together a global elite of certified practitioners in the science of aviation and space medicine, with a view to supporting education and training in this field and qualifying those who seek to build their career. The Academy provides the opportunity for those interested to attend international conferences to learn and share knowledge in the field of aviation medical practice, he added. Prof. Gradwell also noted that the discussion during the Congress would address all aspects of aviation, from private aviation to military operations.

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International Healthcare Accreditation A Framework for Continuous Quality Improvement By David Miller; Director – Guest Safety, Quality and Accreditation Systems at Al-Ahli Hospital - Doha / Qatar

l-Ahli Hospital has, since its inception, been focused on providing high standards of care to the Qatar community. Our beloved guests have been provided with an ever-increasing range of cutting-edge procedures and interventions enabled using the latest technology and techniques.

AN AMBITION TO ACHIEVE INTERNATIONAL HEALTHCARE ACCREDITATION CREATED AN ENERGY WELL EMBRACED BY HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS OF ALL DISCIPLINES AND BY NON-CLINICAL PROFESSIONALS AND SUPPORTING STAFF.

In 2012, the hospital embarked on a formal process to optimize clinical and support services to ensure alignment with international best practice standards. This initiative was viewed as taking the next step in an ongoing journey of excellence. By striving for international healthcare accreditation, Al-Ahli Hospital was committing to a more structured approach to service delivery and a more demanding system of continuous quality improvement. By partnering with The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI), Al-Ahli Hospital embraced an opportunity to make changes and further enhance the quality of all clinical and support services. An ambition to achieve international healthcare accreditation created an energy well embraced by healthcare practitioners of all disciplines and by non-clinical professionals and supporting staff. One of the major benefits of the ACHSI accreditation program is its recognition of the critical role that non-clinical staff play in optimizing guest outcomes and satisfaction lev-

NOV.DEC 2023 44

els. This recognition often goes unnoticed and unrecognized. But, at Al-Ahli Hospital it helped us to engage everyone as part of our accreditation journey, and many non-clinical champions emerged during the process and contributed enormously to the high level of achievement conferred by ACHSI. International Healthcare Accreditation status was first achieved in 2014 after much hard work implementing new standards and updated practices across clinical and non-clinical domains. Now, in 2023, almost ten years on, we are approaching the middle of our third accreditation cycle and have proven that our improved systems have not only been maintained but enhanced over the intervening period. This has only been possible through employee engagement and an enormous effort from the entire team. Enthusiasm for improving the quality of care and enhancing the safety of our beloved guests is at the heart of everything we do, and now, our team members can take pride in the achievement of international healthcare accreditation, but in doing so, appreciate that the care provided and the environment in which it is provided, is safer and more appropriate for achieving excellence in healthcare delivery and outcomes. ACHSI, our continuous quality improvement partners, provide a critical role in evaluating everything that we do. From onboarding procedures for recruits to evaluating the clinical outcomes we achieve, nothing goes unnoticed. The structure of the accreditation program ensures that every function is optimized for guest safety and quality outcomes, and all of this contributes to the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment experienced by all of our wonderful staff as they contribute to safe, effective, timely, efficient and guest-centered care that is appreciated by our guests and is synonymous with the Al-Ahli Hospital brand.

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INTERVIEW

Advancing Wellbeing Through Lifestyle Health Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, MBBS, MD, MSc, Dip ABLM Vice Dean for Population Health and Lifestyle Medicine Professor of Population Health Sciences Professor of Medicine (Center for Global Health) Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar

r. Ravinder Mamtani is a renowned expert in the areas of population health and public health, and a leading proponent of the emerging discipline of lifestyle medicine in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In his role with the Institute for Population Health (IPH) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), Dr. Mamtani oversees a broad program of activities, including original research on population health and lifestyle medicine, provision of continuing medical education activities for healthcare professionals, education of pre-medical and medical students in population health, community health outreach initiatives, and collaborations with private and government institutions to promote health and wellness in Qatar.

Dr. Sohaila Cheema, MBBS, MPH, CPH, Dip IBLM Assistant Dean, Institute for Population Health Associate Professor of Population Health Sciences Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar

r. Sohaila Cheema is a leading educator, researcher, program director and community leader in the fields of population health and lifestyle medicine. She is the course director of multiple continuous medical education activities at WCM-Q, is co-founder with Dr. Mamtani of the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group-Qatar, and conducts research into non-communicable diseases, smoking and its related diseases, migrant health, road traffic injuries, integrative medicine, and the rapidly emerging field of lifestyle medicine.

NOV.DEC 2023 48

INTERVIEW

Together, Dr. Cheema and Dr. Mamtani are leading advocates for lifestyle medicine in Qatar and the wider region. The IPH is supporting the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance to stage the Global Lifestyle Medicine Leadership Forum in Doha from February 14-17, 2024. “Hospitals” Magazine met with Dr. Mamtani and Dr. Cheema to discuss the potential for lifestyle medicine to transform health and healthcare.

Firstly, what do you understand by the term ‘lifestyle medicine’? RM: Lifestyle medicine is a promising health approach that embraces well-established, time-honored, evidence-backed principles for promoting healthy lifestyles. These principles encompass maintaining a balanced diet, prioritizing adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and steering clear of harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, effectively managing stress, and nurturing positive social connections. The body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these strategies in preventing and addressing chronic conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders, is compelling. Moreover, research has also demonstrated the potential for lifestyle medicine to bring about the reversal of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Why is lifestyle medicine emerging as an important movement right now? SC: Well, healthy lifestyle practices have always been important and many traditional approaches to health in a diverse range of world cultures are founded upon healthy lifestyle choices. But it seems apparent that lifestyle medicine as an innovative approach is becoming more popular in response to a global epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Research also shows that healthy lifestyle habits can provide some protection against neurological conditions like dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It is also gaining recognition

because of its emphasis on prevention, its potential to dramatically enhance both lifespan and healthspan, and the way it can empower people to take positive action to protect and enhance their own health, instead of being completely reliant on doctors and other healthcare professionals. We must stress that it is very important to note that lifestyle medicine approaches are meant to complement and augment conventional approaches and are in no way intended to replace or denigrate them.

How is the Institute for Population Health (IPH) at WCM-Q working to advance lifestyle medicine? RM: Our mission is to enhance the health of communities at local and population levels through education, sound scientific research, and community engagement. To this end, we run many programs and initiatives that raise awareness and provide training in lifestyle medicine, we host symposia and workshops, we run certificate programs for healthcare professionals, we host community health events, visit schools and community groups, and our own researchers produce scientific studies to enhance the evidence base for lifestyle medicine approaches. One of our key programs is our 60-hour Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine, which to date has provided training to 265 healthcare professionals to enable them to effectively assess patients and prescribe tailored lifestyle medicine-based interventions. Another important initiative is our annual Lifestyle Medicine Week, which has proven extremely effective at engaging with the community to promote and provide information about healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, we have been very proactive about reaching out to other lifestyle medicine groups around the world, both to share the benefit of our own experiences and knowledge, and to learn from their experiences.

WE RUN MANY PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT RAISE AWARENESS AND PROVIDE TRAINING IN LIFESTYLE MEDICINE, WE HOST SYMPOSIA AND WORKSHOPS, WE RUN CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, WE HOST COMMUNITY HEALTH EVENTS, VISIT SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND OUR OWN RESEARCHERS PRODUCE SCIENTIFIC STUDIES TO ENHANCE THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR LIFESTYLE MEDICINE APPROACHES.

INTERVIEW

What are the aims of the Global Lifestyle Medicine Leadership Forum? RM and SC: We believe very strongly that lifestyle medicine is going to be critical to address the most serious challenges facing human health on a global scale in the 21st century. The aim of the forum is to bring together lifestyle medicine leaders from all over the world – we will have 28 lifestyle medicine experts from 23 different countries, each of which has a deep understanding of local, regional and global challenges to lifestyle medicine. Throughout the four-day forum, we will diligently explore existing lifestyle medicine competencies and proactively tackle any potential gaps in this area. Following that, we will generate a publishable consensus statement encapsulating our collective insights. As part

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of the forum, we will also dedicate a full day to continuous professional development on how lifestyle medicine is an opportunity to redefine healthcare to promote wellbeing and discuss current and progressive advances in lifestyle medicine education, practice, and research. RM: We are extremely gratified that the IPH is able to support the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance—a highly reputable, effective, and influential organization—in this mission to bring the benefits of enhanced health and quality of life to communities across the Middle East and beyond.

THE AIM OF THE FORUM IS TO BRING TOGETHER LIFESTYLE MEDICINE LEADERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD – WE WILL HAVE 28 LIFESTYLE MEDICINE EXPERTS FROM 23 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES...

ARTICLE FEATURES . Green Hospitals

Embracing Automation

The Robot's Introduction to Green Hospital

nvironmental sustainability has become a foremost priority in global interests due to its significant environmental, technical, and health implications, proven effective through widespread experiences. In this context, the CES 2023 exhibition in the United States highlighted the exhibitors' focus on unveiling green innovations poised to transform various industries, including the healthcare and environmental conservation sector. These events emphasize the nature of sustainable supply chains in the construction and maintenance of green hospitals, where sourcing environmental materials and employing renewable energy technologies are fundamental. High-quality healthcare and sustainable practices are an integral part of ensuring humanity's survival, with green hospitals capable of achieving both objectives simultaneously.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Green Hospitals

The amount of medical and non-medical waste generated by hospitals and medical centers is astounding. For instance, hospitals in the United States alone produce over 7000 tons of waste daily, considered hazardous and environmentally harmful. This waste volume is increasing globally due to rising population and healthcare demands, highlighting the clear need for greening hospital systems. Thus, green practices must guide every aspect of the healthcare system, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to waste management and energy use. Recent research and practices show companies' commitment to making technology more environmentally friendly and supply chains more sustainable. As this technology becomes more widespread, so too will the proliferation of green hospitals and environmentally-conscious robots. For health and environmental experts, this reality is no longer a luxury or a mere adaptation to administrative systems but a necessity and requirement increasingly enforced by laws. This collective awareness underscores the importance of focusing on environmental safety and the green hospital industry, considered a cornerstone of future hospitals. Green hospitals are an integral part of creating a sustainable future for the world, with technology being a key partner in this qualitative shift. Hospitals have increasingly relied on technology, especially robots, for managing and executing various medical procedures, especially after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and its global impact. The significant amount of environmentally harmful waste produced by hospitals has prompted healthcare sector leaders and sustainability enthusiasts to accelerate technological solutions. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and mobile centers, account for 5% of total greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgency of this transformation. Fortunately, the number of sustainable hospitals is on the rise, with BCC Research predicting a 6.1% increase in the total green hospital market over the next few years, reaching a value of $14 billion by 2027.

"eco-friendly," but their use in achieving sustainability is becoming a reality, thanks to green robots. Climate change, rising levels of harmful waste, and greenhouse gases have become more pressing than ever. The world is already benefiting from technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to combat climate change. Green robots can support the global fight against climate change, with a variety of robots being developed to help preserve the environment in different ways, from waste management to cleaning oceans and other water bodies, extending to hospitals and medical centers. This trend is not confined to specific countries but is gradually expanding worldwide, albeit at varying levels of technology adoption and development. The idea has taken off, and the awareness of environmental protection is no longer wishful thinking, with hospitals leading this movement due to their role and philosophy inherently focused on community protection. Outside the medical service sphere, robots also expand their role in environmental protection by contributing to forest fire extinguishing, helping to avoid risking firefighters' lives. Robots equipped with fire extinguishers and water propulsion can contain forest fires, fitted with GPS, heat sensors, and AI technologies. These technologies enable remote control of the robot, efficiently detecting and extinguishing fires. Additionally, robots are used in waste management and hazardous waste treatment.

GREEN HOSPITALS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE WORLD, WITH TECHNOLOGY BEING A KEY PARTNER IN THIS QUALITATIVE SHIFT. HOSPITALS HAVE INCREASINGLY RELIED ON TECHNOLOGY, ESPECIALLY ROBOTS, FOR MANAGING AND EXECUTING VARIOUS MEDICAL PROCEDURES, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE SPREAD OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN 2020 AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT.

From Planning to Implementation Robots were not traditionally viewed as

ARTICLE FEATURES . Green Hospitals

Humans consume resources and produce significant waste, requiring eco-friendly management and disposal. Advanced use of robots in waste management includes sorting and recycling waste. Automating waste management processes can reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with these operations. In hospitals, there are substantial financial, environmental, and logistical benefits in not having to "dress" robots in personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and protective gowns, as they are not susceptible to infection from patients. This allows doctors to communicate with patients remotely without risking exposure. However, it is essential to emphasize that the relationship between healthcare workers and patients remains at the heart of everything; this relationship is here to stay. Robots like Italy's Tommy in the healthcare

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sector are prime examples of this automated integration in the workplace.

Health Measures for a Better Environment A notable example of technology's contribution to green hospital management is the use of "TUGs" robots at Stanford Hospital in California. These robots assist the Environmental Services (EVS) teams with various physically demanding and repetitive tasks, including transporting supplies and waste removal. With 23 sets of TUGs at Stanford Hospital and five at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the EVS teams at both facilities have more time and energy to continue focusing on patient care and clinical assistance. These robots move swiftly and can pull large amounts of waste daily, designed to conserve resources through labor savings. This does not

HOSPITALS ARE ENERGY-INTENSIVE BUILDINGS OPERATING AROUND THE CLOCK AND YEAR, REQUIRING HIGH CLEANLINESS STANDARDS. ENERGY IS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, MAKING ITS MANAGEMENT CRUCIAL FOR GREEN HOSPITALS.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Green Hospitals

mean replacing any workers but allows for more effective and beneficial use of human resources. Notably, these robots stop moving upon touch to avoid obstructing the medical team's work. If a fire alarm is triggered, they immediately move to the side of the hallway to clear the walkway.

The question then is, how can robots and automation help create a more sustainable, cleaner, and healthier future? According to a BCC Research report, several steps are essential for implementing green practices in healthcare: •

•

Increasing investments in technology and green practices by hospital management, with internal hospital teams also needing to take the lead. When structing or renovating and maintaining a hospital, eco-friendly resources and materials must be considered. Hospitals are energy-intensive buildings operating around the clock and year, requiring high cleanliness standards. Energy is a major contributor to pollution and environmental damage, making its management crucial for green hospitals.

•

The enormous amount of waste produced by hospitals must be managed accordingly. According to the World Health Organization, 75% to 90% of hospital waste is non-hazardous, while the remainder is hazardous. Sustainable food waste management is a critical step for green hospitals, as 29% of meals are consumed less than half, with the rest turning into waste. Cleanliness is vital for safe hospital conditions, but maintaining high cleanliness standards requires effective management, now better secured thanks to robots.

Material management is a core part of any green initiative, including planning, purchasing, storage, inventory control, care, preservation, issuance, accounting, and scrap disposal. These collectively form the main factors for adopting modern hospital management methods, with the use of robots for environmental sustainability and modern hospitals being a notable achievement.

IN HOSPITALS, THERE ARE SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND LOGISTICAL BENEFITS IN NOT HAVING TO "DRESS" ROBOTS IN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS MASKS, GLOVES, AND PROTECTIVE GOWNS, AS THEY ARE NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO INFECTION FROM PATIENTS. THIS ALLOWS DOCTORS TO COMMUNICATE WITH PATIENTS REMOTELY WITHOUT RISKING EXPOSURE.

NEWS

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INTERVIEWS

Dr. Alya Saif Al Mazrouei

CEO of Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital in Dubai (CMC Hospital Dubai)

"CMC Hospital Dubai’s mission is to provide a flawless and holistic medical experience in a boutique environment"

ospitals Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Dr Alya Saif Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s first female Emirati CEO of a private hospital, and explore her healthcare philosophy and vision for the hospital. Read the full interview below.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Certainly! I completed my Bachelor's in Surgery and Medicine from the Dubai Medical College for Girls and was fortunate enough to pursue my post-graduate studies in visceral surgery and pancreatic islets transplantation at

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the University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland. I then began my career as a specialist surgeon in Rashid Hospital before becoming a consultant surgeon and being appointed as the CEO in 2014, a position I occupied until 2019. Subsequently, I took on the responsibility of leading Mubadala Health's Imperial College London Diabetes Centre from 2019 to 2022, before joining CMC hospital Dubai as CEO.

You’ve had a successful medical career, so what encouraged you to become a hospital administrator? Do you think your

BEING A WOMAN IN A FIELD TRADITIONALLY DOMINATED BY MEN HAS NOT COME WITHOUT ITS CHALLENGES.

INTERVIEWS

prior experience practicing medicine gave you an advantage? I started practicing medicine at Rashid Hospital where I specialized in surgery and a constant concern I had revolved around the patient’s healthcare experience and how to elevate the standard of care they experience. Training in multiple environments gave me considerable exposure to different healthcare systems and best practices and left me with a deep appreciation for healthcare management. In 2014, I saw an opportunity to leverage my experience while pursuing my appreciation for hospital administration and apply my healthcare philosophy. It was quite fortuitous this opportunity happened to first be as Rashid Hospital’s CEO and then as Mubadala Health’s Imperial College London Diabetes Centre’s Acting Executive Director. As a physician, I witnessed time and again the challenges patients experienced and learned how to empathize with them at their most vulnerable, understand what they were looking for and how best to provide it. This, combined with the many challenges I saw physicians experiencing, highlighted to me that an effective hospital administrator necessitated a granular understanding of the healthcare environment.

Given these diverse experiences over the course of your career, what challenges have you faced in your professional life, and how did you overcome that? Being a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men has not come without its challenges. That being said, living and working in the UAE, I have been lucky to be part of a community that values the unique perspectives of all its members, regardless of gender, and a country that has made great strides towards gender parity and women’s social, political and economic empowerment.

You mentioned your healthcare philosophy. Could you tell us a little more about that vision and philosophy? My philosophy can be summarized as a patient-centered approach to healthcare

designed to provide holistic care and a satisfying patient journey. What I am striving to achieve is ensuring that all my patients receive the best possible standard of care through world-leading experts and cuttingedge equipment and treatment options. As medical professionals, our ultimate objective is maximizing our patient’s well-being. I just don’t think that is possible without adopting this philosophy. Patients are the centrepiece of everything I work towards, and providing them with the best standard of care requires giving due care to their mental and physical health alike. My vision is to have others recognize this and for it to become the gold standard in the UAE.

What are CMC hospital Dubai’s mission and vision? And how do you intend to achieve them? CMC hospital Dubai’s mission is to provide a flawless and holistic medical experience in a boutique environment maximizing the quality of life for patients seeking bespoke and innovative treatment options from world-renowned medical professionals. I intend to achieve this by implementing a three-fold approach. First, by explicitly focusing on the patient’s quality of life through a holistic approach that accounts for mental health and gives due attention to the role of family in recovery. Second, by using digitalized healthcare to increase the patient’s convenient access to healthcare and follow-ups while simultaneously drawing on tech-enabled healthcare to ensure patients enjoy the most cutting-edge and innovative medical procedures maximizing their quality of life. Third, by elevating our already established track record of operational excellence and developing a superior level of satisfaction our patients have come to enjoy in our luxury boutique environment. Ultimately, my vision is to ensure CMC

AS A PHYSICIAN, I WITNESSED TIME AND AGAIN THE CHALLENGES PATIENTS EXPERIENCED AND LEARNED HOW TO EMPATHIZE WITH THEM AT THEIR MOST VULNERABLE, UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR AND HOW BEST TO PROVIDE IT. THIS, COMBINED WITH THE MANY CHALLENGES I SAW PHYSICIANS EXPERIENCING, HIGHLIGHTED TO ME THAT AN EFFECTIVE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR NECESSITATED A GRANULAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT.

INTERVIEWS

Hospital Dubai becomes the leading healthcare provider in the region and have it set the new benchmark for the ultimate standard of care.

You’ve noted the importance of patient journeys in healthcare, so how are you implementing your commitment to patient journeys at CMC Hospital Dubai? I’m glad you asked that question. Patient journey refers to the totality of the patient’s medical experience, beginning with them seeking medical care and continuing long after their medical discharge to include accessing test results, scheduling follow-up appointments, and ongoing monitoring of vital signs. We are already known for our stellar administrative oversight, the high calibre of our medical professionals, award-winning Centres of Excellence, and partnership with John Hopkins Medicine International (JHMI). But what truly sets us apart is the flawless patient journeys we provide, from the accessibility to healthcare our patients experience to our focus on holistic medical care and well-being, and our increasing investments in innovation and digitalization which is part of our commitment to providing the most advanced treatment options. Our patients know they will receive the best standard of care available in a comfortable and boutique luxury environment without any frustrations or delays, and that’s why they seek CMC Hospital Dubai as their facility of choice.

Could you tell us about the medical professionals and specialties CMC Hospital Dubai has on offer? It might be better to ask what’s not available. As of now, CMC Hospital Dubai has 128 full-time physicians working in 54 specialties and clinics. Our physicians are devoted to tech-enabled healthcare and regularly deploy cutting-edge procedures to provide patients with optimal health outcomes. For example, our staff have collectively performed 6000 robotic surgeries over the course of their medical careers which have

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resulted in better surgical outcomes relative to their non-robotic counterparts. The breadth of our expertise enables us to provide patients with a one-stop suite of services. This means we can cover all of our patients’ medical needs under one roof and, where needed, provide a multidisciplinary treatment plan accounting for the range of possible risk factors. Two such examples include our Breast Care Unit and Diabetes Unit. I should highlight that the breadth of our expertise is matched only by its depth. Some of the unique specializations we have include Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine, Electrophysiology, Allergy and Immunology, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. We’re also proud to be one of the few hospitals able to perform Whipple Procedures, Corneal Transplants, Retinoblastoma, Shoulder Replacements, MRI-Guided Breast Biopsies, vNOTES Scarless Gynecology, Coronary Physiology and Imaging, complex coronary ablation, as well as Interventional Radiology Procedures for oft-undiagnosed conditions including Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

Technology is permeating all sectors and healthcare is no exception, so how do you ensure you're always ahead of the curve and that CMC Hospital Dubai is not falling behind? That’s a great question! I’m a big proponent of drawing on innovation and using technology for more effective treatments and a better medical experience, and there’s a huge potential for tech-enabled healthcare. Let me showcase two areas where we’ve done just that. The first of these is what I call digitalized healthcare, which incorporates technological advances to increase patients’ convenient access to healthcare while simultaneously enabling medical professionals to remotely monitor and engage with their patients. Some of the most prominent examples include telehealth consultations and remote monitoring devices. The second area focuses on leveraging innovative technologies for more effective diagnostic equipment and treatment

WE ARE ALREADY KNOWN FOR OUR STELLAR ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT, THE HIGH CALIBRE OF OUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, AWARD-WINNING CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE, AND PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHN HOPKINS MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL (JHMI). BUT WHAT TRULY SETS US APART IS THE FLAWLESS PATIENT JOURNEYS WE PROVIDE, FROM THE ACCESSIBILITY TO HEALTHCARE OUR PATIENTS EXPERIENCE TO OUR FOCUS ON HOLISTIC MEDICAL CARE AND WELL-BEING, AND OUR INCREASING INVESTMENTS IN INNOVATION AND DIGITALIZATION WHICH IS PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING THE MOST ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS.

INTERVIEWS

options. I’m proud to say that we are one of the few hospitals to have one of the most advanced imaging machines, the 3 Tesla MRI. Furthermore, we have invested in our innovative treatment offerings, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound for prostate cancer, which we expect to soon start treating patients with. In addition, we have the state-of-the-art robotic surgical platform, the Da Vinci XI, which we’ve used for over 500 surgeries so far.

What exciting projects does CMC Hospital Dubai have on the horizon? In the coming months and years, we will continue focusing on improving our patient experience, one of our initiatives being to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ mobile app, increasing the ease, accessibility and convenience available to our patients. We will increase our investments in our robotics and innovations to

keep pace with the rapid rate of technology advancements as we continue prioritizing maximizing our patients’ quality of life and pursue a holistic approach to medical care. In addition to this, we are the only private hospital in the GCC to have a visiting physician program with JHMI which provides patients with rare and complex conditions treatment by physicians who have globally acclaimed expertise. We’ll soon be looking to host experts specialized in Spine Treatment, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neurology, cardiology, and plastic surgery.

SOME OF THE MOST PROMINENT EXAMPLES INCLUDE TELEHEALTH CONSULTATIONS AND REMOTE MONITORING DEVICES.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

David T. Rubin, MD: Undaunted in his quest to improve the lives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive ailments

Dr. Rubin believes each patient's unique biology might provide a special insight into how IBD works.

atients come through his door looking for answers and relief. The symptoms that began as a nuisance have turned painful and chronic. Their bodies have turned on them. David T. Rubin, MD, is a world-renowned expert on the treatment and research of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. He’s a tireless educator — in classrooms, at conferences and on Twitter, where he’s known as @IBDMD — and an ardent advocate for people living with IBD. His preeminence was recognized in 2020 with

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the Sherman Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in his field. Becker’s Healthcare recently named him to its list of “10 GI Leaders to Know.” “David is in a very elite category,” said Miguel Regueiro, MD, Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic, who has known Rubin for decades. “He’s doing cutting-edge clinical research and is really one of the leaders of education in the field of IBD internationally.” Rubin is the type of doctor who becomes lifelong friends with his patients. He's been known to help edit a paper of a patient who has

RUBIN EXPLAINS TO HIS PATIENTS THAT WHILE RECENT ADVANCES PROVIDE DOCTORS AND PATIENTS WITH THE TOOLS TO MANAGE THESE DISEASES, NONE IS PERFECT, AND THERE ARE NO CURES.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

gone off to college — you’re never a former patient of Dr. Rubin’s — and receives gifts like custom-made coffee mugs proclaiming “Colon Whisperer.” For his new patients, he is the confident, optimistic, reassuring voice they need to hear. “The first thing I tell my patients, especially those who have been newly diagnosed, is that we’re going to treat it early, and we’re going to treat it hard, because after we do that I would like you to be in remission for the rest of your life,” said Rubin, Section Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Chicago Medicine. The problem, as Rubin knows as well as anyone in the world, is that it is rarely that easy. Rubin explains to his patients that while recent advances provide doctors and patients with the tools to manage these diseases, none is perfect, and there are no cures. But he is also sure his patients hear one final thought: This disease will not ruin your life. It does not define you. These are particularly comforting and important ideas to hear because Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis typically first develop in teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 30. Which likely explains another coffee mug he received as a gift: “Keep calm and call Dr. Rubin.”

Understanding IBD As many as 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis next year, joining more than 3 million others in the U.S. who live with these chronic conditions. Just as with other immune-mediated diseases, they are becoming more common. Globally, as many as 10 million people live with IBD, with the highest incidence in Europe and North America. But since 1990, the incidence in more recently industrialized nations in Asia, Africa, and South America also has been rising rapidly. To understand IBD, it is necessary to explore one of the most underappreciated parts of the human body. The digestive system is nothing short of a marvel. Comprising the gastrointestinal tract the hollow organs forming a tunnel

through your body — plus the liver, pancreas and gallbladder, it harvests the nutrients from everything you eat and drink, breaking them down to be absorbed through the cells lining the system, and then packages the waste for subsequent elimination.

Inflammatory bowel disease and the microbiome But scientists now know that the system does so much more. There’s a growing appreciation that a key player in human health is the microbiome — the collection of microbes, be they bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or viruses — that lives in and on the human body, with the largest concentration in the gut. Microbes outnumber human cells 10 to one. By one estimate, a person’s microbiome weighs as much as 5 pounds — yet it wasn’t generally recognized to exist until the late 1990s. The microbiome is essential for such wide-ranging tasks as brain development, nutrition and fighting infection. It’s no wonder we admire people with guts. Scientists tell us the microbiome also plays a role in obesity, food allergies and in diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and, of course, inflammatory bowel disease. “When you have a healthy immune system in your intestines, it continuously responds to the environment,” Rubin says, explaining that that the gut is exposed to the environment more than any other part of the body except the skin. “So, every time you eat, you’re exposing your intestines to what’s coming from the outside world.” In normal situations, this sophisticated system becomes mildly inflamed after a meal and then shuts itself off and goes back to a resting state, distinguishing between nutrition and pathogens. “What happens with IBD is that the inflammatory system of the gut is turned on but doesn’t turn itself off, either because the patient has lost their “off switch” or because there is ongoing stimulation by something we are yet to discover,” Rubin said. “Either way, when the inflammation continues, it causes damage.”

SCIENTISTS NOW KNOW THAT THE SYSTEM DOES SO MUCH MORE. THERE’S A GROWING APPRECIATION THAT A KEY PLAYER IN HUMAN HEALTH IS THE MICROBIOME — THE COLLECTION OF MICROBES, BE THEY BACTERIA, FUNGI, PROTOZOA, OR VIRUSES — THAT LIVES IN AND ON THE HUMAN BODY, WITH THE LARGEST CONCENTRATION IN THE GUT. MICROBES OUTNUMBER HUMAN CELLS 10 TO ONE. BY ONE ESTIMATE, A PERSON’S MICROBIOME WEIGHS AS MUCH AS 5 POUNDS — YET IT WASN’T GENERALLY RECOGNIZED TO EXIST UNTIL THE LATE 1990S.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

Symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and vary based on the location of the inflammation. Patients can experience pain and cramping, more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea and bleeding. “Patients usually end up losing weight because they learn consciously or subconsciously that when they eat less, they have fewer symptoms,” Rubin said. Crohn’s disease can involve any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis attacks only the large intestine. In addition, Crohn’s can be patchy, appearing in one place but not another; ulcerative colitis is continuous in its distribution. “Treatments are aimed at turning off the inflammation,” Rubin said. “And we’ve made great progress in managing these conditions. When I started my training, we basically had no treatments. Now there are more than 15 available, effective and safe treatments.

Biological therapies for inflammatory bowel disease That includes the revolutionary development of biological therapies for IBD. Biological therapies are proteins that are made in living cells. There are now three classes of biological therapies available for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The first class, the anti-TNF class, includes drugs that block the body’s signals that fight infection or cause inflammation. By targeting the inflammatory protein called TNF, anti-TNF therapies can shut down inflammation broadly across the body. These drugs are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. Another biological antibody therapy selectively targets the white blood cells on their way to the bowel. The newest antibody class targets a different inflammatory protein called IL-23, and works in IBD and psoriasis. “The strategy is to turn down the overactive immune response long enough so that the body can take over and then heal,” Rubin explained.

The latest treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

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Eugene Chang, MD, PhD The newest treatment focus is on synthetic targeted small molecules, which work on specific enzymes or other mechanisms of inflammation. These molecules are small enough to be delivered as pills and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Finally, 5-ASA therapies, which Rubin has been studying for years, were first developed in the early 1950s to treat arthritis. These therapies don’t suppress the immune response, but are believed to affect the immune activity in the lining of the bowel. With so many options, it would seem that patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can live worry-free, even if a cure isn’t found. But then the human body proves again why it is such a marvelous example of biological engineering. “Remember that we’re not treating the cause of IBD, we’re treating the result of it,” Rubin said. “The immune system of the gut is there to protect us. It still thinks there is a threat. So, it

CHANG, A FREQUENT COLLABORATOR WITH RUBIN, STUDIES HOW THE GUT MICROBIOME AFFECTS IBD. HE CONSIDERS THE MICROBIOME TO BE LIKE ANOTHER ORGAN OF THE BODY, THOUGH ONE THAT IS ACQUIRED EARLY IN LIFE INSTEAD OF INHERITED.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

can be just a matter of time before it finds a new pathway and the inflammation returns.” As a clinician-scientist, Rubin attacks these problems from all angles, pushing our understanding of biology and disease in his research while analyzing and assessing the stream of information coming from his patients. Each patient’s unique biology might provide a special insight into how IBD works. “So these are the things — I’m not making this up — they literally keep me awake at night,” said Rubin. “Is this the patient who is going to be the key to what we’re trying to find?” There’s one more complication. Rubin and his colleagues across IBD research and treatment may be dealing with multiple diseases. “It might be because what we call Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are more like 50 different diseases that all look similar, but the body can only express itself in certain ways,” Rubin said.

Microbiome research Eugene Chang, MD, is the director of the Microbiome Medicine Project, a collaboration between the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and the Marine Biology Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. Chang founded the program in 2017 to promote cross-disciplinary research in the microbiome and support translational and clinical investigators studying a multitude of disorders, but his interest in the subject dates back to the turn of the millennium. Chang’s lab was well positioned then to be among the first groups to receive grants from the National Institutes of Health's Human Microbiome Project. Chang, a frequent collaborator with Rubin, studies how the gut microbiome affects IBD. He considers the microbiome to be like another organ of the body, though one that is acquired early in life instead of inherited. “The human microbiome has changed rapidly in just the past hundred years,” Chang said. “It is influenced by diet, lifestyle and xenobiotics, like antibiotics, that are so common now. So our microbiome is much less diverse. There are certain microbes that have disappeared in many populations. It is a real disturbance in the normal

evolutionary pressures that would determine which microbes we match to our own needs, for example, in immune or metabolic systems.” Chang said the consequences have not been good, creating a mismatch between us and our microbes. “I think that underpins the increase in these new age disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, but also other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis,” he said. “But we’re still just scratching the surface of the science.” Chang said he first met Rubin because they had the same mentor, Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, PhD, who is considered the grandfather of modern IBD research and treatment and put the University of Chicago on the map as an IBD pioneer. “I remember Kirsner saying, ‘You need to meet this really bright, superstar medical student,’” Chang said, though he didn’t really get to know Rubin until he joined the faculty. Chang said Rubin’s many talents make him a “quadruple threat.” “He’s an outstanding clinician, a wonderful educator — my gosh, you should listen to him give a talk — and an outstanding clinical investigator,” he said. “And finally, I think he is a superb section chief. He has vision, he gets things done, and knows how to select the right people for key tasks. “David is really a remarkable individual.”

Game-changing care Rachel Hendee’s story captures the recent history of IBD treatment in a nutshell. Diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease at age 14 in the mid-1990s, she had surgery to remove part of her small and large intestines just a year later at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital. Her ongoing care was still through a specialist in her hometown of Freeport, Ill., about 115 miles northwest of Chicago, but he began sending her to UChicago Medicine for regular checkups to monitor her condition. “During those first five or six years, I did OK, but the disease always came back,” Hendee said. “This was before there were very many options so I went through all those available at the time.”

AS A CLINICIANSCIENTIST, RUBIN ATTACKS THESE PROBLEMS FROM ALL ANGLES, PUSHING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF BIOLOGY AND DISEASE IN HIS RESEARCH WHILE ANALYZING AND ASSESSING THE STREAM OF INFORMATION COMING FROM HIS PATIENTS. EACH PATIENT’S UNIQUE BIOLOGY MIGHT PROVIDE A SPECIAL INSIGHT INTO HOW IBD WORKS.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

Rachel Hendee In the late 1990s, Remicade (the first anti-TNF therapy) was approved, and Hendee said she was the first in Freeport to receive it. “Remicade was a miracle drug,” she said. “I had never felt so good in years.” The medication meant Hendee was able to go away to college to earn an undergraduate degree. It even meant she could go to China for a year to teach English. But her health declined precipitously when she returned. She started cycling through drug protocols that would only work for short periods, and underwent 10 surgeries and countless smaller procedures. Despite her difficult health situation, she still managed to return to school and earn a degree as a physician assistant. About seven years ago, she transferred her care full time to UChicago Medicine and became Rubin’s patient. “That was a game changer,” Hendee said. She appreciated how he approached her care, how he was willing to try new medications and had the reputation, expertise and Twitter platform to successfully appeal to her insurance company to pay for it. Finally, though, in 2019, when her body fought off another round of medications, she and Rubin decided the best course of action was to have her colon removed. “I’ve probably felt the best I have in the 25 years since I was diagnosed,” she said. “The sad irony was that I had surgery at the end of December and in March was feeling better and finally wanted to go out and be social and the pandemic hit.”

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Hendee, now a physician assistant in colon and rectal surgery at another Chicago hospital, says her early diagnosis and experience played a big role in her career decision. It maybe isn’t so surprising that she often sounds like her doctor and mentor. “One of the most important things newly diagnosed patients need to know is that it will get better and that they will be able to enjoy a long life,” she said, adding that it helps when they see her in her white coat and hear it from her. Hendee said her own expertise in the field has only increased her admiration for Rubin. When she learned about the Sherman Prize, she decided to nominate him for the award. “Dr. Rubin is really amazing,” she said. “I think that quite possibly he is the busiest person I know, but when you’re in that appointment with him, you feel like you’re his only patient.”

David T. Rubin, MD Joseph B Kirsner Professor In Medicine Chief, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Dr. Rubin specializes in the treatment of digestive diseases. His expertise includes inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and high-risk cancer syndromes. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.UCHICAGOMEDICINE.ORG/GLOBAL

CROHN’S DISEASE CAN INVOLVE ANY PART OF THE GI TRACT FROM THE MOUTH TO THE ANUS, WHILE ULCERATIVE COLITIS ATTACKS ONLY THE LARGE INTESTINE. IT CAN BE PATCHY, APPEARING IN ONE PLACE BUT NOT ANOTHER; ULCERATIVE COLITIS IS CONTINUOUS IN ITS DISTRIBUTION.

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INTERVIEWS

Dr. Caitlin Huckell

Instructor in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Co-Director Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar

"PCOS affects 8-10% of women of reproductive age and is considered one of the leading causes of infertility."

r. Caitlin Huckell is an associate director of obstetrics and gynecology and the co-director of the OBGYN clerkship at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). She is also a senior attending physician in obstetrics and gynecology at Sidra Medicine and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With over 18 years of experience as a private consultant in obstetrics and gynecology and a subspecialty interest in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, Dr. Huckell established the Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic at Sidra Medicine in 2018. Dr. Huckell was a national program presenter and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign educator during the introduction of routine HPV immunization for Canadian children in 2011. In addition, Dr. Huckell was a keynote speaker at CME conferences for contraception, Mirena use, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. She has also designed and implemented an annual lecture series for family practice physicians focusing on the nonsurgical management of women’s health concerns, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and fibroids. Dr. Huckell spoke with "Hospitals" magazine about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Can you briefly describe Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS for short, is a common but often undiagnosed endocrine and metabolic condition in which certain hormones are out of balance. These imbalances typically show up as irregular menstrual cycles, a higher level of androgens (a type of hormone, including testosterone) in the body, and small cysts in the ovaries. That said, not everyone with PCOS has ovarian cysts, and polycystic ovaries on their own don’t meet the criteria for diagnosis. Multiple medical groups have therefore called

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for the condition to be renamed because the current name seems quite misleading.

Who is impacted by PCOS? PCOS typically affects women once they start their menstrual cycles or reach the age of puberty. Worldwide, PCOS affects 8-10% of women of reproductive age and is considered one of the leading causes of infertility. It is estimated that 70-80% of women with PCOS may struggle with infertility, and approximately 7 in 10 women who suffer from the condition, go undiagnosed.

"THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A PCOS PREGNANCY INCLUDE MISCARRIAGE; GESTATIONAL DIABETES; PREECLAMPSIA; HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE; AND PRETERM BIRTH."

INTERVIEWS

Can you explain how PCOS impacts fertility and pregnancy? Not all women who are diagnosed with PCOS are infertile. However, since women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly, the condition can lead to difficulties getting pregnant, and many women may need assistance with ovulation. Therefore, it is essential that any patient who has been unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant or has irregular cycles seek guidance from a medical provider to review and discuss the options that could help increase a patient’s chances of getting pregnant. In addition, women with PCOS are more prone to miscarriages, and this secondary PCOS issue can limit a woman’s ability to achieve a desired term pregnancy. The risks associated with a PCOS pregnancy include miscarriage; gestational diabetes; preeclampsia; high blood pressure; and preterm birth.

What are the symptoms of PCOS? The symptoms of the condition vary. Some women experience severe symptoms, while others may experience mild ones. Symptoms can include irregular menstrual cycles or no periods at all; difficulty becoming pregnant; irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all; depression or mood changes; oily skin; acne; unwanted facial or body hair (hirsutism); thinning hair or hair loss (alopecia); multiple small cysts on the ovaries; and weight problems— being overweight, gaining weight rapidly, or difficulty losing weight.

Would you consider PCOS a serious condition? PCOS can be a serious condition. Women who go multiple months at a time without a menstrual cycle can be impacted by a thickening in the lining of their uterine cavity. Over the years, this can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Additionally, women with PCOS have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like diabetes, coronary artery disease, or hyperlipidemia. Lastly, PCOS can increase the

risk of infertility. So, women who want to get pregnant may require medication to promote ovulation and increase their chances of getting pregnant.

What treatments are available for the condition? Although PCOS cannot be cured, the condition can be managed with the appropriate treatment. The treatment options for PCOS vary and are based on whether or not a woman is actively trying to get pregnant. Women seeking to get pregnant may need assistance with medication to help them ovulate and get pregnant. On the other hand, the primary treatment for women not seeking to get pregnant is a combination of hormones, found most commonly in the form of oral contraceptive pills. Other than medicine, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on preventing and managing the condition. Limiting simple carbohydrates and sugars in the diet can help keep insulin balanced and may prevent inflammation. Not smoking, or ceasing smoking, is also important, as nicotine may increase androgenic activity, and smokers tend to have higher testosterone levels. Smoking is associated with increased free testosterone and fasting insulin levels in women with PCOS, resulting in elevated insulin resistance.

"WOMEN SEEKING TO GET PREGNANT MAY NEED ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICATION TO HELP THEM OVULATE AND GET PREGNANT. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PRIMARY TREATMENT FOR WOMEN NOT SEEKING TO GET PREGNANT IS A COMBINATION OF HORMONES, FOUND MOST COMMONLY IN THE FORM OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS."

How important is it to get diagnosed and treated for the condition? PCOS is often unfortunately underdiagnosed because symptoms can be mild or seem unrelated. Since the condition is underdiagnosed, it is also undertreated, which can lead to a wide range of more serious health conditions, causing significant distress. Unmanaged PCOS is associated with type 2 diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular disease, obesity, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and depression. Early diagnosis and treatment of the condition can significantly help reduce these risks. Therefore, diagnosing and managing the condition as early as possible is extremely important.

ARTICLES

Controlled Medication Management: Transparency and Security through Connected Technology Amr Ashmawy. B.Pharm. Clinical Solution Specialist, Dispensing, Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey.

Aya Idriss. BSc. Product Specialist, Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. Larry Neal. Regional Marketing Manager, Medication Management Solutions, Becton Dickinson. Europe, Middle East and Africa James Waterson. M.Med.Ed, M.HEc, RN. Medical Affairs Manager. Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson, Middle East & Africa.

he relief of suffering is central to the role of every clinician, freedom from pain is crucial to the quality of life of patients, and an optimized and safe pain control strategy is an essential part of the patient experience in every healthcare encounter. Pain is ‘an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.’1 There are well documented clinical benefits of effective analgesia for acute pain in avoiding the development of chronic pain2 and avoidance of impaired function, delayed recovery from surgery, reduced quality of life, prolonged opioid use, and increased medical costs.3 These increased medical costs are commonly directly attributable to complications of poor mobility including iatrogenic pneumonias and venous thrombosis.4

pathogens) if a provider tampers with injectable medications.6 The problem of diversion of controlled substances (and other high value medications) has also been recognized as an emerging issue in Europe with guidance for healthcare on the monitoring and control of prescriptions of opioids, in particular, being advocated by regulatory bodies and research centres. Opiate diversion has been ‘on the radar’ since at least 20017 and can take place at multiple points in the medication chain, from the original manufacturing site, through to the wholesale distributor, the facility, the retail pharmacy, or even via the patient.8 This is an area that technology can have an impact in for the management of Controlled Substances. The BD Pyxis™ CIISafe™ system stores, tracks, and monitors the replenishment

Opiates, opioids, and other potent and controlled medications are vital therapeutic agents for the control of both acute and chronic pain. Management of this group of medications, however, places a requirement for physical security, and precise recording of use and of disposal of any waste on healthcare facilities. Clinician abuse of, and addiction to, prescription narcotics has reached ‘epidemic proportions’5 in the United States and is a major driver of drug diversion. The issue is a complex one and harms both the clinicians suffering with addiction issues and patients, as diversion can lead to substandard care delivered by an impaired healthcare provider, denial of essential pain medication or therapy to the patient, and risks of infection (e.g., with hepatitis C virus or bacterial

Ensuring physical security of controlled medications, whilst ensuring rapid access when needed for patient care and pain control is job number one for any facility. Biometric access and automation of witness processes can make these processes safer and more accessible across the facility.

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More effective and transparent supply of controlled medications to nursing units through automated refill requests can potentially reduce the risk of unsafe or insecure workarounds such as borrowing from other nursing units.

ARTICLES

of controlled substance inventory across a facility. It can be integrated with BD Pyxis™ medication management technologies to provide a seamless, facility-wide management of controlled substances. Another issue with diversion is that by its very nature it is a secretive activity. Without robust track and trace solutions it is practically impossible to gauge the size of the issue but ‘tangential’ evidence from the United States indicates that it is a growing problem. Abuse-related Emergency Department visits involving prescription opioids increased by 153% from 1995 through 2002,9 so an iceberg effect is certainly present here. Probing into data supplied by integrated, secure systems like BD Pyxis™ CIISafe™ and BD Pyxis™ Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADC) can indicate trends that can be investigated for evidence of possible diversion. At the most fundamental level we would look at anomalies. This can be a straightforward as controlled medications being repeatedly accessed by the same clinician with the same witness. This may of course be coincidental, but patterns of such behavior may indicate collusion to divert medications. Using patterns of data to

In one European study there was a 100% reduction in the number of narcotic registry errors after the introduction of automation to the dispensing, storage and administration process.10 identify possible problems is certainly less ‘invasive’ than surveillance programs such as cameras in medication storage areas and routine, random controlled substance audits. In one study there was a 100% reduction in the number of narcotic registry errors after the introduction of Automated Dispensing Cabinets'.10

The Alaris SystemTM PCA infusion pump has physical security for controlled substance analgesia including a locking IV-pole clamp and its medication library can be matched to standardized dose syringes delivered directly from the pharmacy to the nursing unit.

OPIATE DIVERSION HAS BEEN ‘ON THE RADAR’ SINCE AT LEAST 20017 AND CAN TAKE PLACE AT MULTIPLE POINTS IN THE MEDICATION CHAIN, FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING SITE, THROUGH TO THE WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR, THE FACILITY, THE RETAIL PHARMACY, OR EVEN VIA THE PATIENT.8 THIS IS AN AREA THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN HAVE AN IMPACT IN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. THE BD PYXIS™ CIISAFE™ SYSTEM STORES, TRACKS, AND MONITORS THE REPLENISHMENT OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE INVENTORY ACROSS A FACILITY.

ARTICLES

Of course, medication errors also occur with controlled medications, and errors involving Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) are far too common.11 Using standardized dose syringes dispensed from the pharmacy and held securely in the CIISafe™ and BD Pyxis™ ADCs can help reduce this risk. The dose/volume can be set as a standardized dose in the Dose Error Reduction Software of the PCA infusion pump to reduce the risk of programming error.12 Barcoding these syringes also allows the clinician to confirm the specific dosage against the prescription for individual patients11 as the syringe is removed from the Pyxis ADC or BD Pyxis™ ES Refrigerator. Controlling doses physically in this way and being able to track these controlled medications through to administration, may also assist in safer dose delivery in pediatric patients. In the Operating Room, standardized doses of intravenous narcotics can be stored in single dose access drawers in the BD Pyxis™ Anesthesia Station ES to reduce the risk of their loss or diversion, and to aid in the delivery of correct

The BD PyxisTM Anesthesia Station ES features single access drawers to allow for automatic documentation of withdrawal of each controlled substance unit, and utilizes biometric access, wastage management, and patient ID scanning to track administration.

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dosing during manual-push administration. Wastage of controlled medications is tightly controlled in many regions, with returns of empty ampoules to the pharmacy being required in many organizations, with documented and witnessed wastage of unused medication being a standard across most healthcare organizations. BD Pyxis™ Med Link Queue & Waste, supported by the BD Pyxis™ ES platform allows for documented and witnessed waste of narcotics to be recorded and for the facility inventory to be balanced as data flows across the enterprise system. Tracking of medications and data pertaining to controlled medications can be made virtually seamless with the enterprise solution BD HealthSight™ which includes dashboards specifically for tracking medications through the facility and for reviewing possible diversion. Identifying suspected diversion without generating false positives, which wastes resources and can alienate clinicians, can be enhanced by reconciling reports from ADCs, waste disposal, the Electronic Medical Record and other sources as well as evaluating anomalous behaviors.

TRACKING OF MEDICATIONS AND DATA PERTAINING TO CONTROLLED MEDICATIONS CAN BE MADE VIRTUALLY SEAMLESS WITH THE ENTERPRISE SOLUTION BD HEALTHSIGHT™ WHICH INCLUDES DASHBOARDS SPECIFICALLY FOR TRACKING MEDICATIONS THROUGH THE FACILITY AND FOR REVIEWING POSSIBLE DIVERSION. IDENTIFYING SUSPECTED DIVERSION WITHOUT GENERATING FALSE POSITIVES, WHICH WASTES RESOURCES AND CAN ALIENATE CLINICIANS, CAN BE ENHANCED BY RECONCILING REPORTS FROM ADCS, WASTE DISPOSAL, THE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD AND OTHER SOURCES AS WELL AS EVALUATING ANOMALOUS BEHAVIORS.

ARTICLES

References:

BD HealthSightTM includes dashboards specifically for tracking medications through the facility and for reviewing possible diversion through reconciling reports from ADCs, waste disposal, the Electronic Medical Record and other sources as well as evaluating anomalous behaviors. This includes using machine learning to create diversion risk scores.

Essentially, BD HealthSight™ automates controlled substance reconciliation and flags discrepancies. The system identifies non-compliance with controlled substance policies, its analytics and machine learning capacities can compare peer behavior to individual patterns of behavior with controlled medications and rank users by risk score, and monitor, triage, and assign potential diversion cases to investigators and document investigation results. This includes an ability to drill-down on non-compliance with policies by specific user ID.HealthSight™ can also support more effective and transparent supply of all medications to nursing units. This can reduce the risk of unsafe or insecure workarounds such as borrowing from other nursing units and use of patient specific medications. HealthSight™ can achieve this through: • Attention notices: Exclusive visibility of BD Pyxis™ ES system attention notices

•

so pharmacy staff can address them before they become problems for nurses and patients. Dose requests: Simple visibility of medication requests from nursing made through BD Pyxis™ Med Link Queue and Waste. Delivery tracking: Near real-time visibility of medication status and location to help reduce wasted time and effort.

Controlled medication diversion is a sensitive subject which requires organizations to be open about the potential for it to occur, and to be frank and honest with staff in supportive training and team meetings. The transparency that connected medication management brings to a facility can make a substantial contribution to securing controlled medications, to inventory tracking, and to early interventions to reduce risk of diversion.

1. Raja et Al. The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises. Pain. 2020 Sep 1;161(9):19761982. 2. Sinatra R. Causes and consequences of inadequate management of acute pain. Pain Med. 2010 Dec;11(12):1859-71. 3. Gan T. Poorly controlled postoperative pain: prevalence, consequences, and prevention. J Pain Res. 2017 Sep 25;10:22872298. 4. Miskovic A, Lumb A. Postoperative pulmonary complications. Br J Anaesth. 2017 Mar 1;118(3):317334. doi: 10.1093/bja/aex002. PMID: 28186222. 5. https://www.cdc.gov/injectionsafety/drugdiversion/index.html 6. https://www.cdc.gov/injectionsafety/pdf/Drug-Diversion-Dangers-P.pdf 7. Thompson C. Prescription Drug Misuse Highlighted as National Problem. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2001;58(11):956, 960. 8. Inciardi J, Surratt H, Lugo Y, Cicero T. The Diversion of Prescription Opioid Analgesics. Law Enforc Exec Forum. 2007 Nov;7(7):127-141. 9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, & Office of Applied Studies. Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 1992-2002: National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services. Author; Rockville, MD: 2004d. 10. Portelli G, Canobbio M, Bitoni R, Della Costanza C, Langella R, Ladisa V. The Impact of an Automated Dispensing System for Supplying Narcotics in a Surgical Unit: The Experience of the National Cancer Institute Foundation of Milan. Hosp Pharm. 2018;54(5):335-342. 11. Schein JR, Hicks RW, Nelson WW, Sikirica V, Doyle DJ. Patient-controlled analgesia-related medication errors in the postoperative period: causes and prevention. Drug Saf. 2009;32(7):549-59. 12. Aydinc E, Samuda N, Gangol L, Waterson J. https://hospitalsmagazine.com/pain-is-the-fifth-vitalsign-and-pain-management-is-vital-to-quality-patient-care/

INTERVIEWS

John Sunil

CEO, Burjeel Holdings

"Our collaboration with Oracle Health will enable the integration of Burjeel’s clinical ecosystem."

urjeel Holdings has awarded Oracle Health a contract to implement an advanced comprehensive electronic medical records system. “Hospitals” magazine had the pleasure to meet with John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings, who talked about this collaboration that enables physicians to create more personalized and effective treatment plans, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient care. Below is the full interview.

What is the significance of this step for Burjeel Holdings in terms of providing the highest level of healthcare? Electronic Medical Record (EMR) adoption has always been a priority for us at Burjeel Holdings. Recently, we signed a strategic agreement with Oracle Health to implement a state-of-theart omnichannel and integrated EMR platform across our network. Healthcare technology innovation is a focus area for us at Burjeel Holdings and this collaboration is a step in that direction. Deploying this integrated system has multiple benefits, and it will pave the way for seamless patient care. The new platform will provide our clinicians with a simplified yet comprehensive view of patient information, enabling more informed care decisions. By integrating this platform across our clinical ecosystem, we hope to implement transformative changes like reduced waiting time and increased patient face time with clinicians. Our collaboration with Oracle Health is a testament to our commitment to continually improving our healthcare services and improving the well-being of our patients.

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THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN BURJEEL HOLDINGS AND ORACLE HEALTH PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN ENCOURAGING HOSPITALS TO ADOPT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY. ORACLE HEALTH PROVIDES EXPERTISE, SUPPORT, AND TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING ADVANCED EMRS.

How do electronic medical records contribute to improving patient safety and the speed of decision making? A comprehensive EMR platform allows for a more holistic approach to patient care. This system enables physicians to access a patient’s complete medical history, including past diagnoses, treatments, and medications. They are able to create more personalized and effective treatment plans, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient care. With EMRs, digital health records can be shared across different specialties and departments to improve communication and coordination between our different units, which can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions. This platform also factors in EMR user experience, empowering patients by providing them access to their own records and medical information. Patients can be actively involved in their healthcare decisions, fostering a sense of ownership and leading to better health outcomes through patient engagement.

INTERVIEWS Through this collaboration, how will Burjeel be able to continue its strategy of creating value by enhancing operational excellence through technology while improving clinical care and the patient experience? Our collaboration with Oracle Health will enable the integration of Burjeel’s clinical ecosystem across our network of healthcare assets. Adopting this EMR platform is part of our efforts towards significantly improving clinical care with the goal of positively impacting outcomes, while also boosting operational and financial efficiencies. The platform makes us well positioned to continue delivering on our value-creation strategy of driving operational excellence through technology, whilst also enhancing patient experience. Beyond clinical benefits, this collaboration will help us optimize our administrative processes, reducing the paperwork burden, lowering operational costs, and enhancing overall efficiency in healthcare delivery. Our new EMR platform will allow us to customize workflow to the specific needs of each of our facilities, making it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals.

How does this impact the quality of medical services provided to various patient groups? The EMR platform is expected to minimize the errors associated with paper-based records. It also acts as a clinical decision support system, offering accurate and updated information to clinicians, helping them make quicker diagnoses. Quick access to a patient's medical history and test results can help doctors offer timely care. The platform can also enhance patient safety by showing information about the patient's allergies and other safety concerns for the clinician to consider. An EMR platform plays a significant role in creating well-defined clinical pathways, improving the delivery and outcomes of patient care.

ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD (EMR) ADOPTION HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PRIORITY FOR US AT BURJEEL HOLDINGS. RECENTLY, WE SIGNED A STRATEGIC AGREEMENT WITH ORACLE HEALTH TO IMPLEMENT A STATE-OF-THE-ART OMNICHANNEL AND INTEGRATED EMR PLATFORM ACROSS OUR NETWORK. HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION IS A FOCUS AREA FOR US AT BURJEEL HOLDINGS AND THIS COLLABORATION IS A STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.

diagnostic tests, our new platform will contain comprehensive information related to a patient's healthcare. The EMR platform will ensure that doctors always have access to the most current information, which is essential when quick decisions are needed during surgery or emergency care. An EMR can act as an important tool in healthcare data interoperability. It empowers healthcare providers to access and share critical patient information, fostering a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem. Access to such crucial information through the system will help us support future care delivery approaches that require real-time care coordination and information exchange among multiple providers, patients, and locations.

What role does this collaboration play in encouraging hospitals and assisting them in adopting digital technology? The collaboration between Burjeel Holdings and Oracle Health plays a vital role in encouraging hospitals to adopt digital technology. Oracle Health provides expertise, support, and tailored solutions for implementing advanced EMRs. They assist hospitals in integrating EMRs with existing systems and managing the change effectively. The collaboration also ensures access to updates and enhancements, enabling hospitals to continuously improve their technological capabilities. By making meaningful use of the EMR, we look forward to enhancing patient care, improving efficiency, and delivering high-quality healthcare services.

Where does the importance lie in obtaining comprehensive patient data? An EMR is a digital version of a patient's paper medical chart. From basic details and insurance information to the patient's medical history, and details of previous medication and

INTERVIEWS

Yasir Khan

Clinical Director, Oracle Health, Middle East

"We can help healthcare organizations be more efficient operationally and more effective in care delivery"

racle Health offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to improve patient-clinician engagement, ensure continuity of care, and provide near real-time context for diagnosis and treatment. Yasir Khan, Clinical Director, Oracle Health, Middle East commented during his interview with ‘Hospitals’ magazine: ‘There are a number of features within our electronic health record (EHR) that contribute to improving patient safety’. Below is the full interview.

How does Oracle Health help health systems achieve patient safety and quality? Oracle delivers leading technology paired with a deep understanding of how healthcare works to help hospitals and health systems globally reduce human error, increase workflow efficiencies, and further drive personalized care for patients. There are a number of features within our electronic health record (EHR) that contribute to improving patient safety, including AI voice technology for clinical notetaking, automated processes, and critical alerts that help to ensure the well-being and security of patients. A great example of how Oracle Health’s EHR can become the cornerstone of critical patient safety initiatives can be found at Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE), which established a pediatric early warning system within the Oracle Health EHR. CCHE leadership needed a way to decrease the number of inpatients entering code blue or code yellow scenarios, which means either a call for urgent Intensive Care Unit (ICU) consultation in less than five minutes upon recognition of signs of a patient’s deterioration for code yellow patients, or a call for basic life support immediately upon recognition of cardiac or respiratory

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ORACLE WORKS CLOSELY WITH CUSTOMERS TO HELP THEM IDENTIFY WAYS THEY CAN LEVERAGE ORACLE HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE THEIR MOST COMPLEX CHALLENGES AND REDUCE RISK TO THE PATIENT. EQUALLY IMPORTANT, ORACLE HEALTH HAS TOOLS TO HELP ENSURE TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IS UNIFORM AND EFFECTIVE TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN ERROR TO HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON PATIENT SAFETY.

arrest for code blue patients. With the help of Oracle Health, the CCHE team created an early warning alert system that is integrated into the EHR to deliver urgent responses when it matters most. With this automated system, nurses are alerted to a patient’s deteriorating condition and can quickly recognize and address health events like changes in respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, or other cardiac or neurological issues. Following implementation, CCHE saw significant improvement in patient safety outcomes.

How does Oracle Health help to advance patient safety? Oracle Health offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to improve patient-clinician engagement, ensure continuity of care, and provide near real-time context for diagnosis and treatment. The data and information within our system create a solid foundation to enhance patient safety. One of the most basic but important ways the Oracle Health EHR can help busy physicians is by providing them with an order set or checklist. For patients who require several different care interventions, relying on physician memory to recall what steps need to be taken for their care makes the patient vulnerable. Using the Or-

INTERVIEWS

acle Health EHR, physicians can view a checklist to guide them through which steps to take at what time in the treatment process. This helps eliminate the potential for errors and makes it easier for the physician to deliver the exact care a patient requires. At the organizational level, healthcare providers can use Oracle Health’s EHR to create risk profiles for every patient and develop a risk stratification model that categorizes patients based on their vulnerability to an adverse outcome. Clinicians can then use this information to inform care decisions, such as prioritizing treatment for higher risk patients. Similarly, Oracle Health can provide clinicians with analytic tools that understand the context of information within the EHR to help ensure that issues uncovered in lab work, for example, elevated insulin levels or abnormal kidney functions, are flagged and taken into consideration when prescribing treatment.

What are the tips for patient safety in hospitals? Clear policies, integration of clinical teams

ORACLE HEALTH CAN PROVIDE CLINICIANS WITH ANALYTIC TOOLS THAT UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT OF INFORMATION WITHIN THE EHR TO HELP ENSURE THAT ISSUES UNCOVERED IN LAB WORK, FOR EXAMPLE, ELEVATED INSULIN LEVELS OR ABNORMAL KIDNEY FUNCTIONS, ARE FLAGGED AND TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN PRESCRIBING TREATMENT.

into technology implementation, hyper-focused clinician training on technology tools, and effective involvement of patients in their care can all help to ensure patient safety in hospitals. Oracle works closely with customers to help them identify ways they can leverage Oracle Health technology to solve their most complex challenges and reduce risk to the patient. Equally important, Oracle Health has tools to help ensure technology adoption is uniform and effective to reduce the potential for human error to have an adverse impact on patient safety. For example, Sidra Medicine, a tertiary care women’s and children’s hospital in Qatar, utilized Oracle’s Lights On Network to help improve documentation and reduce incomplete charting in patient medical records. Incomplete and duplicate charts hinder care teams’ ability to create effective patient treatment plans.

INTERVIEWS

Lights On Network delivered insight into data surrounding staff members’ expertise and experience with the EHR. This helped Sidra’s Informatics Education team identify where training gaps existed in its electronic documentation processes and offer support in those areas. Using a combination of one-on-one coaching, group in-services, and job aides, Sidra Medicine saw an increase in nurses correctly and efficiently completing patient charts, which helped them spend more time focused on patient care.

How can we engage patients in enhancing safety in hospitals? Digital tools can help healthcare organizations build enduring, lifelong relationships with their patients and consumers. However, as healthcare continues to evolve—and with the ever-increasing adoption of digital health technologies—the definition of the patient experience must also evolve to align closely with the patient’s expectations of care delivery. Proactively engaging the patient throughout their care from admission to discharge is key. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, a digitally driven hospital in headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, realized a significant patient safety issue related to patients’ inability to absorb discharge instructions. Without a clear understanding of post-discharge care, patients are at risk of complications, readmissions, and medical errors. Using their own Capacity Command Center tools which are pow-

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WITH THE HELP OF ORACLE HEALTH, THE CCHE TEAM CREATED AN EARLY WARNING ALERT SYSTEM THAT IS INTEGRATED INTO THE EHR TO DELIVER URGENT RESPONSES WHEN IT MATTERS MOST. WITH THIS AUTOMATED SYSTEM, NURSES ARE ALERTED TO A PATIENT’S DETERIORATING CONDITION AND CAN QUICKLY RECOGNIZE AND ADDRESS HEALTH EVENTS LIKE CHANGES IN RESPIRATORY RATE, OXYGEN SATURATION, OR OTHER CARDIAC OR NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES. FOLLOWING IMPLEMENTATION, CCHE SAW SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN PATIENT SAFETY OUTCOMES.

ered using data from their Oracle Health EHR, King Faisal identified several variables affecting patients’ comprehension of post-discharge treatment plans, including the patient’s education level, procedure performed, and clarity of instructions from the assigned nurse. Based on their findings, King Faisal changed its discharge process, starting it from the day of admission rather than the day of discharge. This provided patients with more time to understand crucial post-discharge instructions. As a result, the hospital saw an increase in the percentage of patients who understood their instructions, soaring from 45% to 92% in a span of six months. Changing its discharge process directly contributed to an increased level of patient safety, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings, and improving the overall post-hospitalization experience for patients. Oracle is in a unique position to really change the future of healthcare delivery. Delivering a safe and effective user experience requires co-design and co-production by developers, clinicians, and patients. With a complete suite of tools and solutions, we can help healthcare organizations be more efficient operationally and more effective in care delivery.

NEWS INTERVIEWS

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INTERVIEWS

Kevin Ali

CEO and Board Member of Organon

"Our commitment to redefining women’s health and addressing their unique medical needs marks the beginning of a promising journey"

rganon is a global healthcare company dedicated to making a difference in women’s health. "Hospitals" magazine had the pleasure to meet with Kevin Ali during the Beirut panel discussion event on activating an ecosystem approach to advancing women’s health in Lebanon and the region, where he spoke about his career journey and Organon's culture among other topics. Below is the full interview:

Can you walk us through your career journey leading up to your current role? For nearly 35 years, I’ve been deeply involved in the pharmaceutical industry. My career began as a sales representative in the San Francisco area with Merck, also known as MSD, right after university. Joining Merck was a significant achievement, especially during their seven-year peak when they were recognized as one of the most admired companies in the U.S. by Fortune magazine. Out of an astounding 25,000 applicants, I was among the 25 selected. Interestingly, while the majority had a scientific background, my unique blend of economics and business education stood out. After six years as a representative and completing my MBA in California, I had to choose to either follow the conventional career path to the East Coast headquarters, or diverge onto a more unorthodox route to the Middle East. I chose the latter and made my way to the region in 1994, spending several years as a product manager. During my time there, I gained a deep understanding of the region, particularly Lebanon, which was known for its medical excellence despite the civil war. From there I moved to Egypt into a Marketing Director role,

and then to Germany as a Business Unit Director. My connection to the region drew me back to Turkey where I held my first managerial role. Subsequent positions took me back to Germany and the U.S., culminating in my leadership of emerging markets for MSD.

How did Organon’s journey begin? Organon was carved out of Merck two years ago. Recognizing that over 60 products were being overshadowed by Merck’s focus on oncology and vaccines, the birth of Organon aimed to give these products a new lease on life. Today, Organon is still in its early stages, but our commitment to redefining women’s health and addressing their unique medical needs marks the beginning of a promising journey.

SOME OF OUR CORE VALUES INCLUDE FLEXIBILITY AND EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES TO FREELY SHARE THEIR IDEAS, WHICH CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCE THE COMPANY’S FUTURE DIRECTION. I’M CONVINCED THAT AUTONOMY COUPLED WITH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, CAN ENHANCE JOB SATISFACTION AND BOOST PRODUCTIVITY.

How would you describe Organon’s company culture? When we founded the company, we made a conscious choice to differentiate ourselves from the traditional hierarchical structures prevalent in institutions where we had previously worked. Flatter, more democratic structures typically outperform their conventional counterparts. In today’s interconnected world, I believe the traditional hierarchy is becoming obsolete as there are alternative methods to foster business growth within an institution. Given the swift and ongoing evolution of technology, we required a system that could swiftly adapt to market changes. Some of our core values include flexibility and empowering employees to

INTERVIEWS

freely share their ideas, which can significantly influence the company’s future direction. I’m convinced that autonomy coupled with effective communication, can enhance job satisfaction and boost productivity.

Why prioritize women’s health, and why is it crucial? I was aware of the challenging position we were in regarding the shortage of funds to establish ourselves as an oncological company,

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especially in a market where many were investing. Competing with larger companies was out of the question. Therefore, I selected a medical field that was both intriguing and had future potential. This choice was ambitious and came with its risks, particularly since we were introducing a novel concept to attract potential employees. I settled on women’s health. Historically, our industry had prioritized scientific research without considering gender differences. Most medical studies have been

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY, EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES TO FREELY SHARE THEIR IDEAS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCE THE COMPANY'S FUTURE DIRECTION.

INTERVIEWS

centered around the biological male body. However, it has become evident that being male or female significantly impacts health due to the biological and gender-related differences between the two. We understand that women encounter a range of distinct health issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, preterm labor, preeclampsia, menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, postpartum hemorrhage, and postpartum depression. All these conditions share a common factor: they are related to being a woman. In contemporary times, women are often viewed as the pillars of their family’s health, and ensuring they receive quality care can lead to the betterment of society as a whole. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the distinct health needs of women were recognized, and by 1990, the National Institutes of Health established the Office of Research on Women’s Health to delve into diseases and medical conditions affecting women.

Reflecting on Organon’s achievements over the past two years, what are your insights? I’m immensely proud of our progress. However, building a company in our industry is a long-term endeavor. From product development to market release, the process can span over a decade. Thus, while Organon is still in its infancy at two years, our consistent financial growth and achievements are promising indicators of our future trajectory.

Women often prioritize others’ health over their own. What’s your perspective on this? Women often prioritize their family and career to such an extent that they overlook their own health needs, and this is concerning. It’s crucial for women to take their health seriously. We need to help them understand that prioritizing their own well-being is essential to ensuring they remain healthy for their loved ones. This problem was exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic where women were suddenly taking on multiple roles including being teachers, homemakers, and caregivers. They

became the linchpin, which ultimately pushed their own needs further down the priorities list. Today, if we analyze the frequency of women visiting health providers for annual check-ups, it’s still 30% less than pre-pandemic levels. This trend suggests that women’s overall health could deteriorate even more. Recent data from the National Institute of Health (NIH) indicates that maternal deaths, defined as women dying from complications during and after pregnancy and childbirth, have regressed to levels seen in the 1960s.

Organon has engaged in various partnerships and initiatives, such as the Women Deliver conference. Can you elaborate on these collaborations?

I’M IMMENSELY PROUD OF OUR PROGRESS. HOWEVER, BUILDING A COMPANY IN OUR INDUSTRY IS A LONGTERM ENDEAVOR. FROM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TO MARKET RELEASE, THE PROCESS CAN SPAN OVER A DECADE. THUS, WHILE ORGANON IS STILL IN ITS INFANCY AT TWO YEARS, OUR CONSISTENT FINANCIAL GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENTS ARE PROMISING INDICATORS OF OUR FUTURE TRAJECTORY.

Our mission is vast and can be better achieved through collaborative partnerships. We’ve recently partnered with the Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) in Lebanon to raise awareness and educate both medical staff and women about the significance of their health. Our strategy encompasses forging robust alliances with numerous medical centers, including global entities like the UNFPA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and regional institutions like the UAE University.

What are Organon’s primary focal points in women’s health? We’re championing innovations tailored for women with our focus on preterm labor, non-hormonal contraceptives, minimally invasive hysterectomies, and non-hormonal therapies. Additionally, conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are on our radar. Numerous emerging companies are doing commendable work in women’s health, and we believe Organon can be an ideal home for such innovations. Our proactive approach is evident in the eight-business development deals we’ve secured in just two years, and the many more we are perfectly poised for.

NEWS INTERVIEWS

Baylor’s St. Luke Medical Center Commitment to multidisciplinary care ensures the best outcomes for breast cancer patients

s we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, it is vital to highlight the importance of awareness, early detection, and treatment strategies. Breast cancer remains the predominant cancer diagnosis among women globally. To provide our readers with a comprehensive understanding of patient management and the latest advancements in the field, “Hospitals” Magazine has secured an exclusive discussion with esteemed specialists from Baylor’s St. Luke Medical Center.

Dr. Sebastian Winocour,

Dr. Alastair Thompson,

Dr. Karla Arabela Sepulveda,

Associate Professor who serves as the Chief in the Division of Plastic Surgery, bringing an extensive background in reconstructive techniques post-mastectomy.

Professor and Chief of the Section of Breast Surgery, whose expertise lies in surgical interventions and their implications for breast cancer patients.

Associate Professor of Radiology, with her invaluable insights into diagnostic imaging and its crucial role in early detection and ongoing management.

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INTERVIEWS

What are the latest techniques in breast cancer diagnosis? Dr. Karla: Breast MRI, although not a new technology, has been well established as the most sensitive breast imaging technique for detecting breast cancer. What’s new with breast MRI is the effort to maximize its benefits in detecting breast cancer while shortening the protocol to make it more comfortable for patients and, hopefully, cheaper. This is particularly challenging in the United States given the pressure on costs, as is the case everywhere. In the same vein, the imaging that takes advantage of increased vascularity in breast cancer is contrast enhancement mammography. Its interest and accessibility have grown globally. Certainly, in the past five years, there has been a notable increase in its implementation in breast centers around the world. There’s a lot to consider regarding cost and technical aspects when comparing breast MRI to contrast enhancement mammography; the latter is easier to implement.

In certain countries, they conduct mammograms and ultrasounds simultaneously. What do you think about that? Dr. Karla: Indeed, to detect cancers that mammography might miss, screenings are often supplemented with ultrasound. If an issue is spotted during these techniques, the patient may be advised to have an MRI. However, if the suggestion is that this should be the first step, bypassing the other two techniques, it isn’t always the case. The MRI should be done in conjunction with the mammogram. We can utilize ultrasound or MRI for supplemental screening or diagnostic purposes if an abnormality is identified on the mammogram, necessitating further investigation. In such cases, we might carry out both an ultrasound and an MRI, leading potentially to a biopsy. Beginning with screening, patients without any complaints come in for their annual exam. Most will have a normal exam and require no additional imaging. If an abnormality appears on the mammogram, the next step usually involves an ultrasound. If the ultrasound

detects an anomaly, it guides us for the biopsy. If the ultrasound doesn’t correlate with the mammogram’s abnormality, then we rely on the mammogram for guidance. So, the ultrasound you mentioned is a supplemental screening tool. It’s not recommended for every patient having a mammogram. Ultrasound, in addition to mammography, is beneficial for patients with dense fibroglandular tissue on their mammogram. Dense tissue can obscure small details. Ultrasound helps screen these patients with dense breast tissue more effectively. It’s not appropriate to perform an ultrasound on every mammogram patient. Ultrasound is advisable for those with fatty breast tissue or scattered fibroglandular tissue.

ULTRASOUND HELPS SCREEN THESE PATIENTS WITH DENSE BREAST TISSUE MORE EFFECTIVELY. IT’S NOT APPROPRIATE TO PERFORM AN ULTRASOUND ON EVERY MAMMOGRAM PATIENT. ULTRASOUND IS ADVISABLE FOR THOSE WITH FATTY BREAST TISSUE OR SCATTERED FIBROGLANDULAR TISSUE.

What is the role of a radiologist in detecting breast cancer and then in staging it? I know that your role involves much more than just imaging? Dr. Karla: We’re fortunate, especially with the images we obtain from breast MRIs. Let’s say a patient has undergone a mammogram and ultrasound and is diagnosed with breast cancer. The views of the axilla and the internal mammary chain facilitated by the breast MRI are unique. It’s the only modality through which we can see these aspects using breast imaging tools. We can observe similar things on CAT scans, but a patient would generally have a breast MRI before they ever get a CAT scan. These are ways we can stage the patient. Additionally, mammograms and ultrasounds are very helpful for surgical planning, giving the surgeon a clear map of the extent of the disease, allowing them to plan the type of surgery the patient should undergo. This is where I believe breast imaging is particularly valuable, not just in caring for these patients and planning their next steps, but also in staging. Dr. Alastair: I’d like to concur with Karla that

INTERVIEWS

imaging is crucial in guiding us, the surgeons, on what and how much to remove. It’s also beneficial when collaborating with the plastic surgeon in planning for aesthetic outcomes. From a surgeon’s perspective, I’d like to point out that mammograms today are vastly superior in quality than historically. In some places, like the Emirates Health Service, two different individuals read the mammograms, enhancing the quality and accuracy of detection. In other scenarios, augmented intelligence, or AI, assists in image analysis – a practice prevalent in the US. Furthermore, the three-dimensional reconstructions from certain mammograms, the so-called 3D or tomographic mammograms – the digitized versions – are incredibly precise in pinpointing locations within the breast. For someone like me, a simple surgeon, imaging has grown complex. That’s why we depend on radiologists to elucidate these details, ensuring I understand what to excise. Dr. Karla: It’s also noteworthy to mention that radiologists are the ones performing biopsies. In the United States, the vast majority of breast centers have biopsies performed by radiologists. This, in part, is because, as Alastair pointed out, the imaging technology has advanced to such an extent that it makes biopsies easier with image guidance. Being able to see in real time ensures we’re biopsying the correct target. This level of precision instills confidence that we’re obtaining the necessary tissue for diagnosis. I’m truly grateful that breast surgeons trust breast imagers to execute these biopsies.

We know that breast cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they will be referred to an oncologist who determines the treatment. This oncologist will also coordinate with a surgical oncologist and sometimes a plastic surgeon. Can you explain the process of managing a breast cancer patient? Dr. Alastair: First and foremost, it’s a multidisciplinary team that cares for the patient.

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This team includes imaging doctors, pathology doctors, and surgeons from various disciplines: a breast surgeon who removes the cancer, a plastic surgeon who reconstructs, as well as medical oncologists who administer drugs, and radiation oncologists who apply radiotherapy. It’s a comprehensive team centered around the patient. Addressing your question about whether to opt for surgery first, drugs first, or even radiation first: historically, the approach was to surgically remove the cancer and then follow up with drug treatment and/or radiation therapy. However, this approach has evolved. If a cancer is 2 centimeters or larger, especially if it’s a subtype for which we have potent treatments or if it has spread to some lymph nodes, initiating drug treatments first can test the cancer’s sensitivity to the medication. This means that in some cases, the cancer can be completely eradicated from the breast, and sometimes from the lymph nodes also, by the time surgery is performed. This gives us different surgical options. The surgical oncologist removes the cancer, and the reconstructive surgeon restores the patient’s natural shape and size. Thus, initiating drug treatments first can give more surgical options for the patient and we can learn more about her specific cancer.

If the cancer is entirely eradicated before surgery, how do you determine which part of the breast should be excised? Dr. Alastair: This is where radiologists, like Dr. Karla and her team, play a vital role. When they perform a biopsy, they leave a small marker at the cancer’s location. They can mark both the breast cancer and the armpit’s axillary lymph nodes. Thus, during surgery, using these markers, we can precisely remove the location that previously had cancer or locations where cancer cells were present. We’re not guessing; we’re being precise and accurate.

Who decides if the patient should have a mastectomy or lumpectomy, and what is the difference between them? Dr. Alastair: That question regarding the

WHAT’S VERY EXCITING IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT CURRENTLY IS THE MOVE TOWARDS MORE BREAST CONSERVATION IN MANY WOMEN WHERE IT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED. A TRIAL PUBLISHED IN THE PAST YEAR SHOWED THAT MULTIPLE SMALLER SURGERIES CAN BE PERFORMED WITH SIMILAR RECURRENCEFREE SURVIVAL RATES AFTER THE SURGERY. IT’S AN EXCITING TIME FOR WOMEN IN TERMS OF TREATMENT OPTIONS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS.

INTERVIEWS

choice between mastectomy and lumpectomy is a challenging one for patients. There are some rare circumstances where we would recommend a mastectomy, usually if the patient has multiple tumors in separate areas of the breast or a very large tumor that has spread to the skin and lymph nodes. However, for many women, probably around 3/4 of the women we serve with breast cancer, there is a choice between lumpectomy, which involves breast conservation by preserving the breast while still removing the site of the cancer, or mastectomy, removing the entire breast. At the end of the day, in consultation with the plastic surgeon, myself, and the rest of the team, we discuss the options and then the patient can decide. What’s very exciting in breast cancer treatment currently is the move towards more breast conservation in many women where it might not have been considered. A trial published in the past year showed that multiple smaller surgeries can be performed with similar recurrence-free survival rates after the surgery. It’s an exciting time for women in terms of treatment options and surgical treatment options.

Regarding breast surgery, if we discuss reconstruction, for instance, if a patient had one of her breasts removed, is it advised to remove the other one to achieve symmetrical breasts? Dr. Sebastian: The decision to remove one or both breasts is made collectively by the medical team and the patient. While many patients have a risk of cancer recurrence similar to the general population, those with genetic abnormalities face a higher risk. In terms of reconstruction, bilateral mastectomy often provides easier symmetry, especially for those considering implants. Autologous reconstruction, using one’s tissue, typically sources from the abdomen, limiting tissue for future procedures if only one breast is removed. Some women choose double mastectomy for peace of mind against future screenings. The choice is deeply personal.

What are the benefits of opting for immediate reconstruction surgery post-

mastectomy or lumpectomy, and under what circumstances do you recommend delayed breast reconstruction? Dr. Sebastian: Immediate reconstruction, whether post-lumpectomy or mastectomy, generally yields superior aesthetic outcomes, as substantiated by numerous studies. From a logical standpoint, when you immediately replace the void left after a mastectomy with an implant or tissue, it helps maintain the breast’s natural contour. In lumpectomy cases, this can be complemented with procedures like breast reduction for those with larger breasts, further enhancing the results. Immediate reconstruction not only preserves the breast’s shape but also prevents potential deformities that might arise, particularly post-radiation therapy. Correcting such deformities at a later stage can be more challenging and typically necessitates another surgical intervention. Handling reconstruction immediately, during a single surgical session, often results in optimal and more satisfying results for the patient.

IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION, WHETHER POSTLUMPECTOMY OR MASTECTOMY, GENERALLY YIELDS SUPERIOR AESTHETIC OUTCOMES, AS SUBSTANTIATED BY NUMEROUS STUDIES. FROM A LOGICAL STANDPOINT, WHEN YOU IMMEDIATELY REPLACE THE VOID LEFT AFTER A MASTECTOMY WITH AN IMPLANT OR TISSUE, IT HELPS MAINTAIN THE BREAST’S NATURAL CONTOUR. IN LUMPECTOMY CASES, THIS CAN BE COMPLEMENTED WITH PROCEDURES LIKE BREAST REDUCTION FOR THOSE WITH LARGER BREASTS, FURTHER ENHANCING THE RESULTS.

But is there a risk for patients due to extended surgery time? The duration of the surgery would be much longer if they have both surgeries at the same time. Is it risky, or does it depend on the patient’s general health? Dr. Sebastian: The simple answer is no. Many of these procedures, particularly plastic breast reductions and contralateral breast reductions for symmetry, are done simultaneously with the breast surgeon. While the surgical oncologist performs the cancer removal, I work with a separate surgical team and set of instruments, operating in parallel. This doesn’t significantly increase the operative time. While the margins are being evaluated by the pathologist intraoperatively, I’m also working. For example, during a lumpectomy paired with a bilateral breast reduction, we

INTERVIEWS

often complete the entire surgery within two hours. This is almost the same amount of time it takes me to perform a breast reduction on a patient without breast cancer. It highlights the advantage of working with an experienced team in a comfortable setting. As for delaying reconstruction, in certain mastectomy cases where we may not know the need for radiation or adjuvant therapies, we often place a tissue expander in at the time of the mastectomy. This acts as a placeholder, ensuring the patient wakes up with a breast shape. This placeholder is useful during the interval treatment time, pending pathology results and treatment, allowing patients to feel more like themselves post-op. For instance, if a patient chose or needed a mastectomy, we would put in a tissue expander at that time. Immediate reconstruction can then wait until the patient has completed all necessary postop treatments. If radiation is needed, it would proceed, and we typically wait six months after radiation before proceeding to the final reconstruction. This is usually recommended to be autologous reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue.

After the medical treatment of the patient, before the surgery, do you usually conduct other imaging or testing? Dr. Karla: Dr. Alastair mentioned that some patients receive chemotherapy before surgery, which we call neoadjuvant therapy. It can be very informative in terms of the potential for disease-free survival and overall survival. It’s essential to document with imaging how the patient has responded to the therapies. Particularly with a breast MRI, there’s significant interest in examining the difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment but presurgery images. You can also use ultrasound, but the breast MRI is such a powerful and sensitive tool for breast cancer. It’s an excellent way to see how the patient has responded and if there’s residual disease.

Usually, after the chemo and immunotherapy, how long should a

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patient wait for the surgery? We know chemotherapy can weaken the patient, and their immune system becomes very low. So, how long should they wait before undergoing surgery? Dr. Alastair: You’re right; we like to give patients the chance to recover from the effects of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Typically, there’s about a three-week practical minimum between the last chemotherapy session and the surgery. Sometimes we might extend this period up to five to eight weeks if we need extra time for the patient to fully recover, especially if we’re planning major reconstructive surgery. So, a three-to-six-week window would be ideal.

Is it possible to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy? Dr. Alastair: Absolutely. As Dr. Sebastian and I know, many women we operate on prefer to keep their nipple and the central part of the breast, which we call the areola, and the skin envelope. If the cancer isn’t affecting the areola or the skin, we can make a hidden incision underneath the breast. Through this incision, I can remove all the breast tissue and perform any necessary armpit surgery. This procedure retains the nipple and the breast skin, allowing the plastic surgeon to proceed with the desired reconstruction, either using tissue from the patient’s body or some type of implant.

So, if a patient discovers they have breast cancer at an early stage, they might be able to keep their nipple? Or does it depend on the type of breast cancer? Dr. Alastair: Yes, but it’s very individual. It depends both on the subtype of the breast cancer and the patient’s preference. The shape and size of the breast are also factors. Without delving into overly complicated details, it’s essential to have a strong team—a skilled plastic surgeon, a competent breast surgeon, and imaging support—to make the best decisions for the patient and guide them effectively.

What are the types of breast reconstruction surgery?

AS FOR DELAYING RECONSTRUCTION, IN CERTAIN MASTECTOMY CASES WHERE WE MAY NOT KNOW THE NEED FOR RADIATION OR ADJUVANT THERAPIES, WE OFTEN PLACE A TISSUE EXPANDER IN AT THE TIME OF THE MASTECTOMY. THIS ACTS AS A PLACEHOLDER, ENSURING THE PATIENT WAKES UP WITH A BREAST SHAPE. THIS PLACEHOLDER IS USEFUL DURING THE INTERVAL TREATMENT TIME, PENDING PATHOLOGY RESULTS AND TREATMENT, ALLOWING PATIENTS TO FEEL MORE LIKE THEMSELVES POST-OP.

INTERVIEWS

Dr. Sebastian: After a mastectomy, which is the complete removal of the breast, we have two categories: either using implants or using one’s own tissue. The quality of implant-based reconstruction has improved significantly over the last few decades due to advances in technology. Silicone implants have stood the test of time and are considered safe. They ripple less, and we can also use special materials to wrap the implants, allowing them to be placed in the natural position of the breast, which is in front of the pectoralis major muscle. In the past, we placed it behind, which sometimes caused negative symptoms that we’ve now overcome. The alternative is using your own tissue, and with the evolution of microsurgical techniques, we can transfer tissue from the abdomen (the gold standard being the DIEP flap) to the breast. We also have advanced techniques using other donor sites, including the thigh and buttock. These advances in microsurgical techniques have also improved treatments for lymphedema and other issues related to breast cancer. Lastly, I believe the next frontier, especially for reconstruction, is advancing in neurotization to reconnect nerves and provide sensation to the incision site. Dr. Karla: That’s interesting. This is a really important point. From my perspective as an imager who deals with these women and follows up on them, one of the primary dissatisfaction points they face is the loss of sensation. So, these advances are crucial for patients.

Dr. Karla, one last question: do imaging techniques with an implant yield the same outcome? Or is there a risk of missing cancer cells? Dr. Karla: I often have patients with implants come for checkups, and they frequently ask if the implants will interfere with imaging. The limitation often depends on the implant’s position. As Dr. Sebastian mentioned, the implant can be placed in front of or behind the pectoralis muscle. If it’s behind the pectoralis muscle, we still have good visualization of the breast tissue. However, when it’s in front of the muscle and

covers a significant amount of tissue, imaging becomes more challenging. One breast imaging technique involves specific implant-displaced views for patients with implants, which helps us maximize the tissue within the field of view. That said, imaging will never be as good as with a breast without an implant. But, when women ask if getting an augmentation will interfere significantly with detecting breast cancer in future exams, I don’t think it’s a significant limitation. If they’re adamant about breast augmentation, we can still do an MRI, especially to evaluate the integrity of a silicone implant and ensure it’s not ruptured. But having implants is not, in itself, a reason to be screened with a breast MRI.

EARLY DETECTION IS SATISFYING BECAUSE WE CAN SAVE LIVES BY IDENTIFYING THE CANCER WHEN IT’S SMALL AND HASN’T METASTASIZED. IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR BREAST IMAGERS TO PROMOTE THE BENEFITS OF SCREENING AND FOR RADIOLOGISTS AND CANCER CENTERS TO MAKE ACCESS EASY FOR ALL POPULATIONS.

Doctors, we know that early detection is key in breast cancer. Could each of you discuss how you participate in raising awareness amongst women about early breast cancer detection? Dr. Karla: I’m fortunate because radiologists often help women get their annual screening and detect early signs of breast cancer. Early detection is satisfying because we can save lives by identifying the cancer when it’s small and hasn’t metastasized. It’s essential for breast imagers to promote the benefits of screening and for radiologists and cancer centers to make access easy for all populations. Dr. Sebastian: May I add that as a plastic surgeon, I also have responsibilities. When I see patients without cancer or those with benign, non-cancerous diagnoses—like breast reductions for macromastia or aesthetic surgeries—I ensure that I order appropriate imaging for them to avoid any surprises during surgery. Dr. Alastair: I’d like to add, and I mean no disrespect to my colleagues, that you, as the journalist, are likely the most critical among us.

INTERVIEWS

You have the power to inform, educate, and provide accurate information to the public. This empowers individuals to undergo the right tests, make early diagnoses, get treated, and ultimately prevent breast cancer from reducing the lifespan of both women and men.

Do you have statistics on the recurrence percentage of breast cancer? Dr. Alastair: Given that one in eight women in many countries will develop breast cancer, if it’s detected early and treated effectively, it’s likely that the woman will live a long and healthy life. The risk of breast cancer returning in the breast is about one in 200 each year. The risk of breast cancer returning elsewhere in the body greatly depends on how early we diagnose the original breast cancer. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer significantly reduce the chances of any recurrence in the future, especially when we deliver effective treatments.

How does Baylor’s Cancer Center distinguish itself from other cancer treatment facilities? Dr. Alastair: What’s unique is that we have a fantastic group of people who work together in a patient-centered manner. We boast the most modern facilities, techniques, and drugs. Together, in our beautiful brand new building, we ensure that we offer the very best for our patients.

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Dr. Karla: I’d like to add that what I find particularly gratifying about working with this group is the focus on evidence-based practice. In my previous private practice experience, the approach wasn’t necessarily driven by the latest information or research. It’s refreshing and beneficial for the patients to be in an environment that genuinely emphasizes evidence-based care. I appreciate this type of atmosphere where we prioritize patient care over an economic-based practice model that focuses on billing as much as possible. Dr. Sebastian: I echo those sentiments. We all work very closely as a team, ensuring utmost efficiency for our patients. We frequently communicate directly, often squeezing in patients to see them promptly. We participate in weekly discussions with patients, pathologists, and other colleagues to ensure we provide optimal, advanced treatments. Our commitment to multidisciplinary care ensures the best outcomes for our patients. The feedback and results from our patients affirm why we continue our work at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center

WHAT’S UNIQUE IS THAT WE HAVE A FANTASTIC GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO WORK TOGETHER IN A PATIENT-CENTERED MANNER. WE BOAST THE MOST MODERN FACILITIES, TECHNIQUES, AND DRUGS. TOGETHER, IN OUR BEAUTIFUL BRAND-NEW BUILDING, WE ENSURE THAT WE OFFER THE VERY BEST FOR OUR PATIENTS.

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The Fully Automated Laboratory System at Clemenceau Medical Center affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International (Beirut-Lebanon) past, laboratory operations were characterized by meticulous hands-on tasks, prone to human error, and often subject to time constraints. Technicians would spend hours conducting repetitive tests, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. CMC has embraced state-of-the-art automation in its laboratory processes, streamlining procedures and significantly enhancing efficiency. The fully automated system handles a wide array of tests with unparalleled precision, reducing the risk of errors and expediting the delivery of critical results.

Competitive Advantage

our path to optimal health starts at Clemenceau Medical Center affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International (Beirut-Lebanon), where cutting-edge technology and personalized care converge to offer you a transformative healthcare experience. CMC’s dedicated team of experts is committed to guiding you on this journey, ensuring precision, compassion, and excellence every step of the way. Trust Clemenceau Medical Center for your well-being, where your health and satisfaction are the top priorities. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technological advancements have paved the way for more efficient and precise medical services. A notable example is the implementation of a fully automated laboratory system at Clemenceau Medical Center, propelling the facility to the forefront of cutting-edge healthcare.

The Historical Perspective Long gone are the days of manual and time-consuming laboratory processes. In the

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CMC HAS EMBRACED STATE-OF-THE-ART AUTOMATION IN ITS LABORATORY PROCESSES, STREAMLINING PROCEDURES AND SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCING EFFICIENCY. THE FULLY AUTOMATED SYSTEM HANDLES A WIDE ARRAY OF TESTS WITH UNPARALLELED PRECISION, REDUCING THE RISK OF ERRORS AND EXPEDITING THE DELIVERY OF CRITICAL RESULTS.

What sets CMC apart is its unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality care through technological innovation. The fully automated laboratory system not only accelerates the diagnostic process but also allows for a more extensive range of tests to be conducted simultaneously. This ensures that patients receive accurate results faster, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions promptly.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

The Fully Automated System at Clemenceau Medical Center, Delivers Precision, Efficiency, and Rapid Diagnostics for Enhanced Patient Care The fully automated system at Clemenceau Medical Center combines precision and accuracy, minimizing the margin for error and ensuring reliable results for every conducted test. This integration of cutting-edge technology not only enhances efficiency by reducing the time required for tasks that were once time-consuming but also expands test capabilities, enabling the laboratory to provide a comprehensive suite of diagnostic services simultaneously. One of the significant advantages is the reduced turnaround time, as the rapid processing of samples allows patients to receive their re-

THE FULLY AUTOMATED SYSTEM AT CLEMENCEAU MEDICAL CENTER COMBINES PRECISION AND ACCURACY, MINIMIZING THE MARGIN FOR ERROR AND ENSURING RELIABLE RESULTS FOR EVERY CONDUCTED TEST.

sults promptly. This not only accelerates the diagnostic process but also facilitates swift medical intervention when necessary, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcome. CMC's investment in a fully automated laboratory system is a testament to its commitment to remaining at the forefront of healthcare innovation. This transformative technology not only improves patient outcomes but also solidifies the center's position as an industry leader. In conclusion, the integration of a fully automated laboratory system at CMC signifies a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery. The center's dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also underscores its commitment to providing superior patient care. As we witness the ongoing intersection of medicine and technology, CMC stands as a shining example of progress in the pursuit of optimal health outcomes.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Corporate Social Responsibility NEWS

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Corporate Social Responsibility

Healthcare Corporate Social Responsibility A Strong Commitment to Improving Society

he concept of social responsibility has evolved into an approach adopted by health institutions towards uplifting the community. Hospitals across the Arab world and the Gulf countries have recognized the importance of their ethical role in the field of awareness. Therefore, they have undertaken to establish mechanisms and action plans centered around how to convey medical information and encourage society to adopt healthy habits. Hospitals are increasingly launching new initiatives as part of their social responsibility programs and their charitable ethos that is embedded in their core work. They bear a moral responsibility to spread awareness and culture among community members by expanding awareness-raising activities and enhancing educational and health services. In the midst of the rapid developments experienced by the medical sector on various fronts, the concept of social responsibility has emerged among modern concepts, considering that any hospital is a part of the community. Therefore, it is its duty to serve the community and connect it to the field of healthcare by adopting awareness programs and annual initiatives. Today's hospitals are doing commendable work in implementing health awareness programs, increasing health awareness, and planting correct concepts that help improve individuals' lives and correct misconceptions among their families and relatives. In addition to providing distinguished and high-quality health services, serving the community has become central to the strategic plans of any hospital, reflecting its commitment to improving people's lives in all aspects of life. The hospital's social responsibility is considered a part of its ethics, where hospitals in the region have heavily invested in various community, sports, educational, social, humanitarian,

TODAY'S HOSPITALS ARE DOING COMMENDABLE WORK IN IMPLEMENTING HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAMS, INCREASING HEALTH AWARENESS, AND PLANTING CORRECT CONCEPTS THAT HELP IMPROVE INDIVIDUALS' LIVES AND CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS AMONG THEIR FAMILIES AND RELATIVES. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING DISTINGUISHED AND HIGH-QUALITY HEALTH SERVICES, SERVING THE COMMUNITY HAS BECOME CENTRAL TO THE STRATEGIC PLANS OF ANY HOSPITAL, REFLECTING ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING PEOPLE'S LIVES IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE.

and health initiatives. These programs and initiatives include physical, mental, and social health for the individual and the community, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare for entire communities. Social responsibility is defined as the ongoing commitment of the healthcare institution to acting ethically and contributing to social development, enhancing the quality of life for the workforce and their families, as well as the local community and society as a whole.

Gaining the patient's trust Hospitals across the Arab world offer high-quality medical services and do their utmost to obtain international accreditation to be primarily a trustworthy source for patients and the community at large. To achieve this, these hospitals spend vast amounts of money to attract the best expertise, human resources, and modern equipment to gain the community's trust. Herein lies the importance of social work in conveying the hospital's message. It plays a pivotal role in this context by highlighting the hospital's performance on one hand and educating the community on the other. The patient must have confidence in the hospital and the healthcare services it provides, which doesn't come easily. For hospitals to earn the patient's trust and loyalty, they need to go beyond healthcare services and aim to establish a social and emotional relationship with the patient through ethical practices.

Human Resources Continuity Enhancing the hospital's ability to attract and employ a high-caliber human cadre and ensuring their work continuity is vital for its reputation. This affirms the hospital's adherence to ethical standards. Such commitment is essential for employee loyalty, which, in turn, reflects on patient satisfaction and their trust. Adopting social responsibility towards human resources in

ARTICLE FEATURES . Corporate Social Responsibility NEWS

this sector plays a significant role in enhancing job satisfaction. This boosts their desire to continue working with even better performance. Having a competent human cadre and maintaining its continuity helps in deepening the social role and fosters a spirit of collaboration and initiative among the employees themselves. This positively influences their interaction with community members and institutions through the implementation of community responsibility plans, which include activities and tasks related to various awareness-raising themes, comprising a series of educational programs and scientific research.

Initiatives In recent years, hospitals have been keen on launching awareness programs and health initiatives primarily aimed at serving the community. They aim to deliver health information in a simplified and smooth manner, stemming from the importance of raising awareness about emerging health problems in the community, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases that need to be combated, educating and informing the community about their

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HOSPITALS HAVE BENEFITED FROM SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS SUCH AS YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, AND OTHERS. THEY HAVE CREATED EDUCATIONAL HEALTH ACCOUNTS TO POST CONCISE YET INFORMATIVE CLIPS AND SCENES. ADDITIONALLY, SOME HOSPITALS ALSO ORGANIZE GATHERINGS IN PARKS, FESTIVALS, OR SHOPPING CENTERS TO REACH A LARGER SEGMENT OF SOCIETY.

dangers and prevention methods. Recent years have seen the launch of numerous community health initiatives that played a fundamental role in strengthening the health system and achieving comprehensive healthcare. This is achieved by focusing on combating diseases that most affect communities with the goal of reducing their prevalence and mortality rates, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable chronic diseases (heart diseases, diabetes, kidney failure), and cancers like breast and colon cancer. Hospitals have benefited from social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and others. They have created educational health accounts to post concise yet informative clips and scenes. Additionally, some hospitals also organize gatherings in parks, festivals, or shopping centers to reach a larger segment of society. Sometimes, hospitals head to schools and universities to raise cultural awareness according to the topic and target group. Awareness caravans, like those widespread in October for breast cancer awareness month, are launched. There are also awareness caravans about diabetes in general and diabetic foot in particular, discussing prevention methods and wound management.

NEWS

ARTICLE FEATURES . Nurses in the Medical Sector

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Nurses in the Medical Sector

Nurses in the Medical Sector

Greater responsibilities and new settings to keep up with evolving concepts of care

ccording to the Healthy People 2020 report, access to good healthcare necessitates the ability to reach a healthcare provider, among other elements. The quality of healthcare is defined as "the extent to which care services increase the likelihood of desired outcomes for individuals and populations and are consistent with current professional knowledge." Major transformations at the societal level, particularly in the healthcare sector, are reshaping the environment for the next generation of nurses. Given the crucial role nurses play in promoting health and ensuring patient satisfaction, nursing schools must emphasize preparing nurses to address the social determinants of health and deliver care tailored to individual’s needs. Skillful nurses provide high-quality care by offering safe and effective care centered around the individual. This behavior aligns with the definition adopted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the United States that good healthcare is "doing the right thing for the right patient at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible outcomes." Healthcare does not directly address many of the root causes affecting health equity, such as economic and housing instability, discrimination, educational disparities, and inadequate nutrition. These factors significantly impact an individual’s health. This is where the role of nurses becomes crucial.

The Role of Nurses and the Importance of Outcomes To improve health outcomes, action is required at all levels. Nurses play a key role in reducing clinical disparities and enhancing equity in healthcare. Nurses can strengthen their commitment to care by leading broad-scale efforts to establish new standards and competencies in

TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES, ACTION IS REQUIRED AT ALL LEVELS. NURSES PLAY A KEY ROLE IN REDUCING CLINICAL DISPARITIES AND ENHANCING EQUITY IN HEALTHCARE. NURSES CAN STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMITMENT TO CARE BY LEADING BROAD-SCALE EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH NEW STANDARDS AND COMPETENCIES IN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD. IN THIS PROCESS, NURSES WILL NEED TO FACE COMPLEX ETHICAL CHALLENGES THAT ARISE WITH THE RESHAPING OF HEALTHCARE TO MEET EVOLVING NEEDS.

the healthcare field. In this process, nurses will need to face complex ethical challenges that arise with the reshaping of healthcare to meet evolving needs. It is vital for the nursing profession to ensure their presence in guiding these primary healthcare and societal transitions. The United States spends over 3.5 trillion dollars annually on healthcare, more than 25% per capita compared to the second highest spending country. Yet, indicators like life expectancy, infant mortality, and maternal deaths are less favorable in the U.S. compared to many advanced countries. Moreover, a diverse group of professionals from both within and outside healthcare settings work diligently to ensure equitable healthcare access. The role of nurses in these efforts is indispensable, given their direct interaction with individuals and families in providing and coordinating person-centered care to meet preventive, acute, and chronic health needs. Beyond the healthcare environment, nurses collaborate with social services to meet individuals' social needs and actively contribute to broader community health. The rapid increase in the global elderly population is expected to surge the demand for services and programs tailored to their healthcare and social needs. Notably, care for chronic conditions, which account for about 75 percent of all primary care visits, will be especially vital. This demographic shift will inevitably alter the nature of the care required. It's recognized that the elderly incur higher care costs than their younger counterparts, necessitating enhanced support for managing multiple conditions and preserving strength and flexibility as they age. These realities emphasize the urgency to develop, test, and implement chronic care models. In these models, teams become fundamental in chronic disease management, with registered nurses (RNs) assuming a pivotal role in overseeing chronic disease care

ARTICLE FEATURES . Nurses in the Medical Sector

Primary care requires at least four responsibilities: •

•

Engaging patients with chronic conditions in behavior change and modifying medications according to protocols written by the practitioner. Leading teams to improve care and reduce expenses for high-demand, high-expenditure patients. Coordinating care for patients with chronic diseases between the primary care home and its surrounding healthcare area. Advocating for broader population health by collaborating with local communities to foster healthier environments where people can live, work, study, and engage in recreational activities.

Multitasking and Responsibilities Strengthening the core of primary care services is fundamental to achieving the threefold objective of improving patient care experiences, elevating population health outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. The primary responsibility for successfully navigating and achieving these objectives lies primarily with the nursing team. For people who find it challenging to access healthcare due to distance, service provider shortage, insurance inadequacy, or other reasons, it becomes evident that nurses are the lifeline for the care that meets their needs wherever they are. Nurses work in areas underserved by other healthcare providers, serving the uninsured and underinsured. They often engage with individuals in their homes to provide care, operate in various clinics, utilize telehealth to communicate with people and establish partnerships in schools and communities. In addition to expanding primary care capabilities, nurses play vital roles during natural disasters and public health emergencies, helping to meet the significant surge in care needs. There are strategies adopted by nurses that enable them to utilize their skills effectively, providing improved care for populations with

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PROVIDING HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN PEOPLE'S HOMES CAN PROMOTE MORE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE. THE RISE OF HOME HEALTHCARE HAS EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE POPULATIONS AROUND THE WORLD, FROM THE ELDERLY TO THE MEDICALLY VULNERABLE, TO RECEIVE CARE. SCHOOL NURSES ARE CONSIDERED FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION SYSTEMS.

complex health and social needs. To bridge the gap where many individuals can't access healthcare due to insurance inadequacy, inability to pay, or shortage of clinics or providers in their geographical area, access to care is expanded through diverse settings where nurses operate. This includes qualified health centers, retail clinics, home health and home visits, telehealth, school nursing, school health centers, and health centers run by a nursing team. Nurses work to expand the scope of access to services for individuals regardless of their ability to pay by providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, referrals, and services that facilitate equitable care access.

Comprehensive care and tips for resilience Providing healthcare services in people's homes can promote more equitable access to quality healthcare. The rise of home healthcare has expanded opportunities for diverse populations around the world, from the elderly to the medically vulnerable, to receive care. School nurses are considered front-line healthcare providers as a bridge between the healthcare and education systems. As guardians of public health, they engage school communities, parents, and healthcare providers to promote well-being and improve children's health outcomes. Access to school nurses increases equity in healthcare for students. However, all these responsibilities demand an extraordinary effort that requires nurses to follow a specific lifestyle to maintain their energy. This includes taking short, regular breaks, which is essential for staying alert. It's also advised to stay hydrated as dehydration quickly drains energy levels. Specialists recommend consuming fruits, nuts, yogurt, or granola bars during short breaks to provide sustained energy without causing sugar imbalances or fatigue. Additionally, stretching and short exercises maintain energy flow throughout the body and allow for prolonged focus. Keeping a positive attitude helps nurses stay motivated and active. Focusing on the rewarding aspects of their job can boost morale during challenging shifts.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Nurses in the Medical Sector

In addition, the value of collaborative teamwork cannot be overstated. Ensuring effective communication and coordination among the healthcare team is essential. When everyone is aligned, it not only reduces stress but also promotes more efficient patient care. Such alignment elevates the quality of healthcare, increasing the likelihood of delivering comprehensive services, and solidifying one's reputation as a provider of equitable, top-tier healthcare. Nurses are uniquely qualified to help improve healthcare quality by assisting people in navigating the healthcare system, providing meticulous monitoring and follow-up through the continuum of care, focusing on the individual with all their needs, and delivering respectful care. Nurses can help overcome barriers to good care, including structural inequalities and implicit bias, through person-centered care management and cultural humility. Complex health needs of individuals are often exacerbated by social factors that can hinder their access to optimal care. To mitigate this, nurses or nurse-led teams partake in activ-

STRENGTHENING THE CORE OF PRIMARY CARE SERVICES IS FUNDAMENTAL TO ACHIEVING THE THREEFOLD OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCES, ELEVATING POPULATION HEALTH OUTCOMES, AND REDUCING HEALTHCARE COSTS. THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING AND ACHIEVING THESE OBJECTIVES LIES PRIMARILY WITH THE NURSING TEAM.

ities like care management, care coordination, and transitional care as integral members of the healthcare system. These activities aim to diminish care fragmentation, boost communication, and elevate the quality and safety of treatments provided. Particularly for those grappling with intricate health and social challenges, the care management approach is crucial. These individuals often necessitate services from various providers, consistent medical check-ins, effective medication oversight, and support in addressing their socio-economic needs. These diverse roles and accomplishments within healthcare, spanning patients of various backgrounds and needs, underscore the central role nurses play in both hospital systems and the broader healthcare landscape. Such responsibilities also highlight the need for ongoing development and training in the nursing profession, ensuring they remain prepared and proactive in adapting to future advancements. This progression aims to enhance patient care and contribute positively to the well-being of humanity at large.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Rehabilitation

Community Safety and Mental Health The Impact of Rehabilitation Centers

ehabilitation centers play a pivotal role in aiding individuals affected by complex traumas, drug addiction, or chronic mental illnesses. These centers strive to help these individuals achieve an optimal level of independent functioning in society, thereby enhancing their quality of life. The rehabilitation process focuses on developing emotional, social, and intellectual skills essential for living, learning, and working with minimal professional support. But what exactly do these centers do, and why are they so crucial for health and society? The World Health Organization endorses community psychosocial rehabilitation to improve life quality and facilitate the integration of individuals grappling with addiction or psychological issues. Despite the growing need for such centers, their availability was initially limited in some regions. However, their significance has been increasingly recognized, leading to their widespread establishment and evolution in performance. This expansion reflects a growing acknowledgment of the necessity of such treatment and a shift in societal attitudes towards mental and psychological rehabilitation.

Benefits of Rehabilitation Centers Rehabilitation centers offer a supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction or mental disorders. These facilities not only educate patients and their families but also equip clients with tools for active societal participation. Beyond enhancing the life quality of those in treatment, these centers provide essential resources for addressing health issues. Specialists underscore the importance of rehabilitation as a response to the surge in drug abuse and related disorders. Rehabilitation programs, grounded in scientific principles, provide a structured path to breaking the

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cycle of drug use and mitigating its physical and emotional consequences. At the core of rehabilitation is the reduction of drug use and its negative social impacts. Rehabilitation centers offer a sanctuary for those battling addiction or psychological conditions, playing a crucial role in the global fight against substance abuse. By providing a nurturing environment, these centers assist individuals in replacing destructive habits with self-care routines, fostering new, productive activities that promote overall health and mental stimulation. Rehabilitation's impact on physical, emotional, and psychological health is profound. It offers more than treatment; it provides a structured setting where individuals learn to cultivate healthy self-relationships and coping mechanisms. This understanding is vital for breaking addiction cycles and re-engaging with society.

A Solid Therapeutic Path Counseling and therapy, integral to rehabilitation, are tailored to individual needs, focusing on triggers and the development of healthy coping skills. Therapy sessions delve into the emotional factors fueling addiction, offering insights and strategies for longterm recovery. Recognizing addiction as a psychological illness, rehabilitation centers aim to address its root causes, thereby highlighting the significance of this therapeutic approach in enhancing both mental and physical health. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of addiction is key to recovery. Rehabilitation programs meticulously examine thought patterns, behaviors, and beliefs related to substance abuse or mental health disorders. This process is essen-

ARTICLE FEATURES . Rehabilitation

tial for sustained recovery, enabling individuals to develop strategies for maintaining mental well-being and preventing relapse.

Stages of Treatment and its Requirements The journey to recovery in a rehabilitation program is structured, scientific, and multi-dimensional. It involves various stages, each requiring the concerted efforts of specialists, family cooperation, and, critically, the patient's responsiveness. Personalized treatment plans may include individual counseling, group therapy, and various evidence-based therapies. Detoxification, often the first stage for drug addicts, is crucial and demands professional oversight. During this phase, substances are eliminated from the body, and individuals may experience a range of adjustment symptoms. Medical experts supervise the detoxification process, providing medications when necessary to alleviate discomfort and ensure a safer transition to sobriety. Post-detoxification therapy sessions explore the root causes of addiction, including past traumas and emotional triggers. Addressing these issues provides a deeper understanding of addiction and equips individuals with strategies for longterm recovery. The remarkable results of these programs underscore the importance of professional and sophisticated rehabilitation centers. Aftercare, a vital component of the rehabilitation process, involves continuous support post-treatment. This may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and regular counseling check-ups, all crucial for maintaining progress and ensuring long-term recovery.

Rehabilitation and Success Rates Rehabilitation programs incorporate routine activities, awareness initiatives, and livelihood projects. These include daily routines, mental health awareness camps, and activities that encourage patients to engage in productive endeavors. The success of these programs is evident in the high rates of reintegration into society, preparedness for specialized training, and relatively low dropout rates. Specialists attribute these successes to innovative patient engagement methods, regular counseling, and robust follow-up mechanisms. In conclusion, rehabilitation centers are indispensable in the context of rising drug abuse and mental health challenges. They offer more than just treatment; they provide a structured environment for personal growth,reintegration, and holistic recovery. By addressing the multifaceted aspects of addiction and mental disorders, these centers play a critical role in enhancing community safety and advancing mental health. The effectiveness of rehabilitation centers is reflected in their comprehensive approach. This includes creating a supportive environment that facilitates not just physical detoxification but also psychological healing. The emphasis on individualized treatment plans ensures that each person's unique needs and circumstances are addressed, offering the best chance for successful recovery. Moreover, rehabilitation centers serve as a bridge between individuals suffering from addiction or mental health issues and the broader community. They work towards breaking the stigma associated with these conditions, promoting understanding and acceptance. This societal shift is crucial in encouraging more people to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination. Another key aspect of rehabilitation is the focus on sustainable recovery. Rehabilitation centers provide tools and strategies that individuals can use in their everyday lives, helping them to cope with challenges and avoid relapse. This ongoing support is vital in ensuring

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Rehabilitation

that the progress made during the rehabilitation process is maintained over the long term. The success rates of rehabilitation centers are a testament to their importance. Through a combination of therapy, support, and community engagement, many individuals have been able to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also has a positive ripple effect on their families and communities. It is noteworthy that a significant proportion

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of patients with mental illnesses (69%) were successfully treated and were rehabilitated back to the community. Approximately 16% of them were still in the training while 9% were just ready for the sheltered workshop. Interestingly, the dropout rate of the patients was mere 6%. Higher rate of successful rehabilitation can be attributed to innovative approaches to engage patients, counseling patient and their family members on a regular basis and robust follow-up mechanism.

REHABILITATION PROGRAMS INCORPORATE ROUTINE ACTIVITIES, AWARENESS INITIATIVES, AND LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS. THESE INCLUDE DAILY ROUTINES, MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPS, AND ACTIVITIES THAT ENCOURAGE PATIENTS TO ENGAGE IN PRODUCTIVE ENDEAVORS. THE SUCCESS OF THESE PROGRAMS IS EVIDENT IN THE HIGH RATES OF REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY, PREPAREDNESS FOR SPECIALIZED TRAINING, AND RELATIVELY LOW DROPOUT RATES. SPECIALISTS ATTRIBUTE THESE SUCCESSES TO INNOVATIVE PATIENT ENGAGEMENT METHODS, REGULAR COUNSELING, AND ROBUST FOLLOW-UP MECHANISMS.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Rehabilitation

ARTICLES

Pioneering Sustainable Healthcare in the Arab World: A Visionary Odyssey By Laura Andersson, D.O.E, GH2 Connectivity Specialist, Environmental Consultant, Energy Advocate, Humanitarian Visionary, Professor at the I.W.P, Proud Mum and Wife

Definition of Sustainable Healthcare and Benefits of Green Practices in the Medical Industry Sustainable healthcare is an approach to healthcare that prioritizes environmental sustainability alongside health outcomes. It entails implementing green practices across the medical industry to minimize negative impacts on the environment and promote efficient resource consumption. Sustainable healthcare acknowledges that healthcare operations and practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and climate change,

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and seeks to mitigate these impacts through environmentally-friendly practices. Green practices in the medical industry can provide numerous benefits for the environment, patient health and wellbeing, and the healthcare industry as a whole. In the vibrant realm of Arab healthcare, a transformative wave is reshaping the narrative—an interplay of compassionate healing and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. As an energy advocate and environmental consultant deeply intertwined with healthcare, I bear

SUSTAINABILITY HAS TRANSCENDED RHETORIC; IT IS THE ESSENCE THAT HARMONIZES PATIENT WELLBEING WITH PLANETARY HEALTH. NAVIGATING THE INTRICATE LANDSCAPES OF ARAB HOSPITALS, WE FIND OURSELVES AT A CROSSROADS— AN OPPORTUNITY TO REDEFINE HEALTHCARE. THIS ISN’T JUST A PARADIGM SHIFT; IT’S A VISIONARY APPROACH, A PLEDGE TO HEALING THAT RESONATES IN HARMONY WITH OUR COMMITMENT TO NURTURING THE PLANET.

ARTICLES witness to the profound impact of integrating sustainability into our healing sanctuaries. This article unfolds a visionary odyssey through the corridors of Arab hospitals, exploring the symbiotic relationship between healthcare excellence and environmental responsibility.

Harmonizing Patient Well-Being and Planetary Health Sustainability has transcended rhetoric; it is the essence that harmonizes patient well-being with planetary health. Navigating the intricate landscapes of Arab hospitals, we find ourselves at a crossroads—an opportunity to redefine healthcare. This isn’t just a paradigm shift; it’s a visionary approach, a pledge to healing that resonates in harmony with our commitment to nurturing the planet.

Efficiency: Illuminating the Path to Healing As an energy advocate, I recognize the transformative power of energy efficiency. Arab hospitals can lead the charge by embracing cutting-edge technologies that not only optimize energy consumption but also transform hospitals into beacons of sustainable healing. Imagine healthcare facilities powered by renewable sources, where each watt expended contributes to a healthier community and planet.

Crafting Sustainable Legacies: Waste as a Resource, Not a Burden In my role as an environmental consultant, I’ve witnessed the environmental toll of unchecked waste. Arab hospitals can forge sustainable legacies by championing robust waste reduction and recycling initiatives. By treating waste as a valuable resource, hospitals become pioneers in responsible environmental stewardship, setting the stage for exemplary waste management practices throughout the region.

Ethical Supply Chains: Connecting Sustainability Beyond Borders: As a GH2 Connectivity Specialist, I understand the transformative power of connections. Arab hospitals can leverage these connections to establish ethical and sustainable

supply chains. Collaborating with suppliers committed to environmentally responsible practices, hospitals become catalysts for change— driving sustainable procurement and supporting businesses aligned with our collective vision for a greener and healthier tomorrow.

Telemedicine: A Bridge to Holistic Healthcare and Environmental Consciousness In my role as a professor at the I.W.P, I emphasize the significance of education in driving transformative change. Arab hospitals can embrace the digital frontier through telemedicine, fostering healthcare accessibility while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint of traditional practices. Telemedicine becomes a bridge connecting health and environmental consciousness, shaping a future where technological advancements enhance both spheres.

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Well-Being As a humanitarian visionary, I recognize the transformative power of community engagement. Arab hospitals can empower communities by fostering awareness and education on sustainable healthcare practices. By cultivating a culture of responsibility and well-being, hospitals become beacons illuminating the path to a future where health and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

IN MY ROLE AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT, I’VE WITNESSED THE ENVIRONMENTAL TOLL OF UNCHECKED WASTE. ARAB HOSPITALS CAN FORGE SUSTAINABLE LEGACIES BY CHAMPIONING ROBUST WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING INITIATIVES. BY TREATING WASTE AS A VALUABLE RESOURCE, HOSPITALS BECOME PIONEERS IN RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, SETTING THE STAGE FOR EXEMPLARY WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Healing – A Future United in Health and Sustainability In the heart of Arab healthcare, a visionary approach to sustainability is taking root. As a proud mum and wife, I envision a future where our hospitals stand not only as healers but as guardians of a greener, healthier tomorrow. Let us unite in this shared vision, weaving a narrative where the pulse of healthcare resonates in rhythm with the heartbeat of our precious planet. Together, we can shape a legacy that transcends time—a legacy of health, sustainability, and a flourishing future for generations to come.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Diabetes

Revolutionizing Diabetes Care: The Role of Contemporary Technology

iabetes patients have experienced significant benefits from modern technology in managing their disease, notably through continuous monitoring and timely insulin delivery. This advancement has been crucial in controlling diabetes, mitigating sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Leading global companies in technology and medical devices have developed devices that continuously monitor blood sugar levels, characterized by their ease of use, accuracy, and quick response in alerting patients to sugar level changes, thus facilitating timely intervention.

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Many international studies have validated the effectiveness of modern technology in transforming the lives of diabetes patients, especially those with type one diabetes. This technology has not only alleviated their fears but also the concerns of their families, regarding the risks of abrupt changes in sugar levels, thereby enhancing their capacity to live with the disease. The future holds promise for further advancements in the production of sophisticated technological devices to assist in diabetes control. These developments are expected to

THE EVOLUTION OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING DEVICES HAS BEEN REMARKABLE.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Diabetes

significantly influence healthcare protocols and potentially lead to a reduction in treatment costs. Today, diabetes patients can coexist with their condition and manage it effectively with the aid of modern digital technologies, which have become a vital part of their lives. Access to high-precision continuous glucose monitoring devices has played a key role in reducing risks such as coma from varying blood sugar levels, enabling early and prompt intervention. These advanced technological devices offer numerous features beneficial to diabetes patients. Some devices provide an audible alarm for detected or anticipated changes in blood sugar levels. This feature is particularly crucial for patients who might experience these changes while sleeping, as it alerts them and prevents comas since symptoms often go unnoticed during sleep. Furthermore, these devices can monitor blood sugar levels at various times, including post-meal periods, to assess dietary impacts, or after physical activities. Their ease of use and safety are notable, requiring only initial patient education on usage and data analysis. These devices can also send the recorded data to the treating physician or family members through smartphones, playing a significant role in daily diabetes management and regular follow-ups. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices constantly monitor and track blood sugar levels. This technology involves a small sensor placed under the skin, connected to a transmitter that relays blood sugar data to a dedicated application. Self-monitoring glucose devices empower patients to manage their glucose levels by observing their treatment's effect on blood sugar levels and understanding how diet, stress, and anxiety impact these levels. This way, patients can monitor their blood sugar at different times, aiding in controlling it and tracking the effectiveness of their treatment. The evolution of continuous glucose monitoring devices has been remarkable. The latest models include an implanted sensor for detecting blood sugar levels, transmitting wireless information to a smartphone app or

smartwatch, alerting the patient to significant highs or lows. These devices record continuous changes in blood sugar levels using a chip that penetrates the skin in specific body areas, acting as a sensor for sugar levels round the clock. The sensing device sends the readings to a device for viewing. Insulin pumps, small electronic devices that can be pocketed or attached to clothing, represent another leap forward. The modern generation of these pumps integrates artificial intelligence to facilitate direct communication between glucose sensors and the insulin pump. This allows the pump to autonomously make crucial safety decisions for the patient, based on the data received from the glucose sensor. These pumps are programmable to deliver insulin as needed, which helps reduce episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Over time, they contribute to lowering the average blood sugar level. These pumps stand out for their precision in diabetes management, delivering just what the body needs. This results in greater dietary freedom for the patient. They also represent the latest method for continuously and regularly pumping insulin throughout the day, helping the patient to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This grants patients the opportunity to

CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING (CGM) DEVICES CONSTANTLY MONITOR AND TRACK BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS. THIS TECHNOLOGY INVOLVES A SMALL SENSOR PLACED UNDER THE SKIN, CONNECTED TO A TRANSMITTER THAT RELAYS BLOOD SUGAR DATA TO A DEDICATED APPLICATION.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Diabetes

lead a more normal life and manage the disease with greater flexibility. The advancement in medical technology has played a significant role in developing these alternative therapeutic solutions. They notably reduce the risk of hypoglycemia while also eliminating the need for frequent self-injections, providing greater control over blood sugar levels. The main benefits of insulin pumps include improving the patient's quality of life, better controlling blood sugar levels, and most importantly, reducing the risk of dangerous blood sugar spikes. These pumps also help lower the accumulated blood sugar percentage and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications. Adjusting the insulin dosage is straightforward, often just requiring a few button presses on the pump. The device can be instantly adapted for various situations like physical exercise, illness flare-ups, or to provide small amounts of insulin for meals and snacks.

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For type 1 diabetes patients, who depend on insulin for treatment, these technological advancements have been a game-changer. They no longer need to endure daily finger-pricking to monitor their blood sugar levels. A small sensor installed in the hand can be read by simply bringing a device close to it. These devices provide a sense of security and control over diabetes, offering immediate alerts for blood sugar imbalances and ensuring timely and appropriate insulin treatment. For example, if sugar readings drop, the pump temporarily stops delivering insulin, resuming once the readings stabilize. It also adjusts for corrective doses when blood sugar levels rise. In summary, the integration of modern technology into diabetes care has not only improved the quality of life for those living with the condition but has also provided them with a new level of autonomy and control over their disease management.

INSULIN PUMPS, SMALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES THAT CAN BE POCKETED OR ATTACHED TO CLOTHING, REPRESENT ANOTHER LEAP FORWARD. THE MODERN GENERATION OF THESE PUMPS INTEGRATES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO FACILITATE DIRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GLUCOSE SENSORS AND THE INSULIN PUMP.

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Lateral tilt reduces physical strains on the caregiver by

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NEWS

Build Patient Safety Into the Foundation of Your Facility Work the JCI team early to prevent expensive redesigns, mitigate patient safety risks, and project delays. Our Facility Management experts can help you: • Assess for safety and JCI accreditation compliance • Identify and reduce security risks • Design and maintain utility systems • Prepare for emergencies and disasters

For more information, please scan the QR code. NOV.DEC 2023 112