How automating healthcare services in UAE is helping enhance patient experienceHow automating healthcare services in UAE is helping enhance patient experience

In an industry revolutionised by advanced clinical technologies and robotics, there seems to be an increasing demand to incorporate and execute artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions to provide high-quality, patient-centred care while streamlining back-office functions in healthcare delivery systems.  

Healthcare automation makes it easier for clinicians to accurately update patient records and share diagnostic data across providers, thus eliminating time spent on manual labour. Rapid access to patient health data assists providers in determining the intensity of the diagnosis and alternatively devising the necessary treatment plan, avoiding any further complications.   

The introduction of AI-powered chatbots has proven successful in improving employee productivity by allowing them to focus on more complex tasks and enhancing patient experience by providing round-the-clock services. Smart bots can also effectively trace potentially fraudulent activities and prevent any sort of intentional or unintentional data breaches on healthcare platforms.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several healthcare facilities in the region have also diversified their healthcare operations by introducing smart technological solutions, reducing costs and improving healthcare affordability.  

To increase workforce productivity and improve sector outcomes, the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tool. This incisive tool digests and automates common processes such as auditing of healthcare professionals and licensing requests. A release by the DoH states that the tool will raise the productivity and quality of services by more than 80 per cent while reducing the duration to complete processes by 90 per cent. Positioning DoH at the forefront of innovation and digital services, RPA will enable the Department’s workforce to focus on the development of processes and drive extraordinary human potential hence increasing employee productivity. 

Earlier this year, Emirates Health Services (EHS) launched the Care AI project, one of the first of its kind in the region. Care AI consists of a basic system for a smart healthcare facility, supported by AI for self-monitoring, tracking patient behaviour and movement, and assisting doctors in diagnosing patenting using computer vision. Additionally, Care AI automatically updates and analyses patient data and uses AI-based technology to provide the required treatment based on the gathered information.  

To enhance the efficiency of its facilities and ensure seamless provision of its services, Abu Dhabi Healthcare Services (SEHA), in collaboration with SEDCO and Emitac, installed self-service kiosks and patient flow management systems across 40 departments including their outpatient labs, radiology centres and pharmacies. These kiosks come with interactive dashboards and advanced reporting systems, allowing SEHA management to monitor operations, service delivery and resources utility. In-depth reports are then generated, which allows for making better decisions pertaining to resource allocation and spending.  

As technology continues to advance and the goal is to introduce solutions for providers and patients, automation of healthcare services makes it much easier to focus on patient-centred and value-based care.