Quality benchmarks beyond best practice in MENA healthcareQuality benchmarks beyond best practice in MENA healthcare

As healthcare systems rapidly evolve, the pursuit of excellence has never been more vital. For the UAE, striving to become a global leader in healthcare, establishing high-quality benchmarks is crucial. Central to this effort is quality benchmarking — a comprehensive approach designed to enhance patient safety, achieve clinical excellence, drive operational efficiency and innovation.

Quality excellence aims for patient-centred care that follows the highest international medical protocols to ensure safe, effective, and timely delivery of best possible health outcomes.

Patient safety

Patient safety is a fundamental pillar of quality in healthcare, ensuring that care is both effective and free from harm. Quality benchmarks in this area are typically defined through rigorous protocols and standards designed to minimise errors and adverse events. For instance, standardised checklists and protocols significantly reduce the likelihood of surgical errors, while electronic health records (EHRs) ensure accurate and accessible patient information.

The World Health Organization’s 19-item surgical safety checklist, widely adopted, has been shown to significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. The integration of safety protocols into daily operations, supported by continuous training and adherence to international standards, is pivotal in safeguarding patients.

Clinical excellence

Clinical excellence goes beyond adhering to best practices; it requires delivering exceptional care through advanced techniques and evidence-based methods. Benchmarks for clinical excellence include the establishment of performance metrics performance metrics focused on clinical outcomes, such as recovery rates and chronic disease management. Achieving this excellence requires healthcare professionals to possess advanced skills and diagnostic acumen, ensuring precise execution of complex procedures.

As healthcare evolves, data-driven approaches such as harnessing big data and advanced analytics enable healthcare providers to gain insights into treatment efficacy, identify trends, and make informed decisions that drive better outcomes. Through latest research, continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies, clinical excellence ensures that patient care remains at the highest standard.

Operational efficiency

Operational efficiency is essential for optimising processes, resources and systems within the healthcare organisation to deliver high-quality care while minimising waste and maximising value. This involves streamlining workflows to reduce delays, improving resource management to prevent shortages or surpluses, and utilising technology to automate routine tasks, thereby enhancing productivity.

Technology plays a significant role, with automated systems for scheduling, patient management, and electronic health records helping to streamline administrative tasks, reduce manual errors, and free up time for healthcare professionals. These improvements not only enhance operational performance but also contribute to a better patient experience.

Innovation

Finally, innovation drives the continuous improvement of healthcare quality. It includes new technologies, treatment methods, and care models that challenge existing practices and push the boundaries of what is possible. In the UAE, fostering innovation is a priority, with initiatives such as digital health platforms, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalised medicine leading the way.

AI and machine learning are transforming diagnostics and treatment personalisation, while telemedicine extends care access and supports remote consultations. Personalised medicine uses genetic and lifestyle data to tailor treatments, improving outcomes and minimising adverse effects. Innovations in robotic and minimally invasive surgery enhance precision and reduce recovery times.

Together, these advancements drive quality excellence by improving care delivery, patient outcomes, and overall healthcare efficiency.

Maintaining quality excellence in healthcare is a dynamic process requiring a multi-faceted approach. A steadfast commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and innovation ensures that quality remains at the forefront, leading to a more effective and responsive healthcare system that meets evolving patient needs and advances care standards.

Dr. Sherbaz Bichu is the CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics, UAE, Oman and Bahrain.