Interoperability in Healthcare: UAE sets the standard for safe and efficient data exchange
As healthcare facilities continue to digitise their operations, the importance of interoperability has become increasingly apparent. However, sharing data between facilities and governing it appropriately has been a challenge, particularly when it comes to medical records and patient privacy, shared Ali Juma AlAjme, Director of Digital Health Department, Ministry of Health & Prevention – UAE at Elets Global Healthcare Summit & Awards in Dubai.
In the UAE, a set of standards has been established to ensure that all healthcare sectors are speaking the same language and that data is being exchanged safely and efficiently. One of the key standards is terminology, which ensures that lab technologists, physicians, nurses, and payers all use the same language when communicating about medical records. This has streamlined communication and made it easier for healthcare professionals to access the information they need to provide effective care. Additionally, a policy has been put in place to protect patient privacy while still allowing for the exchange of medical records between facilities. This has eliminated the need for patients to carry around their medical records and has created a more sustainable, eco-friendly healthcare environment.
He expressed, “The benefits of this interoperability are numerous, both for healthcare providers and patients. For example, healthcare professionals can quickly access a patient’s medical history regardless of where they received care, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans. Patients, in turn, can receive faster, more efficient care without having to worry about carrying around physical copies of their medical records.”
“As the benefits of interoperability become increasingly clear, other sectors are beginning to adopt similar standards. For example, the UAE has begun sharing data between healthcare and the Ministry of Interior to ensure that emergency services can respond quickly and efficiently. This data sharing is also extending into education and the economy, as digital solutions continue to flourish”, shared Ali Juma AlAjme.
He averred, “The UAE has over 3,000 medical facilities engaged in exchanging clinical data, with more than 90,000 physicians able to access a wealth of 2 billion clinical data, which benefits both the citizens and the government. The healthcare sector is expanding rapidly, with the data collected becoming increasingly beautiful. The private sector, which constitutes 70 per cent of the industry, is cooperative in adhering to the standards set by the government, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry has started to certify digital health solutions, and currently, 19 EMRs are certified, and the ministry publishes these incentives on its website. This enables investors to see the UAE Cloud EMRs that are certified and open a facility the next day through a subscription model. The process is transparent and available for anyone who wants to invest in the healthcare sector, making it easier for them to provide quality services.”
Concluding the session he stated, “As we move into the future, healthcare gadgets such as smartphones and smartwatches are becoming increasingly prevalent, and these technologies will likely continue to be integrated into healthcare. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the increasing use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), the potential for interoperability is only growing. In the UAE and around the world, the importance of interoperability in healthcare cannot be overstated. By setting standards for data sharing and communication, we can ensure that patients receive the best possible care, regardless of where they seek treatment.”
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