In this exclusive interview with Mediworld Middle East, Amina Mahmood Ahmed – Head of Quality & Excellence Department, Head of Sustainability & CSR, MRI Specialist & MRI Safety Expert at Fujairah Hospital, EHS, UAE, sheds light on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovations are redefining healthcare in the UAE.
Amina discusses her pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and patient care, while sharing highlights from her inspiring journey in healthcare.
Under her leadership, Fujairah Hospital has achieved remarkable milestones, including the adoption of telemedicine, advanced electronic health record systems, and AI-powered diagnostic tools.
She delves into how these innovations are not only transforming healthcare delivery but also addressing environmental sustainability and cost efficiency.
Amina envisions Artificial Intelligence as a cornerstone in the continuum of care, shaping everything from treatment discovery to equitable patient access. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, she emphasizes the importance of partnerships with tech leaders to ensure a future of accessible, personalized, and high-quality healthcare.
With a focus on equitable healthcare, she highlights strategies to bridge gaps in underserved areas and outlines her vision for AI’s role in fostering personalized, accessible, and innovative care across the UAE.
Can you share an overview of your role as Head of Quality & Organization Excellence at Fujairah Hospital, Emirates Health Services and your contributions to advancing healthcare quality and innovation, and your journey in healthcare so far?
As the Head of Quality & Organizational Excellence, I lead strategic initiatives designed to enhance healthcare quality and operational efficiency throughout our facility. My team and I are dedicated to developing systems that maintain high standards in patient care, staff training, and overall healthcare service delivery.
We are also heavily invested in implementing innovative practices that leverage technology for enhanced healthcare experiences.
My journey in healthcare began with a passion for improving patient outcomes, and over the years, I have specialized in diagnostic radiology and MSc in innovation, leadership and management from UK, which has given me the opportunity to integrate new technologies and processes into healthcare systems to elevate care quality.
What are some of the most significant milestones achieved by Fujairah Hospital in its digital transformation journey?
Fujairah Hospital has fully digitized its services. One of the most notable achievements was the introduction of our telemedicine services, which greatly improved access to healthcare, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These services remain in place, driving improvements in cost efficiency and supporting environmental sustainability.
‘Riyaati’ program is also a significant addition in Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, which has streamlined patient data management across multiple clinics and hospitals, enabling seamless access to patient information.
We have also introduced an AI-based dashboard that predicts which appointments can be converted to telemedicine, while also calculating the associated reduction in CO2 emissions and cost efficiency. Additionally, we are working on AI-driven diagnostic tools that assist healthcare professionals in providing more accurate and timely diagnoses. These initiatives are making healthcare more accessible and efficient for both patients and medical providers.
How do you see the role of AI evolving in the continuum of care, from treatment discovery to patient access?
AI has the potential to revolutionize the entire healthcare continuum. In the early stages, AI aids in treatment discovery by analyzing vast datasets of clinical information to identify potential drug candidates or treatment options.
In clinical practice, AI can support physicians with diagnostic tools and predictive analytics to improve decision-making. When it comes to patient access, AI helps streamline administrative tasks, reducing wait times and improving patient navigation through healthcare systems, making it easier for patients to access the right care at the right time. At Fujairah Hospital, AI powers key areas including radiology, endoscopy, as well as various clinical and non-clinical departments.
Could you share some examples of how AI is advancing various stages of healthcare, from diagnosis to recovery?
AI is playing a crucial role in diagnostics through systems like machine learning-based imaging analysis, which can detect anomalies such as tumors or fractures with high accuracy. During treatment, AI is used for personalized medicine, helping tailor therapies based on genetic or lifestyle data. In recovery, AI-driven rehabilitation tools, such as virtual physiotherapists or robotic assistants, are being used to monitor and guide patients through their recovery process, ensuring optimal outcomes and faster recovery times.
What strategies are being employed to ensure equitable patient access to these advanced treatments and technologies, particularly in remote or underserved areas?
We have focused on expanding telemedicine and mobile health solutions that can reach patients in remote and underserved areas. By providing virtual consultations, we are bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers.
Additionally, our mobile health clinics bring specialized medical care to rural areas, ensuring that technology-driven treatments are not limited to urban populations. We also work to educate communities about available digital health tools and ensure they have the infrastructure to use them, such as smartphones and reliable internet connections.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face when implementing AI and digitalization in healthcare services, and how do you address them?
One of the primary challenges is the resistance to change among some healthcare providers. Transitioning to AI and digital platforms requires training and a shift in mindset, which can take time. We address this by providing comprehensive training and ensuring that all staff understand the benefits of these technologies.
Another challenge is data quality and standardization. Artificial Intelligence relies on large amounts of clean, structured data, so we have focused on improving data collection processes and ensuring interoperability between different systems.
In your view, what are the emerging trends in AI and digitalization that will shape the future of healthcare in UAE, and how is Emirates Health Services preparing for them?
One of the major trends is the increased use of AI-powered predictive analytics to anticipate patient needs and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, the integration of wearable health devices and remote monitoring technologies will empower patients to manage their health proactively.
We are preparing for these trends by investing in AI training, building partnerships with technology innovators, and ensuring our infrastructure supports the seamless integration of new technologies.
How important are collaborations with tech companies and research institutions in driving AI innovations within Emirates Health Services?
Collaborations with tech companies and research institutions are vital to driving innovation. By partnering with universities and tech firms, we gain access to cutting-edge AI tools and research that can significantly enhance our healthcare delivery. These partnerships also allow us to stay ahead of the curve in terms of emerging technologies, ensuring that we can implement the best and most efficient solutions for patient care.
What is your vision for the future of AI in healthcare, and how do you see Fujairah Hospital, Emirates Health Services contributing to shaping that future?
My vision for the future of AI in healthcare is one where Artificial Intelligence serves as an indispensable tool in providing personalized, efficient, and accessible care for every patient. It will be embedded in clinical decision-making, patient monitoring, and even administrative tasks to reduce human error and improve outcomes.
Fujairah Hospital, Emirates Health Services will continue to be at the forefront of this transformation, by not only adopting AI solutions but also leading initiatives that promote their ethical use, ensuring they are accessible to all and that healthcare professionals are equipped to work alongside AI for the best patient outcomes.