Featuring a large gantry aperture, the NewTom 7G is the most advanced CBCT device on the market. From in-depth detail to the big picture.
NewTom CBCT imaging now draws on fresh energy.
As of today NewTom 7G incorporates the Dual Energy (DE) system, elevating performance to new heights and revolutionising the way your practice operates.
Dual Energy: patented NewTom technology
The result of a continuous quest for patient well-being and ever-greater diagnostic precision, Dual Energy uses two different radiant energies to identify any pathologies with greater clarity and precision.
Virtual Monochromatic Images
Dual Energy technology mitigates beam-hardening artifacts. What’s more, being able to reconstruct monochromatic virtual images at different keVs improves soft tissue imaging quality and reduces metal artifacts. Lastly, Dual Energy CBCT provides a basis for tissue characterisation.
Colour-coded images
NewTom Dual Energy software enables users to perform semiautomatic tissue segmentation and apply colour codes, streamlining the differentiation of materials within the scanned area. This allows rapid and straightforward detection of potential pathologies.
Blended image
The new features enable weighted blending of high- and low-energy imaging. The resulting images combine the low noise, typical of highenergy acquisition, with the high contrast resolution of the low-energy image set.
2025 KICKS OFF WITH A HEALTH-FOCUSED START: LET’S KEEP UP WITH THE PACE AND RACE AHEAD!
As we enter a new year, it is expected to be filled with health-related events and milestones, both in the Arab region and internationally. Tracking advancements in health and medical sciences showcases remarkable achievements, numerous successes, and an optimistic vision for a healthier, safer future.
Alongside ongoing scientific breakthroughs and innovations that promise further advancements in healthcare, hospitals are experiencing a significant qualitative transformation. These improvements include enhanced health services and patient care, innovative architectural designs, better management practices, and upgraded medical and nursing teams—all increasingly incorporating modern technologies. The vibrant health landscape of 2025 features lively medical exhibitions that serve as dynamic annual platforms, expanding globally, particularly in the Arab region. These prestigious events, known for their scientific and organizational excellence, provide immense advantages for public health and all involved stakeholders, including governments, healthcare sectors, institutions, enthusiasts, manufacturers, and participants.
This year’s Arab Health Exhibition and Congress holds special significance as it marks its 50th edition, scheduled to be hosted in Dubai from January 27 to 30, revolving around the theme, "Where the World of Healthcare Meets Under One Roof." This edition is poised to welcome over 3,800 exhibitors, many revealing exclusive global healthcare innovations, with more than 60,000 visitors expected to attend. As we embark on this year, the world is propelling forward. Health stands as the foundation of an engaged present and an improved future. Let’s maintain the momentum and push ahead!
The Publisher
Publisher Arab Health Media Communication
President Simon Chammas schammas@tahmag.com
Executive Vice President Mirna Khairallah mirna@tahmag.com
All rights reserved by the HOSPITALS magazine. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without prior permission in writting from the publisher.
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Becton Dickinson BD Medication Management: Aiming for Sustainable Healthcare
64 Dr. Lukas Kwietniewski, Director of Healthcare Analysis at Statista
74 Saved Twice by Lurie Children’s Cardiology and Cancer Experts
A New International Healthcare Sustainability Certification
Are you a healthcare organization accelerating your sustainable practices and seeking formal recognition?
Discover how Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Geneva Sustainable Centre (GSC) can support you on your journey toward sustainable healthcare.
For more information, please scan the QR code.
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RIX Industries
Oxygen Compression Systems
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
38 BD Medication Management: Aiming for Sustainable Healthcare
82 Oxygen Compression Systems: Bridging the Oxygen Gap in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
90 LINDU Medical: A Revolution in Natural Childbirth with Czech Roots
108 Revolutionizing Diagnostic Imaging with NewTom 7G Dual Energy Technology
134 Doctory Launches Futuristic Telemedicine Station to Redefine Patient Care
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
10 Lurie Children’s: A Destination for Organ Transplantation
50 Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center: New Implantable device treats heart failure
74 Mary’s Story: Saved Twice by Lurie Children’s Cardiology and Cancer Experts
102 Abu Dhabi International Medical Services and Fourmed Medical Supplies Achieve Prestigious ISO Certifications
104 UCLA Health: Unlocking the potential of patient-derived organoids for personalized sarcoma treatment
70 Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals
110 UChicago Medicine: ‘Too many more years to live’: Tinley
Park woman becomes living donor for husband needing kidney transplant
114 Excellence in Healthcare... Cedars-Sinai, A Leading
108
NewTom 7G Dual Energy Technology
Destination For Patients Worldwide
118 A Year of Wonders and Achievements for Acıbadem Türkiye
INTERVIEWS
54 Dr. Robert Ojiambo, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q)
64 Dr. Lukas Kwietniewski, Director of Healthcare Analysis at Statista
96 Mr. Tarek Abughazaleh, Chief Operating Officer at Clemenceau Medical Center
FEATURES
60 Innovative Hospital Beds and the Future of Patient Care
78 Sustainable Healthcare for a Greener Future
86 Healthcare Tourism in the Czech Republic
92 International Accreditation: A Badge of Excellence in Healthcare
136 Pap Smear and HPV Vaccination
ARTICLES
106 Al-Ahli Hospital: Eczema Treatment for Children
124 Al-Ahli Hospital: The Well-Child Care Program:
130 2024 Year-End Healthcare: Achievements, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
132 Al-Ahli Hospital: Sleep Apnea
FDA Approves Tirzepatide the First and Only Prescription Medicine for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults with Obesity
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lately Tirzepatide, produced by Eli Lilly, as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with moderateto-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity. Tirzepatide may help adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity improve their sleep disorder. It should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
"Too often, OSA is brushed off as 'just snoring' — but it's far more than that”, said Julie Flygare, J.D., President and CEO of Project Sleep. “It's important to understand OSA symptoms and know that treatments are available, including new options like Tirzepatide. We hope this will spark more meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers and ultimately lead to better health outcomes”.
OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by complete or partial collapses of the upper airway during sleep, which can lead to pauses in breathing (apnea) or shallow breathing (hypopnea) and a potential decrease in oxygen saturation and/or waking from sleep. One of the hallmarks of OSA is snoring, but fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness and disrupted sleep are also key symptoms, making this serious condition easily overlooked.
"Today, many cases of OSA go undiagnosed and untreated, leaving millions at risk for serious health consequences," said Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President, and President of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA. “Tirzepatide is the first medication that significantly improves moderate-to-severe OSA and aids in long-term weight loss in adults with obesity. Nearly half of clinical trial patients saw such improvements that they no longer had symptoms associated with OSA, marking a critical step forward in reducing the burden of this disease and its interconnected health challenges.”
This approval was based on results from the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 clinical trials, which
evaluated Tirzepatide (10 mg or 15 mg) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity, with and without positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy over the course of a year. Tirzepatide was about five times more effective than placebo in reducing breathing disruptions in adults not on PAP therapy, leading to 25 fewer breathing disruptions per hour with Tirzepatide and five with placebo. In adults on PAP therapy, Tirzepatide led to 29 fewer breathing disruptions per hour compared to six with placebo. After one year, 42% of adults on Tirzepatide and 50% of adults on Tirzepatide with PAP therapy experienced remission or mild,non-symptomatic OSA, compared to 16% and 14% on placebo, respectively. In addition to improved OSA symptoms, adults on Tirzepatide lost an average of 45 lbs (18%) of their body weight, while adults on Tirzepatide with PAP therapy lost an average of 50 lbs (20%) of their body weight, compared to 4 lbs (2%) and 6 lbs (2%) on placebo, respectively.
AVERAGING UP TO 20% OF WEIGHT LOSS, ADULTS TAKING TIRZEPATIDE HAD AT LEAST 25 FEWER BREATHING INTERRUPTIONS EACH HOUR AS THEY SLEPT. UP TO 50% OF ADULTS TAKING TIRZEPATIDE NO LONGER HAD SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH OSA AFTER ONE YEAR.
Lurie Children’s: A Destination for Organ Transplantation
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago stands as a global leader in pediatric organ transplantation. With a rich history of performing organ transplants, dating back to 1964, the hospital has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes for its young patients.
A Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
Lurie Children's regularly performs high volumes of organ transplants, thanks in large part to its collaborative team of pediatric specialists and its proximity to Northwestern Medicine, which facilitates high volumes of liver and kidney donations from living donors. In its most recent fiscal year, Lurie Children’s performed a hospital record of 140 organ transplants, including heart, kidney, stem cell and liver. By combining clinical excellence, innovative research and a compassionate approach, Lurie Children's ensures that each child receives the highest quality care and support.
A Comprehensive Approach to Transplantation
Lurie Children's offers a comprehensive range of transplantation services, each with a legacy of success:
• Heart Transplantation: Lurie Children’s Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Program has been at the forefront of pediatric cardiac care, performing the state of Illinois' first heart transplant in 1988. Today, it continues to lead the nation in the number of heart transplants performed annually. Furthermore, longterm survival rates for Lurie Children’s heart transplant patients are above the national average.
• Kidney Transplantation: The Kidney Transplantation Program has a long history of pioneering work, performing Illinois' first pediatric kidney transplant in 1964. The program's experienced team delivers exceptional outcomes and innovative treatments, ensuring access to care for every child.
• Liver Transplantation: The Liver Transplantation Program, launched by internationally renowned liver surgeon Dr. Riccardo Superina, is one of the largest and most experienced in the U.S. The program specializes in advanced techniques such as split liver and reducedsize liver transplants, expanding the donor pool and improving outcomes for children.
• Stem Cell Transplantation: The Stem Cell Transplantation Program is one of the largest pediatric programs in the nation, recognized for its quality, outcomes and multidisciplinary approach, along with its use of gene therapy.
International Patient Services Department
Our International Patient Services (IPS) Department works with families around the world who are seeking specialized pediatric healthcare services. IPS is committed to providing family-centered care through every interaction, from referral through treatment and the patient’s journey home. At every step, IPS provides patients and their families with support in their own language, through certified interpreters in-person, via video and by telephone.
LURIE CHILDREN'S REGULARLY PERFORMS HIGH VOLUMES OF ORGAN TRANSPLANTS, THANKS IN LARGE PART TO ITS COLLABORATIVE TEAM OF PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS AND ITS PROXIMITY TO NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE, WHICH FACILITATES HIGH VOLUMES OF LIVER AND KIDNEY DONATIONS FROM LIVING DONORS. IN ITS MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR, LURIE CHILDREN’S PERFORMED A HOSPITAL RECORD OF 140 ORGAN TRANSPLANTS, INCLUDING HEART, KIDNEY, STEM CELL AND LIVER.
ACIBADEM MOBIL
provides emergency and home care services outside of the hospital.
ACIBADEM APLUS
addresses the hygiene and catering requirements of the hospitals.
ACIBADEM HEALTH POINT ensures continuous support for patients from their arrival at Istanbul Airport until they return home, guiding them through their entire healthcare journey in Türkiye.
ACIBADEM TECHNOLOGY
develops and improves inhouse softwares including Hospital Information System and healthcare command center.
ACIBADEM UNIVERSITY
trains healthcare students to be future healthcare professionals.
ACIBADEM LABMED
offers a wide range of services including pathology, food control, stem cell and cord blood bank within the laboratory framework.
develops turnkey hospital establishment projects.
Unveiling ACIBADEM Healthcare Ecosystem
Step into a world where healthcare is not just a service, but a carefully designed ecosystem centered around Patient Safety and Patient Satisfaction – Welcome to ACIBADEM. At the forefront of innovative medical care, ACIBADEM's healthcare model is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. Every facet of the healthcare journey is seamlessly integrated, with ACIBADEM collaborating with its supporting institutions at every step to mitigate risks and ensure service quality that aligns with ACIBADEM standards. Embark on a journey of cutting-edge medical services that transcend borders, as ACIBADEM extends its reach across Türkiye, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Experience healthcare like never before, where your well-being takes center stage.
A New Era in Sarcoma: Personalized Medicine at UCLA Health
UCLA Health continues to set the global standard for innovative treatment options and personalized care.
Excellence in Healthcare
Cedars-Sinai has been named to the Honor Roll for the ninth consecutive year in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2024–25” rankings. As a global leader in healthcare, we offer a full range of services to patients from around the world. Whether we’re providing clinical services in your region via video visits or at our renowned medical center, our mission remains unchanged: to give patients access to excellence in healthcare—wherever they may be. Located in iconic Beverly Hills, Cedars-Sinai blends cutting-edge medicine in a vibrant setting known for its rich culture, famous landmarks and year-round warm weather—making it a leading destination for international patients seeking world-class treatment.
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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EMPLOYEE
WELLBEING
AND WORKPLACE HEALTH
The International Conference on Employee Wellbeing and Workplace Health 2025 (ICEWWH 2025) is a landmark event dedicated to enhancing the health, happiness, and productivity of employees worldwide.
For more information, please scan the code or visit: hamad.qa/ICEWWH/
Innovative Pulmonary Blood Pressure Measurement Saves Patient at Al Qassimi Hospital, UAE
In a remarkable medical achievement, Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, part of the Emirates Health Services, successfully saved the life of a patient suffering from severe pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This was accomplished using an advanced technique involving an oesophageal catheter for measuring pulmonary pressure, resulting in significant improvements in her condition and her subsequent discharge from the intensive care unit in good health.
Upon arrival at the emergency department, the patient was in critical condition, with dangerously low blood oxygen levels due to respiratory failure. She was immediately transferred to intensive care and placed on a ventilator. After five days of intensive treatment without significant improvement, the medical team decided to employ this innovative technology, which allows for precise pulmonary pressure measurement and facilitates safe adjustments to ventilator settings.
Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, CEO of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah commended this success, stating, "This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering worldclass healthcare, supported by the Emirates Health Services. We invest in cutting-edge technologies and train our medical teams to
utilize them effectively. We aim to expand this successful approach, thereby enhancing the UAE's status as a leading center for advanced medical innovation, in alignment with the 'We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE Centennial 2071."
Dr. Amr Mohamed Abouelela, Consultant Intensivist at Al Qassimi Hospital and the attending physician for this case, added, "The use of pulmonary pressure measurement technology for the first time in the UAE marks a pivotal moment in the management of critical cases. This technique has greatly improved diagnostic and treatment accuracy, allowing us to effectively address the complexities of this patient's condition and ultimately save her life."
Thanks to this innovative approach, the patient exhibited gradual signs of improvement and was able to leave the intensive care unit in good health.
This accomplishment not only showcases the advanced medical expertise at Al Qassimi Hospital but also solidifies its position as a leader in adopting the latest medical technologies. Furthermore, it also contributes to enhancing the hospital’s position as a medical center of excellence in providing high-quality specialized care and highlights the essential role of the Emirates Health Services in fostering medical innovation throughout the country.
Dr. Arif Al Nooryani
Dr. Amr Mohamed Abouelela
Medlab Middle East to highlight the future of laboratory automation in the MENA region
Advancements in electronics and robotics have significantly accelerated laboratory automation, with digitalisation emerging as a major driver in laboratory diagnostic sciences in recent years. Medlab Middle East, the MENA region’s largest medical laboratory exhibition and congress will showcase some of the latest technologies in laboratory automation when the event returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 3-6 February.
According to a report from Data Bridge Market Research, the laboratory automation market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% reaching a market size of USD 376.55 million by 2029. This growth reflects the increasing demand for advanced technologies, investment in research and development, and a heightened focus on accuracy in laboratory processes.
Lab automation involves using tools to perform tests, experiments and data analysis with minimal human involvement required. Automation offers increased efficiency, precision and repeatability, as well as the capacity to handle large sample volumes. Overall, lab automation streamlines workflows and improves the reliability of experimental outcomes, driving progress in various research and development fields.
Lab automation is already providing significant efficiencies in the MENA region. Notable examples include the Emirates Health Services Foundation, which has become the first regional institution to implement a blooddrawing robot. The innovation has resulted in an 80% reduction in staff time and a 50% decrease in patient delays. Emirates Health Services has also launched four robotic pharmacies to automate the delivery of medicines. The robots use AI technology to locate and identify medicines to dispense prescriptions automatically in less than a minute.
In addition, The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has introduced the Robotic Process Automation tool (RPA) to boost workforce
productivity as well as improve sector outcomes. Through RPA, the DoH aims to provide smart services and an effortless customer experience by using the latest machine learning tools.
WizardHealth, a software company dedicated to simplifying and enhancing the organisation of medical laboratories will present WizardLab, a web-based laboratory information system that helps laboratories of different sizes and disciplines to manage their work, and Wizard Hono, a compact solution that effortlessly links laboratory instruments with LIMS, HIS, or EHR solutions.
Rejoy Penacerrada, Conference Director, Medlab commented: “Underscoring the importance of lab automation in the future of the laboratory industry, Medlab Middle East will debut a Lab Automation conference at the Medlab Middle East Congress. The new conference track is designed to explore the transformative impact of automation and IT workflows on laboratory operations. Attendees will gain insights into the latest automation tools, learn best practices for implementation, and discover how to optimize lab workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy.”
The Lab Automation Conference is chaired by Dr Hady Elkhodary, Director of Laboratory Services and Outreach, American Hospital in Dubai and Mohamed Osman, Lab Operations Director (Abu Dhabi, Al Dafra and Al Ain), Mediclinic – Al Noor Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
MEDLAB MIDDLE EAST WILL FEATURE INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN LABORATORY AUTOMATION, INCLUDING CRELIOHEALTH, A US-BASED DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION COMPANY FOR LABS AND DIAGNOSTICS CENTRES. CRELIOHEALTH WILL SHOWCASE ITS HIPAA, ISO 27001:2013 &SOC II COMPLIANT, CLOUDBASED MEDICAL LAB SOLUTION, WHICH ENABLES USERS TO HANDLE LAB OPERATIONS, FINANCE, PATIENTS, AND B2B RELATIONSHIPS FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM.
April 8-11, 2025
Shanghai, China
Sept. 26-29, 2025
Guangzhou, China
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Global Edge to tackle healthcare needs at Arab Health 2025 with natural products for Middle East market
Urbanization and sedentary lifestyles are driving modern customers to choose natural and effective healthcare solutions. Health and wellness retail market in the UAE projected to reach approximately 2.57 billion US dollars by 2025.
GE Services & Trading (Global Edge), a leading company serving as a gateway for businesses to expand to the GCC and MENA region, is set to participate in Arab Health 2025 to introduce three innovative global brands offering natural healthcare products to the UAE and Middle East market. These three brands, specializing in healthy aging, natural plant-based nutrition, and dietary supplements, aim to address the rising demand for healthfocused solutions in the region and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Global Edge’s participation in Arab Health 2025, the largest healthcare exhibition in the MENA region, underscores its commitment to empowering businesses to tap into this burgeoning market.
With the health and wellness retail market in the UAE projected to reach approximately 2.57 billion US dollars by 2025, and the continuous growth across the Middle East, these brands will contribute to shaping the future of healthcare, promoting healthier lifestyles, and driving innovation in the industry.
Karim Hwalla, Director at Global Edge, stated: “Arab Health 2025 offers a powerful platform to connect innovative solutions with the region’s growing health-focused demands. At Global Edge, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for businesses to expand their global reach. By introducing these three new brands in the Middle East, we aim to address the region’s rising demand for health and wellness solutions while promoting purposedriven growth and helping businesses succeed.”
As Urbanization and sedentary lifestyles fuel rising health concerns like obesity,
diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, modern customers are gravitating towards natural and effective healthcare solutions such as weight management supplements, diabetic care products, heart health supplements, and natural beauty products. With high per capita income and increased purchasing power in the region, the demand for consumer health products, including OTC medications, dietary supplements, and personal care items continues to grow. This trend, coupled with the increasing awareness of natural and organic products, has created a significant opportunity for natural healthcare brands.
Global Edge remains committed to empowering businesses and helping them navigate the complexities of the global market. By providing strategic insights and tailored solutions, the company seeks to establish a strong presence for these healthcare brands in the Middle East. With a keen focus on aligning products with the region’s health and wellness priorities, Global Edge aims to drive impactful market entry strategies for its partners.
GLOBAL EDGE’S PARTICIPATION IN ARAB HEALTH 2025, THE LARGEST HEALTHCARE EXHIBITION IN THE MENA REGION, UNDERSCORES ITS COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING BUSINESSES TO TAP INTO THIS BURGEONING MARKET.
Where some of the greatest advances in medicine are hard at work for you. The University of Chicago Medicine pioneers the kind of research that’s changing lives. It is home to the most advanced medical technology, and physicians who work at the forefront of their fields.
It is our mission to bring the forefront of medicine to the world through personalized international patient services and tailored global advisory and education programs.
Clinical Centers of Excellence
» Comprehensive Cancer Center
» Transplant Institute
» Heart & Vascular Center
» Neuroscience Center
» Digestive Diseases Center
» Orthopaedic Surgery
» Obstetrics & Gynecology
» Pediatrics
For more information, visit UChicagoMedicine.org/global
100 Nobel L aureates, including 12 in Physiology or M edicine Magnet Recognition for E xcellence in N ursing & Patient C are
One of only 12 hospitals in the United States to have earned 26 consecutive “A” grades in patient safety by The Leapfrog Group
Ranked nationally in multiple adult and children’s specialties by U S N ews & World R epor t
SuperDial acquires MajorBoost to expand voice AI capabilities for US healthcare organizations
SuperDial, a voice AI company that automates phone calls for healthcare organizations, has acquired MajorBoost. This fellow innovator has developed an AIpowered system to automate the process of waiting on hold and navigating insurance companies’ Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone trees. This acquisition augments SuperDial’s existing capabilities in automated dialing, IVR and hold navigation, and collecting information over the phone from live representatives.
With this acquisition, SuperDial will be wellpositioned to address the growing demand for automation in healthcare, an industry that is rapidly adopting AI agents to complete timeconsuming tasks. Healthcare organizations rely heavily on phone calls, and SuperDial’s AI phone agents will be even more powerful with MajorBoost’s capabilities.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome MajorBoost to the SuperDial family,” said Sam Schwager, CEO & Co-Founder of SuperDial. “This brings us one step closer to our goal of making tedious phone calls a thing of the past for healthcare organizations. During our evaluation, we were highly impressed by MajorBoost’s ability to encode the nuances required to consistently navigate phone trees and hold times. Combining our solutions will lead to a better overall experience for our customers.”
SuperDial specializes in end-to-end phone call automation. SuperDial’s AI agents navigate phone trees, wait on hold, and conduct full conversations with live representatives. If an AI agent cannot complete a call, a human steps in, which also generates valuable data that can be used to improve AI performance. By leveraging SuperDial to automate phone calls that would otherwise need to be performed by their teams, customers have reported cost savings and productivity gains as high as 3x and 4x, respectively. Since its founding, SuperDial has been committed to improving the efficiency of the revenue cycle management (“RCM”) process healthcare providers undergo to bill and collect
payment for services. Obtaining reimbursement from health insurance companies is at the core of RCM. By automating expensive and timeconsuming outbound phone calls to insurers, SuperDial has quickly become a trusted partner for leading billing companies and provider organizations. Given both SuperDial and MajorBoost have extensive RCM expertise, this acquisition is a logical next step in SuperDial’s growth trajectory. With MajorBoost, SuperDial will now be even better positioned to automate phone calls for RCM use cases such as benefits verification, prior authorization, claim follow-up and provider credentialing & enrollment.
“MajorBoost's AI has saved time and boosted revenues for medical billing, eligibility and credentialing teams who routinely call health insurance companies. With AI to handle the hassles of payer calls, our clients experienced improvements in claims collections and team member satisfaction. Their tasks completed per day increased by up to 45%, an extra two days per week per person. Since founding MajorBoost at the AI2 Incubator, our solid technical team has delivered cutting-edge AI ranging from human-in-the-middle to fully automated calls to payers. MajorBoost is excited to combine with SuperDial and offer clients a comprehensive suite of voice AI solutions,” said Lekshmi Venu, CEO & Founder of MajorBoost.
“What sets the SuperDial team apart is the speed of their execution capabilities and their commitment to a deep understanding of healthcare business processes,” said Paul Bernard, Chief Product Officer at Vyne Dental. “SuperDial frees up revenue cycle personnel to focus on the highest possible problem solving needs while AI handles critical but highly repetitive work like data gathering.”
SuperDial is committed to evolving with customer needs in an increasingly automated world. Looking ahead, SuperDial will continue to innovate and invest in AI-powered solutions within RCM and beyond to help healthcare organizations minimize administrative costs and maximize operational efficiency.
SUPERDIAL HAS ACQUIRED MAJORBOOST, A LEADING CONVERSATIONAL AI COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN AUTOMATING PHONE CALLS TO HEALTH INSURERS. THIS ACQUISITION ENHANCES
SUPERDIAL’S EXISTING VOICE AI CAPABILITIES TO UNLOCK OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY GAINS FOR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS.
Sam Schwager
BD Medication Management: Aiming for Sustainable Healthcare
James Waterson. RN, M.MedEd, MHEc. Senior Medical Affairs Manager, Medication Management Solutions. Becton Dickinson Middle East and Africa.
The Direct Challenge
One of the biggest challenges facing us today right across the healthcare continuum is sustainability. This means physically reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare; reducing the consumption of plastics in the form of disposables and sterile packaging of medical supplies. This is undoubtedly important and at Becton Dickinson we strive to achieve these very clear goals through vigilant supplier oversight for adherence to applicable environmental laws and regulations. We also aim to optimize the environmental performance of products and operations and take a life cycle approach for all products. BD is
committed to making strong efforts to reduce the consumption of energy, water, and other nonrenewable natural resources, as well as minimizing, measuring and reporting water and air discharges into the environment.1
The ‘Indirect’ Challenge
At Becton Dickinson, we view sustainability as a portfolio of complementary initiatives and actions that help us achieve our purpose of Advancing the World of Health™. Our sustainability strategy addresses a range of challenges in our industry while helping to make a difference on relevant issues that affect society and the planet.2
AT BECTON DICKINSON, WE VIEW SUSTAINABILITY AS A PORTFOLIO OF COMPLEMENTARY INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS THAT HELP US ACHIEVE OUR PURPOSE OF ADVANCING THE WORLD OF HEALTH™.
Of course, all of us working in healthcare have always had a responsibility to society and to our patients and to the individuals we work with in our healthcare facilities to deliver and sustain the highest quality of care right across the patient experience, from admission to discharge, and beyond. But now more than ever ecological and human sustainability needs to be built into every patient interaction. By putting sustainability front and centre in our approaches to patient care, we can ‘build back’ into the system through managing care efficiently. Applying technology to care can help to reduce waste in terms of our human resources, facility resources in terms of Length of Stay (LOS), pharmaceutic and surgical treatment resources, and community resources.
BD works to strengthen healthcare systems across the world by developing and deploying market-appropriate solutions, and BD Global Public Health works to align activities, priorities, and development efforts around the world's leading public health needs. We drive access to existing BD solutions and develop and deploy innovations to address priority health needs in areas aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).3
Sustainability and Medication Management Solutions
Medication management has, as its core goal, the avoidance of iatrogenic harm. One example of this is planning for successful discharge, avoiding ‘bounce back’ readmission, and reducing the risk of self-medicating patients taking medications incorrectly, or not adhering to medication regimens due to lack of understanding. The question is how can we create this time for teaching and engaging with patients to take place in a busy outpatient pharmacy department?
A robotic and automated pharmacy may help us achieve the goal of protecting time for pharmacists to undertake techniques like ‘teach back’, and to review medication regimens for potential deprescribing opportunities and possibly harmful or conflicting polypharmacy during discharge planning or outpatient education and help to ensure that patients adhere
to medication regimens. A program of medication counselling and education may help reduce the ‘bouncing back’ we currently see, with one study showing that 14.7% of emergency admissions in Saudi Arabia are related to medications being taken incorrectly at home.4
Such events cost the system, cost social healthcare budgets, and cost the environment with the opportunity cost of dispensing never used, or incorrectly used, pharmaceuticals. To achieve this aim of pharmacists and nurses being able to spend more time on direct care and patient education we need to reduce the Non-Value Added (NVA) tasks that pharmacists and nurses undertake so that they can do the things they were trained to do. The 2016 study of Fisher et al suggested that pharmacists spend more than fifty percent of their time in traditional medication management systems in NVA tasks such as inventory, medication ordering, or undertaking double-checks on forecasts.5
We often think of waste in terms of discarded plastics and ‘simple’ extravagance or carelessness, but West’s Delphi panel of 2015 gave a stark warning on the impact of medication wastage and a very comprehensive description: ‘Medication wastage refers to any medication which expires or remains unused throughout the whole medicines supply chain. It also refers to the unnecessary or inappropriate consumption of medications by patients, or the unjustified non-adherence to treatment
Protected time for pharmacists to educate patients about their medications, to check for polypharmacy and to review opportunities for deprescribing medications can be created and secured by the introduction of automation. 7
BD WORKS TO STRENGTHEN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ACROSS THE WORLD BY DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING MARKETAPPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS, AND BD GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH WORKS TO ALIGN ACTIVITIES, PRIORITIES, AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS AROUND THE WORLD'S LEADING PUBLIC HEALTH NEEDS. WE DRIVE ACCESS TO EXISTING BD SOLUTIONS AND DEVELOP AND DEPLOY INNOVATIONS TO ADDRESS PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS IN AREAS ALIGNED WITH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS).3
Systems such as automation of individual dosing and dynamic inventory robotic pharmacies can substantially reduce the financial and ecological harm created by unnecessary expiry of medications. 7
guidelines by healthcare professionals. Medication wastage poses a financial burden on patients themselves and the state's economy and requires adequate education of all people concerned’.6 Medications are expensive for the organization and for society in simple monetary terms, but of course there is also an environmental cost and extensive use of ecological resources in the production of pharmaceuticals which can be wasted if the patient is non-adherent, if medications are given incorrectly, and of course if stock is not handled efficiently and pharmaceuticals expire in the facility.
Preservation of medication supply by reducing the risk of expiry can be substantially improved by the use of robotic pharmacies as the system takes in the expiry date along with other medication data via barcode reading and as it loads the secure storage area it looks for special precautions such as refrigeration requirements and arranges and rotates medications by expiry date and creates a dynamic inventory with alerts for slow moving items and near-expiry products.
A 2022 outpatient study that assessed wastage via a ‘basket’ of sample medications, found expired medication wastage cost was reduced by 83.9% following the introduction of a BD Rowa™ robotic pharmacy for management and dispensing.7
Waste reduction of expensive and complex medications can also extend into intravenous medication compounding, particularly in the oncology field where sustainability is vital8 as the global ‘load’ for IV-chemotherapy cancer treatments is estimated to increase from a 2018 baseline by 53% (from 9.8 million to 15 million individuals) by 2040.9
A gravimetric compounding solution such as BD Cato™ which can reduce the risk of compounding error (and the obligatory discarding of incorrectly compounded products) not only makes financial sense, it is also contributing to overall sustainability of oncology care. A well-constructed and extensive study in 2019 found the volume of potentially incorrectly compounded oncology products with a greater than 20% tolerance error for incorrect dose to be as high as 7.89% of all compounded products.10 When using BD Cato™ the clean room technician is also supported by
the software to choose the most sustainable and economical option in terms of the menu of ampoule size selection for optimum dosing and the ability to optimally reuse partial ampoules of these high-value medications.
The compounding clean room is an engine room of productivity in IV-medication cancer care, and we need to think about the sustainability of technicians and pharmacists working in this area. Healthcare is a highly human industry, and it takes a heavy load on the people working within it.
Technology can assist not only with reducing NVA, and potentially error loaded tasks such as transcription from prescription to compounding order sheets, but also by supporting workflows with compounding with point of care guidance, key-step capture making review and secondcheck sign off easier and more effective, and through barcode label production that can track the compounded product’s journey right down to documentation of administration. A 2021 study illustrated how one oncology compounding unit increased its productivity over five years by 100% after the introduction of the BD Cato™ compounding solution without a change in employee headcount.11
An estimated 15 million individuals will be undergoing IV-chemotherapy cancer treatments globally by 2040. [9] Increasing productivity of oncology compounding units via technologies such as BD CatoTM is vital in order to sustain our ability to provide this care.11
A GRAVIMETRIC COMPOUNDING SOLUTION SUCH AS BD CATO™ WHICH CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF COMPOUNDING ERROR (AND THE OBLIGATORY DISCARDING OF INCORRECTLY COMPOUNDED PRODUCTS) NOT ONLY MAKES FINANCIAL SENSE, IT IS ALSO CONTRIBUTING TO OVERALL SUSTAINABILITY OF ONCOLOGY CARE. A WELL-CONSTRUCTED AND EXTENSIVE STUDY IN 2019 FOUND THE VOLUME OF POTENTIALLY INCORRECTLY COMPOUNDED ONCOLOGY PRODUCTS WITH A GREATER THAN 20% TOLERANCE ERROR FOR INCORRECT DOSE TO BE AS HIGH AS 7.89% OF ALL COMPOUNDED PRODUCTS.10
Community pharmacies and retail pharmacies are potentially powerful agencies in maintaining the sustainability of healthcare systems. Integrating them into processes of prescribing and medication management, and applying automation can free pharmacists to take on extra services to serve patients better and more locally.
Automating Community Services for Sustainability
When we look at the value given by the different services available in healthcare systems, we need to think expansively and in terms of the econometrics of how we serve patients to maximize cost effectiveness, but also to ensure sustainability by making our cost analysis at a societal level. For example, community pharmacies and retail pharmacies have a potentially strong role to play in making
healthcare sustainable by undertaking primary healthcare functions such as running weight reduction clinics, smoking cessation courses, diabetic care assessments and so on.
These retail and community pharmacies are potentially powerful agencies in maintaining the sustainability of healthcare systems. It is a logical extension to link them and integrate them into the processes of prescribing and medication management we already see in our large university and specialist hospitals
A 2021 STUDY ILLUSTRATED HOW ONE ONCOLOGY COMPOUNDING UNIT INCREASED ITS PRODUCTIVITY OVER FIVE YEARS BY 100% AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BD CATO™ COMPOUNDING SOLUTION WITHOUT A CHANGE IN EMPLOYEE HEADCOUNT.11
and medical cities. Then, through applying automation in retail and community pharmacies to manage orders and inventory, we can free these professional pharmacists to take on extra services to serve patients better and more locally.
‘Localization’ through making smaller scale pharmacies as efficient as those already automated in large centrally located facilities works at another level of sustainability. Talking about the traffic for residents of our great cities in the Middle East is like talking about the weather for the English, and our cities are choked with automobiles. Connected and automated medication management for patients who are at home via community outlets and via ATM style medication dispensing units backed by BD Rowa™ medication storage and picking technology with telehealth support from pharmacists potentially reduces unnecessary car trips for medication refills to city central hospitals.
Over the last fourteen years, humanity has passed seven of eight safe boundaries for the Earth’s ecosystem to be able to support
habitation12 and whilst air pollution remains just inside the threshold for ‘dangerous limits’, there are still 4.2 million deaths attributed to poor air quality globally per annum.12 Reducing traffic is very much a sustainability goal as it remains a substantial determinant of health in even developing economies.12 BD Cato™ technology has also been used to allow pharmacists to undertake accurate remote checks on compounding units, this garnered $23,770 in direct annual savings with no change in the quality of the checks in one study13, and we must consider that now unnecessary commutes could also be reduced by such an approach.
Sustaining the Environment, Sustaining the Healthcare Workforce
Healthcare also contributes to greenhouse gases in another way. A 2021 paper14 concluded that in our current climate crisis, sustainable healthcare initiatives need to look at the impact of inhaled anesthetics both on the wider environment and on the direct occupational
BD CATO™ TECHNOLOGY HAS ALSO BEEN USED TO ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO UNDERTAKE ACCURATE REMOTE CHECKS ON COMPOUNDING UNITS, THIS GARNERED $23,770 IN DIRECT ANNUAL SAVINGS WITH NO CHANGE IN THE QUALITY OF THE CHECKS IN ONE STUDY13, AND WE MUST CONSIDER THAT NOW UNNECESSARY COMMUTES COULD ALSO BE REDUCED BY SUCH AN APPROACH.
Total Intravenous Anesthesia could be an efficacious substitute in many surgeries for inhalational agents which contribute to greenhouse gases.14
IV-Medication error reduction via smart pump technology16 could impact finances of facilities and the societal burden of healthcare as well as supporting staff at risk of burnout.
environment of Health Care Workers (HCPs). This was essentially a call to action to judiciously consider in each treatment how, when, and why volatile agents such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and desflurane are unavoidable, and whether Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) and Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) of anesthetic agents via pharmacokinetic models of the types used in BD Alaris ™ Plus PK syringe pumps could be efficacious substitutes, and to invest in the development of new technologies.
Sustainability also means looking after each other, and we need to work systemically to create and maintain a just culture, and to make sure that the systems within our facility ‘raise up’ and support all staff and increase the chance of them doing things correctly. System failures of risk management leave clinicians exposed,
and at risk of burnout, and work overload, and increase the risk of patient harm.15 Sustaining HCPs, physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, is an area where we believe technology can contribute at many levels. Creating a feeling of confidence in the system in which HCPs work and reducing the risk of medication error can be achieved through the application of Dose Error Reduction Systems for intravenous therapy16 and with Automated Dispensing Cabinets with Barcode scanning for patient identification and confirmation of ‘right medication’.17 The risk of attrition and ‘burnout’ in nurses must be attended to both urgently and continually if we are to maintain a sustainable nursing workforce.18 Medication error also impacts the financial sustainability of healthcare at a societal level. The OECD estimates that 15% of annual
A 2021 PAPER14 CONCLUDED THAT IN OUR CURRENT CLIMATE CRISIS SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE INITIATIVES NEED TO LOOK AT THE IMPACT OF INHALED ANESTHETICS BOTH ON THE WIDER ENVIRONMENT AND ON THE DIRECT OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS (HCPS).
health spending globally is used for rectifying medical error, and of the adverse events causing this loss, 18.3% of them are medication errors.19 Serious medication errors can cost $7300 and 4.8 days in extra length of stay per episode.20
Sustaining Our Gains.
Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin took place in 1929, so we have not sustained even one-century from this ‘game changing’ moment before we witnessed the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). So how to ensure a future for this vital group of medications? The nightmare scenario has been with us for a number of years now, that the first, second, and third-line antibiotics fail against resistant organisms. Sustainable healthcare, and the ability to effectively treat patients in the future means using our skills and our technology to preserve our ammunition.
AMR control is therefore everyone’s responsibility. Reducing the risk of patients acquiring nosocomial complications or hospital acquired infections leading to unnecessary extensions of stay, and extra lines of antibiotics is critical. All these adverse events take resources out of the available funding, and in the case of possibly avoidable treatment for nosocomial infections we have to take account of the ecological impact of IV-cannulation and disposables for IV-medications which add extra packaging and waste plastic to the
environmental cost of reparative treatment.21
Reducing risk can range from ensuring optimal selection, insertion, and care of IVcatheters, through to IV-infusion strategies aimed to ensure longevity for peripheral and central venous access. There is also a strong economic and financial argument for adding quality to infusion therapies22 via specialist pressure monitoring techniques, filtration, and AI predicted flow-rate manipulation to preserve venous access for as long as possible.23
Antibiotic stewardship is interdisciplinarybut it’s better done if we share, and if we have one common source of information that captures it all.24 Every patient’s journey is complex and BD solutions such as BD HealthSight™ Clinical and Infection Advisor that track antimicrobial usage and emergent infections in both the facility and in the community25 ensure that medication management and antibiotic stewardship data is available for collaboration and coordination of strategy between the infectious disease and microbiology departments and the pharmacy department to manage not only the patient but also the organization’s wider goals of antibiotic stewardship, antibiotic waste reduction, and efficiency in treatment.
BD solutions for medication management aim to take away non-value-added tasks and bring information to the right place at the right time to assist in sustaining patients
BD SOLUTIONS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
AIM TO TAKE AWAY NON-VALUE-ADDED TASKS AND BRING INFORMATION TO THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME TO ASSIST IN SUSTAINING PATIENTS AND SUSTAINING HEALTHCARE FOR ALL. BD SEEKS TO CONSTANTLY ENGAGE WITH HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS. PLEASE SCAN THE QR-CODES BELOW TO SEE HOW WE WORK WITH TECHNOLOGY AND THOUGHT LEADERS, AND HOW WE STRIVE FOR HEALTHCARE SUSTAINABILITY.
and sustaining healthcare for all. BD seeks to constantly engage with Health Care Professionals. Please scan the QR-codes below to see how we work with technology and thought leaders, and how we strive for healthcare sustainability.
Building Resilient & Sustainable Healthcare in MENA
The Testudo Podcast: Medication Safety from BD Global Solutions
Not all products, services, claims or features of products may be available or valid in your local area. Please check with your local BD Representative. The information included in this article is intended for health care professionals only.
4. Al-Olah Y, Al Thiab K. Admissions through the emergency department due to drug-related problems. Ann Saudi Med 2008;28(6):426-429.
5. Fisher AM, Ding MQ, Hochheiser H, Douglas GP. Measuring time utilization of pharmacists in the Birmingham Free Clinic dispensary. BMC Health Services Research. 2016;16(1):529. doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1787-6
6. West LM, Diack L, Cordina M, et al Applying the Delphi technique to define ‘medication wastage’ European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 2015;22:274-279.
7. Al Nemari M, Waterson J. The Introduction of Robotics to an Outpatient Dispensing and Medication Management Process in Saudi Arabia: Retrospective Review of a Pharmacy-led Multidisciplinary Six Sigma Performance Improvement Project. JMIR Hum Factors. 2022 Oct 11;9(4):e37905. doi: 10.2196/37905. PMID: 36222805; PMCID: PMC9597422.
8. Ferrara L, Otto M, Aapro M, Albreht T, Jonsson B, Oberst S, Oliver K, Pisani E, Presti P, Rubio IT, Terkola R, Tarricone R. How to improve efficiency in cancer care: Dimensions, methods, and areas of evaluation. J Cancer Policy. 2022 Dec;34:100355. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2022.100355. Epub 2022 Aug 22. PMID: 36007873.
9. Wilson BE, Jacob S, Yap ML, Ferlay J, Bray F, Barton MB. Estimates of global chemotherapy demands and corresponding physician workforce requirements for 2018 and 2040: a population-based study. Lancet Oncol. 2019 Jun;20(6):769-780. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30163-9. Epub 2019 May 8. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2019 Jul;20(7):e346. PMID: 31078462.
10. Terkola R, Czejka M, Bérubé J. Evaluation of real-time data obtained from gravimetric preparation of antineoplastic agents shows medication errors with possible critical therapeutic impact: Results of a large-scale, multicentre, multinational, retrospective study. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2017 Aug;42(4):446-453. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12529. Epub 2017 Apr 21. PMID: 28429389.
11. Meren ÜH, Waterson J. Evaluating An Automated Compounding Workflow Software for Safety and Efficiency: Implementation Study. JMIR Hum Factors. 2021 Nov 2;8(4):e29180. doi: 10.2196/29180. PMID: 34456182; PMCID: PMC8596227.
12. Rockström, J., Gupta, J., Qin, D. et al. Safe and just Earth system boundaries. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06083-8
13. Jean SJ, Francart SJ, Eckel SF, Schenkat D, Eberwein S, Lamm M, Barnes N, Valgus JM, Amerine LB. Evaluation of telepharmacy and the use of a gravimetric technology-assisted workflow system for remote sterile product pharmacist checks. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2020 Mar 24;77(7):560 567. doi: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa015. PMID: 32086506.
14. Gaya da Costa M, Kalmar AF, Struys MMRF. Inhaled Anaesthetics: Environmental Role, Occupational Risk, and Clinical Use. J Clin Med. 2021 Mar 22;10(6):1306. doi: 10.3390/ jcm10061306. PMID: 33810063; PMCID: PMC8004846.
15. Van Gerven E, Vander Elst T, Vandenbroeck S, et al. Increased Risk of Burnout for Physicians and Nurses Involved in a Patient Safety Incident. Med Care. 2016;54(10):937-943. October 10, 2016.
16. Waterson J. Making smart pumps smarter, making IV therapy safer. Br J Nurs 2013 Jul;22(Sup13):22-27.
17. Wang YC, Tsan CY, Chen MC. Implementation of an Automated Dispensing Cabinet System and Its Impact on Drug Administration: Longitudinal Study. JMIR Form Res. 2021 Sep 17;5(9):e24542.
18. Castro Lopes, S., Guerra-Arias, M., Buchan, J. et al. A rapid review of the rate of attrition from the health workforce. Hum Resour Health 15, 21 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/ s12960-017 0195-2
19. Slawomirski L, Auraaen A, Klazinga N. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Paris, France; 2017. https://www.oecd.org/health/health-systems/The-economicsof-patient-safety-March-2017.pdf
20. Manrique-Rodríguez S, Sánchez-Galindo A, López-Herce J, Calleja-Hernández MÁ, Martínez-Martínez F, Iglesias-Peinado I, Carrillo-Álvarez A, Sanjurjo-Sáez M, Fernández-Llamazares C. Implementing Smart Pump technology in a pediatric intensive care unit: a cost-effective approach. Int J Med Inform. 2014 Feb;83(2):99-105.
21. Campion, Nicole & Thiel, Cassandra & Woods, Noe & Swanzy, Leah & Landis, Amy & Bilec, Melissa. (2015). Sustainable Healthcare and Environmental Life-Cycle Impacts of Disposable Supplies: A Focus on Disposable Custom Packs. Journal of Cleaner Production. 94. 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.01.076.
22. Lim, S., Gangoli, G., Adams, E., Hyde, R., Broder, M. S., Chang, E., Reddy, S. R., Tarbox, M. H., Bentley, T., Ovington, L., & Danker, W. Increased clinical and economic burden associated with peripheral intravenous catheter-related complications: analysis of a US hospital discharge database. Inquiry: a journal of medical care organization, provision and financing. 2019:56, 46958019875562.
23. Kia A, Waterson J, Bargary N, Rolt S, Burke K, Robertson J, Garcia S, Benavoli A, Bergström D. Retrospective review of determinants of intravenous infusion longevity and infusion failure via a nonlinear model analysis of smart pump event logs. JMIR AI. Submitted May 2023. https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/48628 (Pre-print, June 2023)
24. Zeana C, Palmieri FE, Gupta V, Ye G, Lao P, Yu K, Kang KS, Schiller L, Purswani M. Association between fluoroquinolone utilization rates and susceptibilities of gram-negative bacilli: Results from an 8-year intervention by an antibiotic stewardship program in an inner-city United States hospital. Sci Prog. 2021 Apr-Jun;104(2):368504211011876. doi: 10.1177/00368504211011876. PMID: 33908291.
25. Dunne MW, Aronin SI, Yu KC, Watts JA, Gupta V. A multicenter analysis of trends in resistance in urinary Enterobacterales isolates from ambulatory patients in the United States: 2011-2020. BMC Infect Dis. 2022 Feb 28;22(1):194. doi: 10.1186/s12879-022-07167-y. PMID: 35227203; PMCID: PMC8883240.
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Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center
New Implantable Device Treats Heart Failure
Baylor College of Medicine doctors are now treating heart failure patients using a novel implantable device that works by making the heart beat stronger. A team led by Dr. Mihail Chelu, associate professor of medicine – cardiology and director of electrophysiology at Baylor Heart Clinic, implanted the first ‘Optimizer Smart System’ at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and the larger Texas Gulf Coast area.
The management of patients with heart failure is complex and requires the collaborations between electrophysiologists. Chelu was assisted by Dr. Austin Howard, clinical postdoctoral fellow in electrophysiology at Baylor, and the electrophysiology team at Baylor St. Luke’s. He also worked closely with heart failure specialist Dr. Ajith Nair, Assistant Professor of Medicine – Cardiology at Baylor.
“Heart failure occurs when the muscles of the heart weaken,” Dr. Mihail Chelu said. “It can be caused by a number of issues such as a heart attack, narrowed arteries or chronically high blood pressure. The muscles become damaged and cannot pump properly to supply the body with oxygenated blood it needs to function normally. This can be a slow, painful progression that can lead to death. While this new device cannot fix the heart so to speak, it does improve heart function, which decreases shortness of
breath and improves the ability to perform physical activity. Overall, it improves the quality of life for those living with heart failure.”
A typical measurement for heart failure, known as the ejection fraction (EF), looks at the overall percentage of blood leaving the heart with each contraction; a normal EF reading is above 55 percent. This device is indicated for patients with EF between 25-45 percent and with marked limitation of physical activity, but who are comfortable at rest. They also experienced fatigue with less than ordinary physical activity (this class of heart failure rating is called New York Heart Association class III).
“The outcomes are that patients can walk further, have longer conversations and not tire as easily, giving them more of a normal life. Studies have shown that this type of device reduced hospitalization rates for heart failure and improved exercise tolerance and quality of life,” Chelu said.
The device was approved by the FDA in 2019. It works by improving the heart muscle contractile function. This helps to improve heart function, over time improving size, shape and function of the heart muscle. The device sends electrical pulses five to seven hours a day, in one-hour treatments separated by regular intervals without causing muscle to contract. This differs from a pacemaker in which every electrical signal leads to heart muscle contraction.
The device, created by Impulse Dynamics, is made up of several components, including an implantable pulse generator, battery charger, programmer and software. It is implanted using minimally invasive techniques, under the skin in the upper left or right area of the chest and connected to two energy-delivering leads that are implanted in the heart. The procedure typically lasts one hour and most patients can go home on the same day.
Dr. Mihail Chelu
Cancer treatment plans built around you.
Our experts get to know you, then tailor treatments to help fit your needs—which could include radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cellular therapy, genetic counseling, or a customized lifestyle management plan. In collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, we’re equipped to pave the way for even more revolutionary discoveries and groundbreaking approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn more about the NCI-designated Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine at stlukeshealth.org/bslmcinternational
Empowering today’s Medical Labs for tomorrow’s Global Future Local reach, Global outlook
Liquid biopsy in breast cancer – Less invasion more precision
Plasma-SeqSensei™
Liquid biopsy in breast cancer – Less invasion more precision
Plasma-SeqSensei™
The Plasma-SeqSensei Breast Cancer IVD Kit is an NGSbased liquid biopsy assay that focuses on highly sensitive detection of clinically relevant mutations in TP53, ESR1, PIK3CA, AKT1 and ERBB2 from blood plasma.
Learn more about the unique advantages of Plasma-SeqSensei technology
The Plasma-SeqSensei Breast Cancer IVD Kit is an NGSbased liquid biopsy assay that focuses on highly sensitive detection of clinically relevant mutations in TP53, ESR1, PIK3CA, AKT1 and ERBB2 from blood plasma.
High sensitivity at low MAFs
Learn more about the unique advantages of Plasma-SeqSensei technology
Down to 0.06% - 0.07% Mutant Allele Fractions.
High sensitivity at low MAFs
Down to 0.06% - 0.07% Mutant Allele Fractions.
Absolute quantification
Short and standardised workflow
From cfDNA samples to results in two days.
Short and standardised workflow
From cfDNA samples to results in two days.
Data analysis and reporting made easy
Generate report designed for clinicians with just a few clicks.
Absolute quantification
Meaningful comparison of ctDNA levels per millilitre of plasma.
Expert voices
Meaningful comparison of ctDNA levels per millilitre of plasma.
Data analysis and reporting made easy
Generate report designed for clinicians with just a few clicks.
Expert voices
‘We know that tissue samples cannot be taken regularly, but liquid biopsy is easy to take, it is simply a sample of blood. And it gives you real-time information.’
‘Even low levels of ctDNA could have given an indication of the coming progression in the follow-up.’
‘There is much more diagnostic power in the absolute quantification.’
Dr Bhuwnesh Agrawal Member of The Supervisory Board Sysmex Inostics and MD, Germany
‘We know that tissue samples cannot be taken regularly, but liquid biopsy is easy to take, it is simply a sample of blood. And it gives you real-time information.’
Dr Bhuwnesh Agrawal Member of The Supervisory Board
Sysmex Inostics and MD, Germany
‘Even low levels of ctDNA could have given an indication of the coming progression in the follow-up.’
‘There is much more diagnostic power in the absolute quantification.’
Prof. Christopher Gebhardt UKE Hamburg, Germany
Prof. Christopher Gebhardt UKE Hamburg, Germany
Prof. Geert A. Martens AZ Delta General Hospital, Belgium
Prof. Geert A. Martens AZ Delta General Hospital, Belgium
“There is existing evidence that if you spend time in sedentary behavior, you are conserving energy, and this conserved energy has negative health implications.”
Dr. Robert Ojiambo, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q)
Dr. Robert Ojiambo joined Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) in July 2024 and currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Physiology and Biophysics. His research focuses on human energy balance and the relationship between energy intake, energy expenditure, and health. Previously, Dr. Ojiambo served as the Founding Head of the Physiology Department and the Chair of the Division of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. Dr. Ojiambo has been actively involved with organizations in this field in Kenya, UK, China, and Austria. His work has been supported by funding from various organizations, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Catholic Relief Services, the Harvard University Center for African Studies, the Havey Institute for Global Health, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Dr. Ojiambo discussed the negative health implications of sedentary behavior with "Hospitals" magazine
Can you describe sedentary behavior and elaborate on why it is considered an independent predictor of adverse health outcomes?
Sedentary behavior is any waking behavior spent in a sitting position or supine. Scientifically, it is defined as energy expenditure that is less than 1.5 metabolic equivalent tasks (METS). This results in the conservation of metabolic energy, which can then be used to fuel pathophysiological processes. There is existing
"SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR IS ANY WAKING BEHAVIOR SPENT IN A SITTING POSITION OR SUPINE. SCIENTIFICALLY, IT IS DEFINED AS ENERGY EXPENDITURE THAT IS LESS THAN 1.5 METABOLIC EQUIVALENT TASKS (METS). THIS RESULTS IN THE CONSERVATION OF METABOLIC ENERGY, WHICH CAN THEN BE USED TO FUEL PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES".
evidence that if you spend time in sedentary behavior, you are conserving energy, and this conserved energy has negative health implications.
What are the primary cardiovascular risks associated with prolonged sitting?
Engaging in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week protects against adverse cardiovascular (CVD) outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. A large study of 17,000 Canadian adults followed over 12 years showed a significant dose-response relationship between sitting time and cardiovascular mortality. In addition, an Australian study of 8,800 people found that individuals spending over four hours a day in screen-based activity, for instance, watching television, experienced up to 80% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. A more recent study based on the UK Biobank examined a large sample of about 89,000 individuals over eight years. It showed that even for individuals who meet the physical activity guidelines, engaging in more than 10 hours of sedentary behavior per day was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. That means even those who met the recommended physical activity guidelines were still exposed to some level of cardiovascular risk.
How does energy allocation to metabolic processes during sedentary behavior contribute to harmful health signals?
Current evidence supports the theory that human energy expenditure is constrained. All humans have an upper limit of sustainable energy expenditure levels. Total energy expenditure comprises basal energy expenditure (energy spent to maintain physiological processes) and activity energy expenditure (energy spent to support physical activity). It is worth noting that sedentary and active individuals tend to have similar total energy expenditure values.
Given that total energy expenditure is constrained (has an upper limit), it follows that for highly active individuals, energy will
have to be reallocated from basal energy expenditure to support the high demands of physical activity. On the other hand, sedentary individuals have higher basal energy expenditure (reallocated from the unspent physical activity energy expenditure).
Put differently, sedentary individuals have higher Basal Metabolic Rates (BMR) than active individuals. This high BMR is harmful because it is associated with cardiovascular disorders such as Type II Diabetes and correlates with increased visceral adiposity, chronic inflammation, and higher levels of circulating stress hormones— cortisol, adrenaline, and other dysregulated metabolic processes that are detrimental to health, resulting in poor cardiovascular outcomes. There is a clear pathophysiological connection in that when you have excess basal energy (higher BMR), it supports chronic inflammation and increased hormonal production, which are signals of dysregulation linked to cardiovascular disorders.
How do accelerometers help measure sedentary time accurately, and what limitations do they have?
Accurate measurement of sedentary behavior is problematic. Self-reporting tends to underestimate the time spent sedentary. Modern accelerometers with posture and heartrate detection features can accurately measure sedentary behavior since they generate counts when one moves.
However, these devices are expensive for use in large-scale epidemiological studies. On the other hand, wearable technologies, such as smartwatch Apps, can be used to track personal sedentary behavior. Given the threshold for sedentary time of 10 hours per day, these devices can be customized to sound an alarm when approaching this threshold, thus acting as an effective population intervention strategy to reduce sedentary time.
With prolonged occupational sitting being unavoidable in many modern
"ENGAGING IN 150 MINUTES OF MODERATE TO VIGOROUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (MVPA) PER WEEK PROTECTS AGAINST ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR (CVD) OUTCOMES SUCH AS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, HEART FAILURE, AND CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY. A LARGE STUDY OF 17,000 CANADIAN ADULTS FOLLOWED OVER 12 YEARS SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SITTING TIME AND CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY".
workplaces, how can workplaces reduce health effects?
There is already some evidence that reducing sedentary time by just 30 minutes and reallocating this time to moderate to vigorous physical activity can have health benefits.
Providing active workstations such as standing desks to promote working in a standing position can help minimize sitting. In addition, a cultural shift to allow standing during formal meetings, intelligent office designs with walking pads, intermittent exercise snacks (less than one-minute bouts of exercise to interrupt prolonged sitting), and office gyms allow one to be physically active in the workplace and minimize toxic sitting. Moreover, offices can encourage physical activity by placing office equipment at a distance from the desk, for instance, a printer where one must stand up and walk to the printer.
In Qatar, strategies are in place to encourage people to move more, such as large, air-conditioned shopping malls, pedestrian walkways, parks, and souqs that provide opportunities to move and intuitively encourage ambulatory behavior.
There are also several innovative community initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy behavior at Weill Cornell MedicineQatar (WCM-Q) that fall under the Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the Institute for Population Health (IPH), and Sahtak Awalan – Your Health First, WCM-Q’s flagship public health campaign. In addition, the intelligent building design at WCM-Q encourages movement across offices, lecture halls, labs, classrooms, and theatres.
How does urban living worsen sedentary behavior, and what is the cumulative impact of a sedentary lifestyle across work, commute, and leisure activities?
The conveniences of modern living promote sedentary lifestyles—screen-based entertainment, passive commute, and extensive use of labor-saving devices cumulatively spare energy. Deliberate effort is required to spend energy, and any opportunity at work or home should be used. There is a difference between physical activity and exercise. Exercise is planned
and structured, like going to the gym. On the other hand, physical activity is spontaneous and natural. Running on a treadmill for 30 minutes is unnatural; walking to the mall to buy groceries is natural and doesn’t feel like work. The built environment design in urban areas has an impact on the population’s physical activity levels, and therefore, ecological designs should promote physical activity and minimize sedentary behavior.
Are there any ongoing studies or promising developments in this field?
Current studies in global cohorts are examining the energy demands of modern living and will shed light on energy balance and health.
Currently, I am involved in a multinational initiative by the International Atomic Energy Agency (Total Energy Expenditure Across the Lifecourse), where we are looking at the energy demands of modern living and studying energy expenditures in China, Africa, Brazil, and other countries. Since the world is facing the obesity epidemic, we need to understand whether it is because of an inactive lifestyle or changes in diet. Additionally, mechanistic studies, such as those examining visceral adiposity, altered mitochondrial function, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated metabolic pathways, are recommended to investigate the relation between sedentary behavior/physical inactivity and CVD pathophysiology.
Studies to quantify thresholds for sedentary time with other clinical endpoints, CVD (ischemic heart disease), and all-cause mortality are also needed in the MENA region, as most evidence is in Western populations.
To learn more about the clinical application of the concepts discussed in this interview, healthcare professionals can attend the ‘Tackling Obesity: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Comprehensive Care’ symposium. Hosted by the Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at WCM-Q, the seminar will take place on January 25, 2025. Scan the QR code to register.
"PROVIDING ACTIVE WORKSTATIONS
SUCH AS STANDING DESKS TO PROMOTE WORKING IN A STANDING POSITION CAN HELP MINIMIZE SITTING. IN ADDITION, A CULTURAL SHIFT TO ALLOW STANDING DURING FORMAL MEETINGS, INTELLIGENT OFFICE DESIGNS WITH WALKING PADS, INTERMITTENT EXERCISE SNACKS (LESS THAN ONEMINUTE BOUTS OF EXERCISE TO INTERRUPT PROLONGED SITTING), AND OFFICE GYMS ALLOW ONE TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE IN THE WORKPLACE AND MINIMIZE TOXIC SITTING".
Continuing Professional Development
Workshop
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare with Practical Applications
February 23, 2025 | 8:00 am – 3:45 pm
February 24, 2025 | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue: Hilton Doha
Course Directors:
Dr. Arfan Ahmed
Dr. Alaa Abd-alrazaq
Speakers
Dr. Arfan Ahmed
Dr. Alaa Abd-alrazaq
Dr. Rawan AlSaad
Ms. Sarah Aziz
Dr. Faisal Farooq
Overall Objectives:
At the end of this activity, participants will be able to:
Recognize the history of AI and basic definition of AI
Outline Fundamental concepts AI, ML and DL
Evaluate the performance of AI algorithms and show an awareness of applications ofAI and machine learning in the healthcare field
Analyze potential challenges and ethical issues associated with building an AI system
Analyze guided information related to group paper and discuss in a mini journal club style
Reinventing Recovery: Innovative Hospital Beds and the Future of Patient Care
Revolutionizing Healthcare, One Patient at a Time Hospital beds, frequently underrepresented in medical technology dialogues, have transformed into advanced instruments to enhance patient care, ensure safety, and support healthcare professionals. Contemporary hospital beds are no longer just resting places but incorporate state-of-the-art technologies that significantly improve the patient experience and optimize clinical workflows. These innovations promote better health outcomes and meet the varied needs of patients and caregivers.
In healthcare, every detail holds significant
importance, and hospital beds are a prime example of this principle. They play a crucial role in patient care, providing essential comfort during recovery, and are integral to treatment regimens. With the advent of advancements in medical technology, hospital beds have evolved beyond their conventional use.
These beds now encompass features that enhance patient welfare and improve operational efficiency for healthcare professionals. This article delves into the latest innovations in hospital bed technology and their transformative effects on contemporary healthcare delivery.
CONTEMPORARY HOSPITAL BEDS ARE NO LONGER JUST RESTING PLACES BUT INCORPORATE STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGIES THAT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE AND OPTIMIZE CLINICAL WORKFLOWS.
Innovations in Hospital Bed Technology
Smart Beds with Real-Time Monitoring
One of the most significant advancements in healthcare is integrating innovative technology. Smart beds have sensors that monitor vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and body movements. These innovative beds can detect early signs of complications, such as irregular breathing or the development of pressure ulcers, and promptly alert healthcare providers in real time. By continuously collecting and analyzing data, smart beds facilitate timely interventions, enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
Fall Prevention Features
Falls present a significant risk within healthcare environments, particularly affecting elderly and less mobile patients. Modern hospital beds are equipped with advanced fall-prevention features, including adjustable low-height settings, integrated side rails, and alarm systems that notify staff when a patient attempts to exit the bed unaided. These enhancements markedly reduce the risk of fall-related injuries and improve patient safety.
Integrated Communication Systems
Effective communication between patients and caregivers is essential in healthcare environments. Many hospital beds are now equipped with integrated communication tools, such as intercom systems and call buttons, enabling patients to reach their medical team directly. This enhancement fosters a sense of security for patients while promptly addressing their needs.
Automated Assistance for Positioning and Mobility
Automated positioning features have significantly transformed patient care. These advanced beds are designed to adjust to various configurations, such as elevating the head or converting into a seated position, enhancing patient comfort and facilitating mobility. Some models even include assisted bed-exit functions,
which empower patients to regain mobility safely and independently. Furthermore, these innovations alleviate the physical strain on healthcare providers, contributing to a more efficient healthcare environment.
Connecting and Integrating Data
Integrating hospital beds with electronic health records (EHR) systems marks a significant advancement. These beds automatically record patient information, removing the requirement for manual data entry, which decreases errors and enhances workflow efficiency. Healthcare professionals gain access to immediate updates on patient statuses, promoting improved decision-making and coordinated care.
Management of Pressure and Advanced Materials
Beds integrated with advanced pressure-relief systems and high-quality materials are essential in preventing bedsores, especially for patients with limited mobility. Innovations such as airfluidized mattresses and alternating pressure systems facilitate optimal weight distribution, enhancing patient comfort and significantly reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.
Innovating Patient Care Continuously
Hospital beds have evolved beyond simple fixtures in a patient’s room; they are now integral components of the healthcare delivery process. These innovations revolutionize patient care by integrating advanced technologies, safety mechanisms, and enhanced connectivity. They enhance patients' safety and enable healthcare professionals to provide efficient and effective care.
As technology progresses, the future of hospital beds holds the promise of even further advancements. From AI-enhanced diagnostics to improved patient engagement strategies, these innovations are emblematic of a dedication to enhancing healthcare at all levels. By adopting these advancements, we are not merely improving patient experiences—we are redefining the standards of care across the healthcare spectrum.
AS TECHNOLOGY PROGRESSES, THE FUTURE OF HOSPITAL BEDS HOLDS THE PROMISE OF EVEN FURTHER ADVANCEMENTS. FROM AI-ENHANCED DIAGNOSTICS TO IMPROVED PATIENT ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES, THESE INNOVATIONS ARE EMBLEMATIC OF A DEDICATION TO ENHANCING HEALTHCARE AT ALL LEVELS. BY ADOPTING THESE ADVANCEMENTS, WE ARE NOT MERELY IMPROVING PATIENT EXPERIENCES—WE ARE REDEFINING THE STANDARDS OF CARE ACROSS THE HEALTHCARE SPECTRUM.
Statista’s approach to healthcare market analysis is unique
Dr.
Lukas Kwietniewski,
Director of Healthcare Analysis at Statista
Statista's unique approach to healthcare market analysis combines extensive data sources, proprietary surveys, and expert collaboration. A rigorous methodology, including data validation and expert review, ensures accurate and transparent rankings. By analyzing trends in areas like digital health and patient-centered care, Statista provides valuable insights for policymakers to address future healthcare challenges proactively. ‘Hospitals’ magazine featured an interview with Dr. Lukas Kwietniewski, Director of Healthcare Analysis at Statista, discussing the company's mission and unique approach to the healthcare market.
Can you tell us about your role at Statista and your journey in the healthcare industry? What inspired your focus on
healthcare analysis?
At Statista, I lead our collaboration with Newsweek on prestigious and meaningful global healthcare rankings, such as the World’s Best Hospitals, the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals, and the World’s Best Smart Hospitals. My healthcare journey started with an academic foundation in health economics, focusing on the cost-efficiency of healthcare providers. After earning my PhD, I headed the health economics division at a leading German research institute, where I saw firsthand how data can transform patient care and optimize healthcare systems. Today, I channel this passion for data-driven insights into creating rankings that guide hospitals worldwide in their pursuit of excellence and help patients make informed decisions.
AT STATISTA, I LEAD OUR COLLABORATION WITH NEWSWEEK ON PRESTIGIOUS AND MEANINGFUL GLOBAL HEALTHCARE RANKINGS, SUCH AS THE WORLD’S BEST HOSPITALS, THE WORLD’S BEST SPECIALIZED HOSPITALS, AND THE WORLD’S BEST SMART HOSPITALS
How does healthcare analysis fit into Statista's broader mission?
Statista’s mission is to provide reliable, datadriven insights that empower decision-makers. The rankings of the World’s Best Hospitals, Specialized Hospitals, and Smart Hospitals are key to this mission, as they bring transparency and benchmarking tools to healthcare organizations worldwide. By highlighting excellence, we encourage hospitals to innovate and continuously improve.
What makes Statista’s approach to healthcare market analysis unique compared to other research firms?
Statista’s approach to healthcare market analysis is unique due to its combination of extensive data sources, proprietary surveys, and collaboration with a global board of renowned experts. Our rankings integrate robust quantitative metrics, including hospital quality indicators and patient outcomes, with qualitative insights from healthcare professionals. Additionally, programs like our Smart Hospitals and PROMs Implementation Surveys enable hospitals to submit data directly to Statista, enriching our analysis and ensuring precision. This holistic and data-driven methodology ensures globally relevant and actionable insights and fosters transparency and continuous improvement within the healthcare sector. Moreover, what sets us apart is the leverage of Statista’s global presence, data platform, and the extensive reach of our media partner, Newsweek, to ensure maximum visibility and market relevance for our research outcomes.
How does Statista ensure accuracy and transparency in its healthcarerelated rankings and insights?
For our rankings, we adhere to a rigorous and transparent methodology. This includes analyzing patient outcomes, quality indicators, expert opinions, and patient experience data. To ensure the validity of our survey data, we manually check all submitted responses daily for anomalies. Furthermore, we have automated processes to detect outliers in the submitted data, i.e., time stamps of submitted surveys.
We also detect self-recommendations or precoordinated votes (within affiliated institutions, between affiliated institutions and physicians, or across affiliated institutions). The combination of manual and automated processes allows us to ensure the reliability and validity of our results. Every ranking is accompanied by detailed methodology documentation to ensure clarity and trust among stakeholders. We also engage with our global board of experts to validate our findings and ensure the rankings reflect current healthcare standards. Regular updates to our methodologies further enhance the reliability and relevance of our insights, helping healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions.
How does Statista’s data analysis contribute to predicting future healthcare challenges, such as pandemics or aging populations, to aid policymakers in proactive planning?
By leveraging insights from rankings such as the World’s Best Hospitals, we can identify key trends in healthcare delivery and innovation. For instance, our Smart Hospitals rankings shed light on the adoption of digital technologies, which play a critical role in addressing future challenges like pandemics, the growing demands of aging populations, and improving operational efficiency.
Additionally, through our Patient Reported Outcomes Implementation Survey, we measure the adoption of patient-centered care practices globally, providing unique insights into how hospitals progress toward patient-centered care. These data-driven findings highlight areas of excellence and serve as benchmarks to inspire continuous improvement across the global healthcare landscape. In addition, we engage in continuous discussions with our board of experts and global healthcare leaders, enabling us to stay abreast of the latest priorities and emerging trends at the forefront of healthcare decision-makers' agendas.
How is data shaping the future of healthcare innovation and decisionmaking?
Data enables predictive modeling, personalized
medicine, and more efficient resource allocation for healthcare providers using data to optimize processes. It drives innovation in healthcare by uncovering trends, improving patient outcomes, and optimizing hospital operations. The integration of AI will further revolutionize healthcare decision-making beyond what we already see today. Additionally, real-time data analysis enhances the ability to respond to public health crises, such as pandemics, by effectively identifying patterns and deploying resources. Data and, more importantly, benchmarking data to create insights will be a key drive to address the challenges healthcare systems are increasingly facing today, such as workforce shortages or access to care, and will drive the global transformation of healthcare delivery.
Can you share examples of how Statista’s healthcare insights have helped hospitals, healthcare providers, or policymakers make critical decisions?
Our globally recognized rankings provide hospitals with valuable benchmarks to evaluate their performance and identify
areas for improvement. Building on this, the Statista Global Hospital Rating program offers an in-depth assessment that enables hospitals to analyze their strengths and areas for improvement across five key categories: provision of care, timeliness of care, patient experience & safety, IT & healthcare technology, and employer attractiveness. This program empowers healthcare providers to refine the healthcare delivery process, adopt advanced technologies, and enhance operational efficiency.
Moreover, it fosters a culture of continuous improvement by providing actionable insights that help hospitals achieve excellence in patient outcomes and organizational performance.
For more information on the Global Hospital Rating, please visit www. globalhospitalrating.com. Additionally, we perform customized benchmarking projects for healthcare providers independently of the rankings and ratings. These are tailor-made to measure and advance quality and transformation according to the organization's specific needs, i.e., for national hospital associations.
THE STATISTA GLOBAL HOSPITAL RATING PROGRAM OFFERS AN INDEPTH ASSESSMENT THAT ENABLES HOSPITALS TO ANALYZE THEIR STRENGTHS AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT ACROSS FIVE KEY CATEGORIES: PROVISION OF CARE, TIMELINESS OF CARE, PATIENT EXPERIENCE & SAFETY, IT & HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY, AND EMPLOYER ATTRACTIVENESS. THIS PROGRAM EMPOWERS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO REFINE THE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY PROCESS, ADOPT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, AND ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY.
What challenges do you face in collecting and analyzing healthcare data globally?
How do you address them?
Our global rankings involve data collection across diverse healthcare systems, each with varying levels of transparency and data quality. To address this challenge, we rely on a combination of direct data submission for our PROMs implementation survey, expert surveys, and publicly available data, ensuring our methodologies are consistent and credible. Importantly, we only compare quality metrics nationally, highlighting healthcare providers excelling in their specific context. For our global top list of the World’s Best Hospitals, we have introduced three components for Quality Metrics Excellence (top 20% in their country), Patient Satisfaction Excellence (top 20% in their country), and the score from our PROMs Implementation Survey.
This tailored approach ensures that hospitals are recognized for their achievements relative to the unique challenges of their local healthcare systems while maintaining global comparability. For Global Hospital Rating, Statista takes extensive steps to validate every submission: All data is verified for outliers and plausibility, and documents or URLs must be submitted as proof wherever possible. Additionally, we perform data validation calls with every hospital in the Rating process to ensure we can address any issues or questions regarding the data before completing the process.
In markets with limited transparency or incomplete healthcare data, how does Statista maintain the credibility of its rankings and insights?
For regions with limited data, we emphasize surveys of healthcare professionals and stakeholder engagement to promote the availability of publicly available quality metrics and patient satisfaction data. Additionally, we are transparent about our methodologies, ensuring credibility even in less data-rich environments. Programs like our Smart Hospitals and PROMs Implementation Survey allow hospitals to submit data directly to Statista, enriching our datasets and enabling
more accurate analysis. Furthermore, the Statista Global Hospital Rating provides a globally standardized framework for evaluating hospitals, ensuring consistency and reliability across diverse healthcare systems. In the Global Hospital Rating program, hospitals submit data to Statista directly, which would otherwise not be available for us to evaluate. This allows us to provide an in-depth evaluation even in markets where publicly available data might be limited.
How does Statista handle ethical considerations and patient confidentiality when working with healthcare data?
Statista strictly adheres to data protection regulations such as GDPR. When working with sensitive healthcare data, we anonymize information, prioritize ethical considerations, and collaborate only with trustworthy sources. Importantly, Statista does not receive patient data directly; we rely exclusively on publicly available data sources to ensure compliance with privacy standards.
Furthermore, all our methodologies undergo rigorous reviews to align with ethical guidelines, maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of our healthcare insights.
Statista collaborates with high-profile media partners. Can you share an example of how your healthcare analysis has been showcased through these partnerships?
Our partnership with Newsweek for the World’s Best Hospitals and other rankings is a prime example. These rankings are published globally and reach millions of Newsweek readers annually, offering hospitals visibility and recognition for excellence.
This partnership brings credibility and ensures the rankings get a broad audience, including healthcare leaders, policymakers, and patients. The rankings have become a trusted resource for identifying top-performing hospitals worldwide and are frequently referenced in media, industry discussions, and healthcare conferences. Additionally, we are increasingly engaging directly with the global healthcare community through events such as
the World Hospital Congress, where we share insights and foster discussions on data-driven improvements in healthcare.
What role do partnerships with healthcare institutions or businesses play in Statista’s success in this field?
Partnerships are central to Statista’s success in the healthcare sector, as they enable us to leverage the expertise and credibility of trusted institutions. For example, we collaborate with ICHOM (International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement) to develop our PROMs Implementation Survey, which helps assess the adoption of patient-centered care practices globally. These partnerships enhance the quality and relevance of our insights and align with our mission to improve healthcare by providing data-driven benchmarks. We are always exploring opportunities to expand our partnership network with organizations that share our commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes and fostering innovation.
What innovations in healthcare are you most excited about, and how is Statista contributing to this transformation?
I’m particularly excited about AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine advancements, which will transform healthcare delivery and greatly improve patient outcomes. Statista contributes by providing the data and insights needed to evaluate these innovations’ effectiveness and scalability, helping stakeholders adopt transformative technologies.
How is Statista leveraging AI and machine learning in its healthcare insights?
Statista’s team of data analysts and data scientists is at the forefront of deploying advanced analysis methods, including AI and machine learning. These technologies enable us to efficiently analyze data for tens of thousands of hospitals annually, continuously improving our processes and methods. By leveraging AI, we streamline complex data processing tasks and enhance the accuracy of our rankings, for
example, by using AI as one additional data validation layer while ensuring that current limitations of AI, such as hallucinations, are accounted for. Our team continuously integrates innovations as these technologies evolve to ensure we remain a leader in delivering cutting-edge healthcare insights.
What are the biggest opportunities for growth in the healthcare sector in the next five years? How can data help capitalize on them?
The next five years present transformative growth opportunities in healthcare, particularly in precision medicine and the expansion of digital health solutions. Precision medicine enables treatments to be tailored to individual patients based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with data playing a pivotal role in analyzing vast genomic datasets and real-world evidence to create more effective, personalized therapies. Digital health solutions,
THE NEXT FIVE YEARS PRESENT TRANSFORMATIVE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTHCARE, PARTICULARLY IN PRECISION MEDICINE AND THE EXPANSION OF DIGITAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS
such as telemedicine and wearable technologies, are revolutionizing patient engagement and chronic disease management, allowing providers to harness real-time data to monitor health, predict potential issues, and intervene proactively. For the Middle East region, the expansion of preventative and primary care services to address chronic conditions such as diabetes and the rapid adoption of digital health technologies such as telemedicine are major growth factors. By leveraging robust datasets and innovative technologies, the healthcare sector is poised to achieve meaningful improvements in delivery and care.
What message would you like to share with healthcare leaders in the Middle East about the importance of data-driven decision-making?
Data-driven decision-making is essential for achieving excellence in healthcare, as demonstrated by Statista’s and Newsweek’s globally recognized rankings. For healthcare leaders in the Middle East, we already see
that leading hospitals are investing significant resources toward analyzing their market position and the perception of their services. In many cases, these hospitals already have a wide range of internal and external data available; however, these results have not yet been published. Embracing data on a wider scale and fostering transparency are critical steps toward demonstrating excellence to the broader public, enhancing patient outcomes, and driving innovation. By leveraging insights from data, healthcare organizations can not only benchmark their performance but also identify opportunities for continuous improvement and global competitiveness. In an era of rapid technological advancements in healthcare, investing in data infrastructure and analytics capabilities will empower Middle Eastern healthcare systems to lead in delivering cuttingedge care. Lastly, promoting transparency will enable leading hospitals in the region to communicate their excellence to a broader public, strengthening trust and showcasing their achievements on a global stage.
GLOBAL HOSPITAL RATING: www.globalhospitalrating.com
With over 35 years of experience in healthcare, Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals has proudly established itself as a pioneer, achieving numerous firsts-in-clinic. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, we remain dedicated to providing world-class healthcare infrastructure for our patients and medical professionals alike. Recognized as a trusted global healthcare destination and solution partner, we continuously strive to set new standards in tertiary care. In today’s fast-paced digital age, we have embraced digital transformation as a cornerstone of our institutional culture. This ensures an exceptional experience for both patients and physicians while enabling us to deliver innovative, patient-centered solutions. Our primary mission remains
Sinan Nazif Aran, M.D. Deputy CEO
centered on offering outstanding care to patients and fostering meaningful collaborations with healthcare professionals around the world. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare is further strengthened through our affiliation with Demiroğlu Science University, which provides robust academic support to Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals and the medical teams. We value international collaborations and partnerships as vital opportunities to create synergies and exchange knowledge. In the following section, some of our esteemed physicians will share their expertise and key insights into the advanced medical services and treatments they provide. It is a privilege to connect with you today, and we look forward to working together to create healthier, happier days for all.
IMMUNOTHERAPY REVOLUTIONIZES CANCER TREATMENT
Immunotherapy, which has made a great impact in the world of oncology in recent years, opens the doors to a new era in cancer treatment.
IMMUNOTHERAPY AND ITS ROLE IN CANCER TREATMENT
The main purpose of immunotherapy is to activate the patient’s own immune system to fight against tumour cells. On its journey that started with Malignant Melanoma in 2011, this type of treatment has now become applicable in almost all types of cancer. The side effects of immunotherapy are fewer and more tolerable compared to chemotherapy. Immunotherapy can be applied in almost all types of cancer. We look at certain markers before starting treatment. Immunotherapy targets tumor cells by activating the immune system. Unlike chemotherapy, this method significantly increases the quality of life of patients. As its side effects can be managed
easier than that of chemotherapy immunotherapy improves the quality of cancer patients lives. Furthermore an effective oncological rehabilitation which should start at the diagnosis of the disease would contribute to the health condition of the patient. Although immunotherapy is expensive, enrollment in clinical studies may be considered as a route to access them. The eligibility of the patients for immunotherapy is determined by the results of certain tests and assessments.
FUNCTIONING AND EFFECTIVENESS OF IMMUNOTHERAPY
Immunotherapy completely activates the immune system, allowing the body to recognize tumor cells as extraneous. In this way, cure can be achieved in some types of cancer and the lifespan of patients is significantly extended. We get complete answers, especially in some types such as Malignant Melanoma and lung cancer, and patients are able to lead healthy lives for five years or more.
THERANOSTICS
Extreme hyperthermia or hypothermia is concentrated to a focal zone in and around the tumor. Which is most commonly applied using a percutaneous approach with guidance of imaging modality. We conclude to include the whole tumor or not by the use of cone beam CT. At the same time we can evaluate t he hemodynamics inside the liver and can calculate the volume of tumor and normal parenchyma. TACE the feeding artery of the primary liver or metastatic lesions tumor is selectively catheterized and is temporarily or permanently occluded with a concentrated contrast medium (lipiodol) or beeds. TARE The feeding artery is not embolized, but a high concentration of radioactive elute particles are deposited into the tumoral tissue. Advancements in the understanding of administration technique, optimal dosing and the segmental approach has led to changes in practice with radioembolization. Ablative-level single dosimetry with high doses and multi-compartment dosimetry (by making a balance between the achievable tumor absorbed dose (TAD) and evaluation of the NTAD to minimize normal
tissue toxicity) can be used. Improved results are achieved when the TAD is increased without worsening the safety profile. TARE is safe and effective in treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Yttrium 90 is applied to HCC across all stages, including, curative setting in BCLC A, downstaging & bridging to liver transplantation, and palliation in BCLC B/C. Radioembolization can serve as neoadjuvant therapy for transplantation or resection. TARE can be used in treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, and most of metastatic liver cancers as well. We are one of the eight Therasphere Centers of Excellence in the world. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). It is a procedure that uses imaging guidance to create a connection between two large veins in the liver, the portal vein and the hepatic vein. This helps blood bypass the abnormal liver so that it can return to the heart more easily. A small metal device called a ‘’stent’’ is placed to keep the connection open. TIPS is performed to reduce the risk of internal bleeding from the stomach/esophagus in cirrhotic patients. It may also reduce the fluid accumulation in the abdomen and lungs.
Sadık Server, M.D.
Assoc. Prof.
Tuğba Akın Telli, M.D.
Assoc. Prof.
Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer creates an effective transformation in all processes from surgery to pathology.
The preoperative use of artificial intelligence can be summarized under three main titles: Patient Education and Expectation Management: AI may better inform patients about the surgical procedure.
Radiological Scan: AI may endorse radiologists with support in imaging such as tomography.
CTDNA Analyzes: It contributes to the diagnosis process by detecting tumor markers in blood tests. Expressing that in the past, they recommended the patients to stay away from search engines on the internet, Prof. Toker, “If artificial intelligence is used accurately, it may provide information about diseases close to the accuracy of doctors.”
THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DIAGNOSIS: “DIGITAL PATHOLOGY”
Artificial intelligence offers a versatile range of uses in the diagnosis phase, from tissue analysis to determination of tumor structure. Whereby tissue samples taken by bronchoscopy are analyzed by artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence may increase the accuracy of diagnosis from tissue samples and as well as analyze the immunological structure hence can make predictions about the course of the disease and life expectancy. This technology named as “artificial intelligence supported digital pathology”, is becoming more and more sensitive and accurate thanks to developing technologies.
THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DURING SURGERY
The artificial intelligence solutions used during surgery are as follows:
Robotic-Assisted Surgeries: Precise determination of the location of the tumor.
Robotic Bronchoscopy: It increases the percentage of access to the tumor significantly with computer-controlled
systems. Highlighted the new opportunities offered by technology, the robots will be able to perform independent surgical interventions in the near future, starting from bronchoscopy. Regarding the fact that during the surgery, artificial intelligence is used to support the surgeon’s decisions and make the operations more sensitive. Robotic systems allow the surgeons to determine the exact location of the tumor with the substances applied to the patient intravenously. We use it more often with new substances. Particularly thanks to the robotic bronchoscopy technology called ION, computer aided sensitive diagnosis and surgery are possible.
AFTER THE SURGERY:
FOLLOW-UP WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial intelligence is used to monitor the patient’s healing process and optimize the treatment following the surgery. The tissue samples taken during the surgery can be made subject to gene tests. These tests accelerate the treatment process by quickly determining which medications will be effective. Artificial intelligence also enables the pathologist’s job. The EMR systems used in the US prevent possible errors by controlling drug doses. Artificial intelligence is not only a support tool in lung cancer surgery but will also be a critical part of surgical decision-making mechanisms in the future. Thanks to artificial intelligence, every stage of a surgical process becomes more precise and effective. We anticipate that all processes from surgery to patient follow-up will transform in the near future.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MEDICAL EDUCATION
The artificial intelligence facilitates and accelerates learning for medical students. Virtual patient simulations and AI-supported platforms enable students to experience real clinical scenarios. It is aimed that in the future, they see artificial intelligence not only as a tool but also as an indispensable part of their profession.
ROBOTIC SURGERY IS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF MANY DISEASES IN GYNECOLOGY
Robotic surgery refers to performing closed surgeries, which are known as the laparoscopic method, with the help of a surgical robot.
Myomectomy: Removal of benign tumors.
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus in cases such as uterine cancer or uterine prolapse.
Endometriosis and chocolate cysts: Removal of tissues causing pain and infertility.
Pelvic floor surgery: In the treatment of pelvic organ prolapsus.
Ovarian cysts oncology: In the treatment of uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers.
Ligation/removal of tubes or reconnecting tubes: Robotic surgery can also be used preferred for permanent birth control or reopening of the tubes.
Chronic pelvic pain: Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cases of unknown cause.
DIFFERENCES
Thanks to small incisions and 3D imaging, surgeons have better visibility and control, while patients can experience a faster recovery process. Robotic surgery provides great flexibility and control for surgeons, especially in complex operations. With advanced technology, surgeons gain significant advantages for both themselves and their patients.
PROCEDURE
Robotic surgery is provided under general anesthesia. Small cuts are made and arms are placed. The surgeon sits at the console of the robotic system and controls the robotic arms. During the surgery process, robotic arms mimic the surgeon’s movements with high precision which enable extensive manipulations beyond the conventional open surgeries and safety.
Cem İyibozkurt, M.D.
Prof.
Alper Toker, M.D.
Prof.
Liver and kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment option for patients with serious conditions such as liver failure. At Florence Nightingale Liver and Kidney Transplant Center, we have more than 20 years of experience in this field, working to save patients’ lives and improve their quality of life. Since 2004, more than 2717 successful liver and kidney transplants have been performed in our unit. Living donor transplants accounted for 85% of these operations.
LIVING DONOR LIVER TRANSPLANT
Living donor liver transplantation stands out as a life-saving alternative in cases where the supply of organs from cadavers is insufficient. In Turkey, relatives up to the fourth degree can become organ donors. This process is carried out as a result of meticulous work that requires a detailed medical evaluation and surgical planning of the donor and recipient. Thanks to the liver’s ability to regenerate itself, donor liver tissue can be reconstructed in a way that preserves the health of both the recipient and the donor. Florence Nightingale Liver Transplant Center offers liver transplantation services for both adult and pediatric patients. In children, left lobe, left lateral segment, reduced size or mono segment liver transplants are performed from donors. In addition, children with metabolic diseases can receive liver transplants under the supervision of the Metabolic Diseases Team. Organs harvested from some
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION
We take great pride in having performed over 1,363 bone marrow transplants. By the end of the first year (2011), 90 bone marrow transplants were performed. In 2012, the first allogeneic bone marrow transplant from a non-related donor was carried out.
Since 2012, more than 130 bone marrow transplants have been performed annually. Since its establishment, we have successfully performed over 500 autologous and over 800 allogeneic transplants, totaling more than 1,363 bone marrow transplants.
of these patients have been used for domino transplantation, and in our center, livers harvested in cases involving rare conditions such as Maple Syrup Disease, FAP and Crigler-Najjar disease have been successfully transplanted into patients with liver cancer.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AND USE OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY
Living liver transplantation is a technically extremely complex surgical procedure. Liver vessels and bile ducts need to be carefully separated and reconnected. Our center carries out this process in the most sensitive way with modern technologies such as robotic surgery, Trans Arterial Chemo-Embolization (TARE) and advanced imaging techniques.
ROBOTIC SURGERY IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
The robotic surgery method in kidney transplantation provides a safer and more comfortable surgery and recovery. With the laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic method, a safer operation can be performed without touching the abdomen, that is, without any damage to other organs in the abdominal region. Since 2009, over 1117 kidney transplant surgeries have been successfully performed with the retroperitoneoscopic method developed by the Kidney Transplant Center. Our success rate in surgeries performed with the retroperitoneoscopic method is similar to world standards.
The goal of our Bone Marrow Transplant Center is to perform a high number of bone marrow transplants, closely monitor and provide care during the transplant process, and maximize survival rates. We apply non-sibling donor options with similar success and have been able to find a donor for 97% of HLA-compatible non-related or half-matched family patients, performing the transplant process swiftly.
OUR GOALS IN BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION:
n Perform a high volume of bone marrow transplants as a reference center.
n Increase survival rates after bone marrow transplantation.
n Ensure longer disease-free survival after bone marrow transplantation.
n Provide the best care for our patients in the most optimal conditions.
A fully equipped center during the bone marrow transplant
process: Starting with an 8-bed capacity, our Bone Marrow Transplant Center has now become one of the few bone marrow transplant units in Istanbul with a 16-bed capacity. Each patient has a private room. All rooms are equipped with HEPA filters and positive pressure. Hospital staff are present in the rooms, and standard amenities include an LCD TV, DVD player, and wireless internet service. Additionally, we have rooms for stem cell collection and accommodations for daily stays. Our unit provides 24/7 uninterrupted service and access to our doctors. We perform all procedures related to bone marrow transplantation within the Florence Nightingale Hospitals framework.
n All stem cell collection, storage, and return procedures are carried out at the Health Ministry-licensed unit located at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.
n Tissue typing is performed quickly and reliably at the EFI-approved HLA laboratory at Gayrettepe Florence Nightingale Hospital.
n In our laboratories at Gayrettepe Florence Nightingale Hospital, we can also perform freezing, storage, and evaluation procedures.
n As part of our bone marrow transplant center, we also have an Apheresis Unit licensed by the Health Ministry.
n At our Bone Marrow Transplant Center, we perform allogeneic and autologous transplants from related or unrelated donors or half-HLA-matched (haploidentical) related donors.
Remzi Emiroğlu, M.D.
Prof.
Ömür Gökmen Sevindik, M.D.
Prof.
Lumbar disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis are common diseases that cause serious disruptions in the patient’s quality of life. The compression of the nerve causes severe pain, loss of strength and sensation in the leg. Spinal canal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal through which the nerve structures pass due to the thickening of the bone structure, joints and ligaments in the spine over time. Complaints of pain in the legs and rapid fatigue when walking short distances are observed.
NEW ERA IN HERNIATED DISC AND CANAL STENOSIS: FULL ENDOSCOPIC SPINE SURGERY
Most patients diagnosed with a herniated disc or spinal canal stenosis can benefit significantly from non-surgical methods such as medication, rest, physical therapy and epdural injections. If these treatments are unsuccessful or if the patient has neurologic symptoms, surgical treatment is indicated. Endoscopic disc surgery, which is a minimally invasive method, is a new and rapidly developing method that is an alternative to traditional surgical methods.
A tube with a camera and light system is inserted through a 0.5 cm skin incision into the problem area of the spine. Using instruments that work through the tube, a disc herniation is removed or a canal enlargement is performed. In fact, in the near future, studies that will enable its use in spine stabilization surgeries are progressing rapidly. The large size of the surgical incision in the conventional method means increased tissue trauma, prolonged surgical time, risk of infection and prolonged
PRECISION MEDICINE
New 3T MRI systems have a wide bore (70 cm) with artificial intelligence-supported image acquisition feature and much higher performance than similar systems. The accelerators in the acquisition, multi-channel AIR Coils, allow us to perform examinations in less time, approximately 15-30 minutes, with higher resolution and higher performance. AIR Coils have undeniable IQ and speed, thus reducing the time on the table, which is very important for patient comfort. Fusion biopsy and robotic surgery have been performed in our hospital for many years. In this sense, we are constantly updating our prostate MRI protocols. Moreover, the whole body MRI examination, generally takes 50 minutes, it allows early detection, diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation of the spread of a wide variety of conditions such as possible cancer focus, benign mass, infection and inflammation in the body.
PET MRI
recovery time. With endoscopic narrow canal surgery, pressure on the nerves can be removed without destabilizing the spine. In this way, the patient can recover painlessly in a short time without a permanent implant in the body.
WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL
ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER METHODS?
1. Very small skin incision is made (0.5 cm)
2. minimal damage to normal tissues
3. very little adhesion around the nerve tissue
4. bleeding is negligible
5. There is little additional difficulty in its application in overweight patients
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR THE PATIENT?
1. The operation time is very short: 15 minutes on average for disc surgery, 45 minutes for canal stenosis.
2. Length of hospital stay: same day discharge for disc surgery, overnight hospitalization for canal stenosis
3. very low risk of infection because of the short duration
4. less need for painkillers because the pain is less
5. very fast recovery and return to normal life
ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES?
1. High-tech instruments are used. A limited number of hospitals can invest in these high-cost instruments.
2. Used in few places due to the need for an experienced and trained surgeon
3. Not for use in patients with instability
AREAS OF USE
ONCOLOGY: Since PET and MR images can be performed on a single device in a single session, our patients do not have to undergo different imaging methods many times, thus preventing loss of time.
GALLIUM-68 DOTA PET MRI in NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS
PET imaging with Ga-68 DOTA-linked peptides is known to have high sensitivity in most neuroendocrine tumors. It is recommended in current guidelines for early diagnosis, initial staging, preoperative imaging, evaluation of response to treatment and tumor restaging.
GALLIUM-68 PSMA PET MRI for PROSTATE CANCER
PET-MRI devices are hybrid imaging systems that use state-ofthe-art technology. Here, PET and MRI devices are combined in a single machine.
Why choose PET MRI?
Safety-low radiation: PET MRI has significantly reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional PET-CT scans. This is especially important for pediatric patients. Enhanced soft tissue imaging: High-resolution images of the brain, hepatobiliary, urogenital and musculoskeletal systems can be obtained.
Currently, MRI is used in the diagnosis and local staging of prostate cancer. PSMA PET targets PSMA, a frequently expressed antigen found on the surface of prostate cancer cells. This method helps to identify areas where cancerous cells are concentrated and possible metastases. With Ga-68 PSMA PET MRI, we can perform these two methods at the same time. Thus, it offers high sensitivity and specificity in the early detection of cancer foci in the prostate. It also provides important information for treatment planning, monitoring response to treatment and monitoring disease recurrence. Neurology It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the following diseases:
n Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
n Diagnosis of other causes of dementia
n Detection of epileptic focus
Nagihan İnan Gürcan, M.D.
Prof.
Azmi Hamzaoğlu, M.D.
Prof.
Mary’s Story: Saved Twice by Lurie Children’s Cardiology and Cancer Experts
This fall, Mary settled in at university in the state of Illinois, eager to begin her sophomore year. While undergoing cancer treatment the year prior, Mary took classes online and pursued a degree in community health. She hopes that one day, she’ll work at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the hospital that saved her life not once, but twice.
As a toddler, Mary was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy. She underwent a heart transplant with the experts in Lurie Children’s Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Program, one of the best and busiest in the United States. Though more than 15 years ago, Mary’s family still remembers the caregivers and child-focused activities that carried them through that time.
Mary went on to enjoy a healthy childhood and adolescence. But in the summer of 2023, just after high school graduation, she experienced sudden weight loss and became quite ill.
As part of a routine heart transplant clinic appointment at Lurie Children’s, her team ordered CT scans. The scans showed several enlarged lymph nodes, which were later biopsied. The day before Mary was set to attend university, she received the official diagnosis: Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.
New Diagnosis, Same Expertise
Though Mary felt overwhelmed by the diagnosis, “it was a huge comfort to be in a familiar place,” she said.
She was in capable hands: Lurie Children’s Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program has performed more than 1,500 stem cell transplants, making it one of the United States’ largest pediatric programs of its kind. Under the care of the stem cell transplantation, oncology and nephrology teams, Mary began targeted chemotherapy treatments and prepared for a stem cell transplant using her own cells.
In January 2024, she was admitted to the hospital to begin conditioning chemo in preparation for her stem cell transplant. By the end of the month, she received her stem cells that had been harvested in the fall. Mary’s health slowly started to improve
once the cells grafted. Throughout it all, Mary worked hard to regain her strength with physical and occupational therapies and expressed herself through art therapy. By spring, she was healthy and strong enough to return home with her family.
Mary had the chance to celebrate her cancer-free status after many months of checkups. In August 2024, she gathered with her friends, family and providers to ring the endof-chemo bell.
“It was exciting knowing all my doctors were coming down and celebrating with me,” she said.
MARY HAD THE CHANCE TO CELEBRATE HER CANCER-FREE STATUS AFTER MANY MONTHS OF CHECKUPS. IN AUGUST 2024, SHE GATHERED WITH HER FRIENDS, FAMILY AND PROVIDERS TO RING THE END-OFCHEMO BELL.
Lurie Children’s Heart Center and International Patient Services Department
In 2024, Lurie Children’s ranked #1 in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Newsweek’s
list of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2024.
Lurie Children’s International Patient Services (IPS) Department works with families like Mary’s around the world who are seeking specialized pediatric healthcare services.
IPS is committed to providing familycentered care through every interaction, from referral through treatment and the patient’s journey home.
At every step, IPS provides patients and their families with support in their own language, through certified Interpreters inperson, via video and by telephone.
IN 2024, LURIE CHILDREN’S RANKED #1 IN CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIAC SURGERY IN NEWSWEEK’S LIST OF AMERICA’S BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS 2024.
Sustainable Healthcare for a Greener Future
A New Era of Sustainable Healthcare
Historically focused on immediate patient needs, the healthcare sector is now embracing a more holistic approach. By prioritizing sustainability, healthcare providers aim to improve both patient outcomes and environmental health. This paradigm shift involves minimizing waste, adopting ecofriendly technologies, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Ultimately, this commitment to sustainability underscores the deep connection between human well-being and planetary health. Laboratories, as integral components of healthcare delivery, are also playing a crucial role in this transformation. By implementing sustainable practices in their operations, laboratories can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Sustainability Strategy: Building a Better Tomorrow
A comprehensive sustainability strategy is anchored in three vital pillars: developing innovative products that enhance the quality of life, cultivating diverse and skilled teams that bring unique perspectives, and actively protecting our planet's natural resources. By embracing this holistic approach, we empower future generations of stakeholders to fully "Realize Life's Potential" and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
Developing innovative products
The objective is to develop products that prioritize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This encompasses using sustainable laboratory materials and creating energy-efficient devices, all of which aim to foster a positive ecological footprint.
Cultivating diverse and skilled teams
Sustainability fundamentally begins with individuals. It is crucial to develop varied and resilient teams passionate about sustainability and equipped with the necessary skills
to implement eco-friendly practices across all dimensions of operations.
Protecting our planet's natural resources
Reducing emissions, minimizing waste, and investing in sustainable facilities are crucial measures to protect the environment locally and globally. These initiatives are vital for ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to thrive.
Fostering Innovation in Laboratory Sustainability
Collaborating with innovative companies, healthcare laboratories are advancing toward sustainability by critically assessing their processes, materials, and waste management systems. Recent innovations in laboratory environments have enabled significant reductions in material usage, emphasizing decreasing reliance on single-use products and enhancing resource efficiency without compromising quality. This emergent model of laboratory sustainability entails a comprehensive evaluation of supply chains, the utilization of materials that generate minimal waste, and the adopting of eco-friendly equipment designed to facilitate efficient recycling practices. Currently, laboratories are at the forefront of transforming research and clinical methodologies into environmentally responsible practices.
The Challenge of Laboratory Waste
Laboratories are responsible for generating a substantial volume of waste due to their high-frequency testing processes and reliance on disposable materials. For example, a central laboratory that conducts over 500 complete blood counts daily utilizes approximately 1,300 10-liter containers of standard diluent annually. This extensive consumption necessitates careful handling and storage and contributes significantly to waste production, thereby exerting pressure on waste management systems. Laboratories can implement more sustainable practices by comprehensively
RECENT INNOVATIONS IN LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS HAVE ENABLED SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN MATERIAL USAGE, EMPHASIZING DECREASING RELIANCE ON SINGLE-USE PRODUCTS AND ENHANCING RESOURCE EFFICIENCY WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY.
understanding and addressing this extensive waste volume. Prioritizing recycling, minimizing packaging, and enhancing storage management are critical steps in reducing the environmental impact of laboratory operations.
Eco-Friendly Solutions in Laboratory Equipment
The adoption of environmentally sustainable laboratory technologies is significantly mitigating ecological impacts across various domains. Contemporary laboratory equipment is engineered to focus on energy efficiency, often incorporating features that promote lower power consumption and extended operational lifespans. Innovations in laboratory apparatus facilitate reduced material usage and enhance waste management practices, leading to diminished reliance on disposable items and a reduced environmental footprint. These technological advances position laboratories not merely as centers for scientific inquiry but as advocates for sustainability. They are engaged in the continuous refinement of processes and the development of tools that promote both medical innovation and environmental stewardship.
Reducing Plastics in the Healthcare Sector
The healthcare industry significantly contributes to plastic waste, especially in laboratory settings. Clinical and scientific labs rely heavily on single-use plastics, with global laboratories generating approximately 5.5 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. The resilience of plastics, while beneficial for sterility and safety, poses a severe environmental threat due to their resistance to breakdown.
Sustainable alternatives, like highly concentrated diluents, have been introduced to curb plastic consumption. For instance, one such eco-friendly diluent, concentrated at 18 times the standard, uses containers with drastically reduced plastic weight, achieving over a 95% reduction in plastic usage. Each container not only limits the plastic load but also decreases fossil fuel demand and greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately reducing environmental pollutants like microplastics.
Eco-Friendly Healthcare Certification
Sustainability certification in healthcare demonstrates a facility’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices and adherence to high standards of sustainability. These certifications provide healthcare facilities with structured guidelines to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high-quality care standards, covering areas such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials. In laboratory settings, specialized certifications address the unique demands of clinical and research labs, focusing on reducing energy consumption, managing waste responsibly, and implementing safe chemical practices. As laboratories are often resource-intensive environments, these certifications support labs in achieving efficient and sustainable operations while meeting rigorous standards.
Through these certifications, healthcare and laboratory facilities are recognized as leaders in environmental stewardship, showcasing a commitment to sustainability that resonates with patients, staff, and surrounding communities. Certification not only enhances patient trust but also supports operational efficiency and cost savings, inspiring the broader healthcare industry to elevate its sustainability efforts. As the healthcare and laboratory sectors work toward reducing their environmental impact, these certifications support institutions in their responsibility to safeguard human health and the environment. Equipped with structured frameworks and sustainable practices, healthcare facilities can lead the industry toward a future that is both resilient and eco-conscious.
A Greener, Healthier Future
Sustainability in healthcare is essential for improving patient care while reducing environmental impact. By adopting strategies like waste reduction, using eco-friendly products, and innovating laboratory practices, healthcare organizations can lead by example. As the industry evolves, sustainability will remain integral, showing that healthcare can coexist harmoniously with our planet.
INNOVATIONS IN LABORATORY APPARATUS FACILITATE REDUCED MATERIAL USAGE AND ENHANCE WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, LEADING TO DIMINISHED RELIANCE ON DISPOSABLE ITEMS AND A REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT. THESE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES POSITION LABORATORIES NOT MERELY AS CENTERS FOR SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY BUT AS ADVOCATES FOR SUSTAINABILITY.
or https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-richmond-01124556/
However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), healthcare facilities often rely on third-party suppliers to deliver their pre-filled oxygen cylinders. Without advanced onsite systems, these facilities must pay a premium per cylinder and are also vulnerable to supply chain interruptions.
Environmental challenges, civil unrest, or unexpected global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic could all stop the flow of lifesaving oxygen. International organizations are stepping up, looking for solutions that use infrastructure to address these disparities and provide the necessary oxygen.
The critical role of compressors in LMIC healthcare facilities
Onsite oxygen plants, such as PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) or VPSA (Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption) systems, add critical oxygen capabilities when implemented in remote facilities. Yet, even with these oxygen generation systems in place, power reliability issues still threaten continuous oxygen
delivery. Frequent power outages in remote areas can disrupt the oxygen supply to critical care units, putting lives at risk.
Even as backup diesel generators add value and LMIC hospitals typically rely on them during outages, they are often insufficient and may not support the full range of hospital equipment. In emergencies, administrators face the need to prioritize between powering essential hospital functions or oxygen generation. Additionally, diesel supplies are often scarce in rural areas, leaving hospitals vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Pairing onsite oxygen generators and compressors provides a reliable solution to this problem. A facility equipped with both can generate and store its own oxygen in high-pressure cylinders, avoiding some of the external factors that otherwise cause interruptions and danger to patients. The facility can build a backup oxygen reserve, effectively creating an onsite oxygen inventory that remains accessible even during power outages. Reserve O2 in the form of cylinders
ONSITE OXYGEN PLANTS, SUCH AS PSA (PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION) OR VPSA (VACUUM PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION) SYSTEMS, ADD CRITICAL OXYGEN CAPABILITIES WHEN IMPLEMENTED IN REMOTE FACILITIES.
also helps stabilize the peak periods of oxygen demand, with supplies at the ready when a facility needs more O2 than its generator can output.
Strategically sizing oxygen plants for cylinder filling
To ensure adequate oxygen access, hospitals must also size their oxygen plants to deliver a higher volume than typically needed. For example, a facility that normally consumes 500 liters per minute should consider setting up a plant that produces around 700 liters per minute. Additional oxygen capacity supports routine cylinder filling, building a reserve of high-pressure oxygen or cylinders. When power is disrupted, these pre-filled cylinders provide a critical lifeline. No power is required, as compressed oxygen simply flows directly from the cylinders, supplying essential respiratory support to patients. There is greater autonomy to this approach, vital for emergency and remote field care where portable oxygen access can mean the difference between life and death.
Building oxygen independence with onsite cylinder filling
The advantages of onsite cylinder filling in LMICs extend beyond emergency preparedness. Onsite systems protect hospitals from supply chain breakdowns and empower facilities to minimize dependency on external suppliers. By maintaining an onsite stock of highpressure cylinders, hospitals can ensure a continuous oxygen supply for patient care, even when environmental or political disruptions block road access.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES
Advanced onsite compression systems have the potential to transform healthcare in lowresource settings. The Global Fund and other organizations are working to bridge these divides, supporting healthcare facilities as they build resilient, oxygen-supplying infrastructure. By investing in onsite oxygen compressors and cylinder-filling capacity, hospitals in LMICs can safeguard against oxygen shortages, decrease reliance on external oxygen resources, and ensure safe and reliable patient care. In a world where medical oxygen can be difficult to come by, compression technology helps make access to oxygen a global healthcare reality, empowering LMICs to become self-sufficient in medical oxygen delivery.
Additionally, onsite cylinder filling systems can reduce long-term operational costs. Although initial investment in a compressor and generator may be substantial, the hospital realizes long-term savings and creates a more sustainable oxygen delivery model.
Ensuring equitable access to oxygen
RIX Industries’ 2V3 Series oil-free compressors, optimized for industrial and medical high pressure cylinder filling applications, can fill up to sixty 240 cu. ft. 2500 psi cylinders in a 24-hour period. Designed for continuous operation in the most demanding environments, RIX compressors are engineered for safe, reliable delivery of high pressure oxygen as well as other clean, dry gases up to 2500 psig (172 barg), or optionally up to 3000 psig (207 barg). The RIX system also features ease of maintenance, required every 1500-2000 hours of performance vs only a few hundred hours for compressors of lower quality.
TO ENSURE ADEQUATE OXYGEN ACCESS, HOSPITALS MUST ALSO SIZE THEIR OXYGEN PLANTS TO DELIVER A HIGHER VOLUME THAN TYPICALLY NEEDED. FOR EXAMPLE, A FACILITY THAT NORMALLY CONSUMES 500 LITERS PER MINUTE SHOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP A PLANT THAT PRODUCES AROUND 700 LITERS PER MINUTE.
Healthcare Tourism in the Czech Republic An
Emerging Destination for Quality and Affordability
Healthcare tourism is a rapidly growing global trend that attracts individuals from around the world seeking high-quality medical care at more affordable prices. This movement has been driven by rising healthcare costs in many developed countries and increased accessibility to international travel. Among the top destinations for healthcare tourism, the Czech Republic has emerged as a premier choice in Europe. It offers advanced medical services that combine cutting-edge technology, skilled professionals, and significant cost savings. With a rich history in medical expertise, a strategic location in the heart of Europe, and a strong commitment to patient-centered innovation, the Czech Republic is positioning itself as a hub for healthcare tourism.
Why Choose the Czech Republic for Healthcare Tourism?
Premium Healthcare Services
The Czech Republic has a strong healthcare system that is ranked among the best in Europe. Hospitals and clinics in the country comply with strict international standards, with many holding accreditations like ISO certification. These certifications guarantee that medical facilities meet high-quality benchmarks for safety, hygiene, and patient care. Czech healthcare professionals are known for their expertise, with many doctors, surgeons, and specialists completing advanced education and training programs abroad, including in Western Europe and North America. This exposure to international best practices enhances their ability to provide world-class care. Furthermore, Czech healthcare institutions prioritize the continuous professional development of their staff, ensuring that medical professionals stay updated on the latest advancements in their fields.
THE CZECH REPUBLIC HAS A STRONG HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT IS RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN EUROPE. HOSPITALS AND CLINICS IN THE COUNTRY COMPLY WITH STRICT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, WITH MANY HOLDING ACCREDITATIONS LIKE ISO CERTIFICATION.
ARTICLE FEATURES . Czech Republic
Affordable Services
One of the main reasons healthcare tourists choose the Czech Republic is its affordability. Medical treatments here are 50% to 70% cheaper than in Western Europe or the U.S. For example, a hip replacement surgery costing over $40,000 in the U.S. can be done for under $15,000 in the Czech Republic, including rehabilitation. The country combines these lower costs with high-quality care, offering state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled professionals, making it an ideal choice for those seeking value.
Specialized Treatments
The Czech Republic has gained recognition for its excellence in several medical specialties:
• Orthopedic Surgery: Renowned for advanced techniques in joint replacement and spinal surgeries, Czech orthopedic centers are equipped with cutting-edge technology and rehabilitation programs tailored to individual patient needs.
• Fertility Treatments: The country is home to numerous world-class IVF clinics offering
high success rates, advanced reproductive technologies, and personalized care plans at a fraction of the cost in other countries.
• Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery: A growing market for aesthetic procedures, the Czech Republic attracts patients seeking skilled surgeons and natural results. Treatments include everything from facelifts to body contouring.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Czech hospitals are pioneers in adopting roboticassisted and laparoscopic techniques, which minimize scarring, reduce recovery times, and enhance surgical precision.
Gateway to World-Class Healthcare
The Czech Republic’s central location in Europe makes it easily accessible for international patients. Václav Havel Airport in Prague offers direct flights to major cities, and efficient rail and road networks connect the country with its neighbors. For healthcare tourists, various visa options,
THE CZECH REPUBLIC’S CENTRAL LOCATION IN EUROPE MAKES IT EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS. VÁCLAV HAVEL AIRPORT IN PRAGUE OFFERS DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MAJOR CITIES, AND EFFICIENT RAIL AND ROAD NETWORKS CONNECT THE COUNTRY WITH ITS NEIGHBORS.
including medical visas, simplify the process. Many medical facilities also provide tailored services, such as airport pickup, accommodation assistance, and multilingual support, ensuring a smooth experience for international patients.
Innovative Healthcare Practices
The Czech Republic is leading the integration of advanced technology in healthcare. Hospitals are increasingly adopting robotic surgery systems, improving precision and reducing recovery times, particularly for joint replacements at top orthopedic centers. AIdriven diagnostic tools are enhancing patient care by enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses. Combined with telemedicine, these tools allow patients to consult with specialists remotely, which is especially useful for international patients. Additionally, Czech healthcare providers are investing in digital health technologies, such as electronic medical records and mobile health apps, to streamline care and improve patient engagement.
The Role of Research and Development
The Czech Republic is a leader in medical innovation due to its strong focus on research and development (R&D). Universities, research institutions, and hospitals actively conduct clinical trials for advanced treatments like regenerative medicine, prosthetics, and oncology therapies. Czech researchers are advancing bioengineered tissues and stem cell therapies, offering potential solutions for conditions such as arthritis and spinal cord injuries. Collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies ensure that healthcare facilities remain at the forefront of scientific progress. Patients benefit from access to experimental treatments through clinical trial programs, providing hope for complex medical conditions.
Challenges in Healthcare Tourism
The Czech Republic offers exceptional healthcare services; however, there are challenges that healthcare tourists may encounter. One significant issue is the language barrier, which can make communication
difficult, especially in smaller clinics where English-speaking staff may not be readily available. Fortunately, many hospitals in major cities employ multilingual teams to assist international patients. Another concern is insurance coverage, as not all international health insurance plans include treatments obtained abroad. It is advisable for patients to check with their providers and consider options for additional travel insurance.
Additionally, post-treatment care can pose challenges, particularly for patients requiring long-term follow-up. To address this, many Czech hospitals offer comprehensive discharge plans and remote consultation options to ensure continuity of care.
Insights for Healthcare Professionals
The Czech Republic provides valuable opportunities for healthcare professionals through advanced practices and technologies. International conferences, such as the Prague Medical Congress, attract global experts for knowledge exchange and networking. Czech hospitals also offer training programs and fellowships, allowing international professionals to learn innovative patient care techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries and integrative medicine.
Czech Republic: Redefining Excellence in Healthcare Tourism
The Czech Republic has emerged as a premier destination for healthcare tourism, distinguished by its exceptional combination of quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovative practices. The nation boasts advanced medical facilities and highly skilled professionals, alongside a robust commitment to research, thereby offering reliable and compelling options for patients in search of world-class medical care.
In light of the increasing global demand for healthcare tourism, the Czech Republic is well-equipped to sustain its leadership position within this dynamic sector, establishing a standard for excellence in patient care and medical innovation.
A Revolution in Natural Childbirth with Czech Roots
LINDU Medical: A Revolution in Natural Childbirth with Czech Roots
Childbirth is not merely a medical procedure – it is a unique moment in every woman’s life. To support physiological and comfortable childbirth, LINDU Medical offers an innovative solution that redefines maternity care: birthing couches designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic.
These versatile medical aids are the result of collaboration between Czech designers, midwives, and doctors, united by a common goal: to provide women the opportunity to give birth in a healthier and more comfortable way with the support of the latest medical and technological advancement. LINDU Medical birthing couches stand out for their ergonomic design and smart accessories, allowing easy adjustment to meet the needs of each woman.
Advantages of LINDU Medical Birthing Couches:
• Support for Natural Birth: The couches are designed to facilitate physiological positions that help make women´s contractions more bearable and ease the birthing process
• Comfort and Safety: The two-layer medical-grade upholstery with bonded seams is flexible, pleasant to the touch, and fully disinfectable, ensuring maximum hygiene.
• Flexibility and Portability: The couch can be easily folded and transported, making it ideal not only for hospitals but also for birthing centers outside traditional maternity wards.
• Closeness and Support: Thanks to its adjustable features, the couch allows the birthing woman to have her partner or support person close by, enhancing her sense of comfort and security.
“After eight months of using two birthing couches on which more than 350 births have taken place, our experience is unequivocally positive. I was surprised at how easy it was to replace the medical birthing beds with birthing couches and how well it was received by staff and parents.
The advantages of the birthing couch include its variability, better support in many positions, more active involvement of the mother and her partner, and the possibility of resting together after giving birth. A third couch is on its way. Satisfaction prevails.”
Ondrej Simetka
OB/GYN consultant, Head of the OB/GYN Dept., University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic
LINDU Medical birthing couches are the result of years of development and testing in Czech maternity hospitals. Every detail has been crafted with the needs of women and healthcare professionals in mind. This Czech brand emphasizes the quality of materials. In addition to modernizing maternity care, LINDU Medical also champions Czech innovation and manufacturing. Its birthing couches are already a favorite in many maternity wards that aim to provide women with both comfort and freedom during one of the most important moments of their lives.
LINDU medical closely cooperates with the Propolis33 Foundation, its activities are dedicated to supporting projects focused on planned parenthood, maternity and reproduction. Propolis33 is advocating for changes in the care system in the Czech Republic and abroad, such as in Slovakia and Kenya, based on awareness campaigns, educational activities at universities and hospitals, and advocacy activities to ensure systemic legislative changes at the government level. Thanks to this close cooperation, hospitals are well trained in the vertical birth positions and are using LINDU medical couches properly.
International Accreditation A Badge of Excellence in Healthcare
International accreditation for healthcare institutions signifies a dedication to implementing leading global practices. It demands conformity to rigorous international standards that guarantee the quality and safety of care delivered. This process involves a thorough evaluation by independent external organizations to determine the institution's compliance with established international criteria. These criteria encompass various facets of healthcare, such as service efficiency, accurate diagnosis and treatment, patient satisfaction, safety protocols, reducing medical errors, infection control, optimal resource utilization, and enhancing patient health outcomes.
Achieving international accreditation provides numerous advantages for healthcare institutions, including a marked improvement in patient safety through strict adherence to protocols, enhanced care quality leading to better patient outcomes and satisfaction, increased credibility and trust among patients and the global community, improved market competitiveness, encouragement of staff development and motivation, and ultimately, a decrease in costs related to medical errors and inefficiencies.
Benefits of International Accreditation for Distinguished Healthcare Institutions
Enhancing Patient Safety
• Minimizing Medical Errors: Accreditation ensures the implementation of rigorous safety protocols, lowering the chances of medical errors like performing surgery on the wrong patient or giving the wrong medication.
• Infection Control: Implementing optimal infection control practices, such as proper hand hygiene and equipment sterilization, greatly decreases infection risks.
• Enhancing the Workplace: Accreditation
is vital in fostering a safe work environment for patients and healthcare staff.
Improving Quality of Care
• Enhanced Patient Outcomes: Adopting international quality standards improves patient outcomes, including reduced hospital stays and increased recovery rates.
• Greater Patient Satisfaction: Improved service quality elevates patient satisfaction and loyalty to the healthcare institution.
• Creation of Treatment Programs: Accreditation promotes the establishment of innovative and effective treatment programs.
Building Credibility and Trust
• Global Recognition: Accreditation elevates the institution's reputation and position in the marketplace.
• Reinforcing Collaborations: Accreditation strengthens relationships with other healthcare providers and pharmaceutical firms.
Strengthening Competitive Position
• Distinguishing from Competitors: Accreditation sets the institution apart, enhancing its appeal to patients and investors.
• Entering New Markets: Accredited entities have the opportunity to expand into new markets and enhance their business growth.
Promoting Staff Development and Motivation
• Training and Development: Accreditation promotes providing training and development opportunities for employees.
• Enhanced Team Performance:
Accreditation enhances team performance and collaboration among employees.
• Heightened Commitment: Accreditation increases employees' sense of belonging and dedication to the institution.
Reducing Costs
• Waste Reduction: Accreditation assists in recognizing and minimizing resource waste
• Operational Efficiency: Accreditation boosts the effectiveness of operational procedures.
• Legal Risks: Accreditation lowers the legal risks linked to medical errors.
Accreditation Standards
International accreditation standards enhance healthcare quality and patient safety. By adhering to these standards, healthcare organizations achieve high service quality and efficiency, ensuring safe and effective patient care. The standards focus on the patient, covering areas such as leadership, human resources, medication oversight, infection control, surgical practices, anesthesia, quality improvement, and communication among stakeholders. They ensure timely care tailored to patient preferences in a safe environment.
Exploring the Impact of International Accreditation
Seeking international accreditation presents a substantial challenge for healthcare organizations, demanding an ongoing dedication to improvement and a firm commitment to patient safety and high-quality care. This strict process requires compliance with globally acknowledged standards, typically defined by entities like the Joint Commission International (JCI), which sets the bar for healthcare excellence.
By embracing these international guidelines, healthcare organizations initiate a transformative process. They cultivate a culture centered on safety and quality, proactively identify and address risks, and consistently enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. This leads to a more robust and resilient healthcare system. Moreover, international accreditation bolsters the institution's credibility and trustworthiness locally and internationally, attracting patients and building trust among healthcare professionals. Ultimately, pursuing international accreditation empowers healthcare organizations to enhance the quality of care they deliver, thereby improving the health and well-being of their patients.
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION STANDARDS ENHANCE HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY. BY ADHERING TO THESE STANDARDS, HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS ACHIEVE HIGH SERVICE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY, ENSURING SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PATIENT CARE.
Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) – Beirut is committed to providing high-quality, reliable, safe, and personalized care
Mr. Tarek Abughazaleh, Chief Operating Officer at Clemenceau
Medical Center
Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) –Beirut is a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East renowned for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. JCI accreditation plays a crucial role in guiding CMC towards achieving performance excellence through evidence-based standards. “Hospitals” magazine had the chance to interview Mr. Tarek Abughazaleh, Chief Operating Officer at Clemenceau Medical Center, who talked about the significance of international accreditation for healthcare institutions and the role of accreditation in improving patient safety and quality of care.
What is the significance of international accreditation for healthcare institutions? Which specific international accreditation standards is Clemenceau Medical Center striving to meet?
Achieving International Accreditation is vital in assuring that hospitals and their patients benefit
from numerous standards:
• Reducing variability and minimizing patient safety risks.
• Improving clinical and operational processes while building staff competencies and a knowledge base for leading practices.
• Connecting the accredited organization with like-minded healthcare institutions around the world and facilitating knowledge-sharing and best practices.
• Enabling differentiation in a competitive healthcare environment by pursuing a commitment to safety across the spectrum of care.
• Attracting, securing, and retaining the best talent who are committed to delivering quality care and patient safety.
Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) acquired its initial Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) in 2009 by implementing the requirements of the 3rd edition of the Hospitals Standards.
The Joint Commission International Hospital Standards are intended to promote continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in daily performance and in the outcomes of patient care.
Since 2009, CMC is committed to maintain this accreditation through the triennial survey occurring every 3 years.
Each successful reaccreditation ensures compliance with the most current edition of the JCI standards at the time. CMC fulfilled its 6th Reaccreditation in January 2024 against the 7th Standards Edition and is already in process of reviewing and implementing the 8th Edition Standards, that was released on July 2024. I have no doubt that we will achieve our 7th Reaccreditation survey in January 2027 based on these new standards.
ACCREDITATION IS ONE IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN PATIENT SAFETY. JCI IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO HELP HOSPITALS THROUGH ITS EVIDENCE-BASED STANDARDS BY PROVIDING THE ROADMAP TO BUILDING ESSENTIAL PROCESSES TO ACHIEVE PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AND IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY.
Based on your experience, how does accreditation contribute to improving patient safety and quality of care?
Accreditation is a key component in patient safety, and JCI is uniquely positioned to help hospitals through its evidence-based standards by providing the roadmap to building essential processes to achieve performance excellence and improve patient safety. This roadmap draws the bi-directional communication strategy between the Top Management and the Healthcare Providers, which is an essential aspect of CMC’s Safety Culture.
CMC is committed to providing high quality, highly reliable, safe and personalized care to its patients. Thus, by setting a multidisciplinary team approach, in-hospital teams from different disciplines (e.g. nursing staff, nurses’ aids, surgeons, technicians, anesthesiologists, attending physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, allied healthcare providers and others) work together in coordination with the Quality & Patient Safety Team to implement the seven Patient-Centered Standards. The aim is to limit adverse events (AE), improve outcomes, and add to patient and employee satisfaction.
CMC’s Top Management and the Quality & Patient Safety Team follow through the Healthcare Organization Management Standards, by implementing the “Governance, Leadership and Direction” (GLD) and the “Quality Improvement and Patient Safety” (QPS) chapters, showing our commitment and support to continuous Quality Improvement and optimizing Patient Safety. In healthcare, Quality and Patient Safety is not static. The continuous evaluation and amendments of our major safety plans, policies and processes (derived from the most current JCI Standards and evidence-based guidelines) has kept CMC a leader in Quality & Patient Safety Initiatives.
What were the primary challenges faced by the center during the international accreditation process? How were these obstacles overcome?
The constant State of Readiness for JCI Accreditation has been embedded into CMC Culture since our initial survey in 2009.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Gaza War presented challenges during our last two Reaccreditation surveys in January 2021 and January 2024 respectively.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 5th Reaccreditation was led in January 2021 as an all-virtual survey, with no surveyors onsite at our premises. All survey activities were conducted using remote video and audio technology through Zoom. The survey locations had access to high-speed internet, computers, cameras and advanced sound systems.
Changing from an on-site to virtual survey was difficult, but our IT Management & technical team had successfully overcome these challenges.
Due to the escalating war activity and increased travel security concerns for the JCI survey team, the virtual survey was repeated during our 6th Reaccreditation in January 2024.
Our team did a monumental effort in preparing for and overcoming the challenges faced during these difficult times.
What role do continuous quality improvement initiatives play in maintaining accreditation standards?
Continuous improvement initiatives foster a culture of ongoing evaluation and enhancement of healthcare quality and patient safety. By systematically identifying areas for improvement, implementing best practices and monitoring outcomes, healthcare organizations ensure compliance with accreditation
www.cmc.com.lb
SINCE 2009, CMC HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING THIS ACCREDITATION THROUGH THE TRIENNIAL SURVEY OCCURRING EVERY 3 YEARS TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOST CURRENT EDITION OF THE JCI STANDARDS. CMC FULFILLED ITS 6TH REACCREDITATION IN JANUARY 2024 AGAINST THE 7TH STANDARDS EDITION AND IS IN PROCESS OF REVIEWING AND IMPLEMENTING THE 8TH EDITION STANDARDS, THAT WAS RELEASED ON JULY 2024 AND IS EFFECTIVE ON 1 JANUARY 2025, TO APPLY FOR ITS 7TH REACCREDITATION SURVEY IN JANUARY 2027.
requirements and more importantly address evolving patient needs.
These continuous initiatives also help identify potential gaps in service delivery, improving operational efficiencies and ensure that healthcare services meet the highest standards of care. Ultimately, continuous improvement supports long-term sustainability, enhances patient satisfaction and strengthens the overall quality of care.
How has international accreditation helped enhance the reputation of Clemenceau Medical Center regionally and internationally?
Successfully completing a rigorous accreditation process is a signal to patients that a Healthcare Organization has undergone an exacting performance assessment and met a robust series of qualifications in Patient Safety and Standard of Care.
International accreditation has significantly enhanced CMC’s reputation by validating its
commitment to delivering high-quality patientcentered care.
Achieving internationally recognized standards, such as those set by organizations like JCI, underscores the hospital’s adherence to rigorous safety, quality and operational practices. This not only builds trust with patients, but also attracts top-tier healthcare professionals, fosters partnerships with global health organizations such as Johns Hopkins International, and positions CMC on the map as a leader in medical excellence in the Middle East.
CMC's Key Achievements and Recognitions
• JCI Triennial Accreditations: Awarded multiple times, most recently in January 2024 (6th accreditation).
• IMTJ Medical Travel Awards: Multiple wins, including Excellence in Customer Service and International Cancer Centre of the Year (2019, 2020), and Best Use of Technology in Medical Tourism (2018,
ACCREDITED HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS
SUCH AS CMC MUST MEET RIGOROUS QUALITY AND SAFETY STANDARDS DIRECTLY LINKED TO IMPROVED CLINICAL OUTCOMES.
2017) & Best Quality Initiative
• MTQUA Rankings: Ranked in the Top Ten World’s Best Hospitals for Medical Tourists multiple times (2017, 2018, 2019).
• Awards for Patient Care: Recognized with various awards for Patient/FamilyCentered Care and Patient Safety, including The Language of Caring (2019).
• Technological and Architectural Recognition: Consistently ranked among the Most Technologically Advanced Hospitals and Most Architecturally Impressive Hospitals globally.
• International Certifications and Commendations: First Novalis Certified
Radiosurgery Center in the Middle East (2018–2022); recognized for quality in pest management, CPR training, and more.
• Recognition for Excellence: Includes awards for Excellence in Imaging, Radiology, and Laboratory.
How has Clemenceau Medical Center leveraged technology to improve the quality of care and achieve accreditation? By integrating state-of-the-art medical equipment and electronic medical records, CMC has streamlined patient care processes, improved Laboratory, Radiology and Cardiology diagnostic accuracy and efficiency and enhanced
www.cmc.com.lb
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES FOSTER A CULTURE OF ONGOING EVALUATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY. BY SYSTEMATICALLY IDENTIFYING AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT, IMPLEMENTING BEST PRACTICES AND MONITORING OUTCOMES, HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, ADDRESS EVOLVING PATIENT NEEDS.
treatment outcomes such as radiotherapy treatments. The use of data analytics also supports informed decision-making and personalized treatment plans at CMC through the requisition of the advanced Incident and Risk Management system “RLDatix”.
Additionally, robust cybersecurity measures implemented at our hospital ensures patient data protection, while continuous staff training on emerging medical technologies helps maintain compliance with accreditation requirements.
How does accreditation influence patient outcomes, such as reducing mortality rates and enhancing patient satisfaction?
Accredited healthcare organizations are required to meet rigorous quality and safety standards which are directly linked to improved clinical outcomes.
These standards focus on evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines, effective care coordination and continuous monitoring of patient care processes and patient health outcomes, all of which contribute to reducing complications and mortality rates.
Additionally, accreditation emphasizes patient-centered care, fostering a positive healthcare experience, improving communication between patients and their healthcare providers and ensuring that patients receive timely and compassionate care.
As a result, CMC follows accreditation requirements as part of its daily function. We have the highest positive patient experience scores, improved treatment effectiveness, and better overall health outcomes.
What is the center's future vision regarding quality and safety?
The future vision of CMC is centered on
continuous innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery; that is linked to the hospital’s mission: “Caring, Safety, Excellence”.
CMC aims to further strengthen its commitment to patient-centered care by considering new international accreditations such as “Magnet” and “Planetree” designations, by adopting cutting-edge technologies, enhancing clinical protocols and integrating advanced data analytics.
CMC plans to hold regional and international Healthcare Quality and Safety conferences to share CMC’s quality initiatives and experiences with other healthcare centers and discuss new quality concepts published by international healthcare organizations and certification bodies such as NAHQ, ISQua, NIH and AHRQ.
A key focus will be on further reducing clinical risks, improving patient outcomes and enhancing patient experiences through the implementation of proven best practices, Artificial Intelligence systems, and ongoing staff education while ensuring continuous maturity in its already built culture of safety and accountability.
www.cmc.com.lb
AS A RESULT, CMC FOLLOWS ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS AS PART OF ITS DAILY FUNCTION. WE HAVE THE HIGHEST POSITIVE PATIENT EXPERIENCE SCORES, IMPROVED TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS, AND BETTER OVERALL HEALTH OUTCOMES
Abu Dhabi International Medical Services and Fourmed Medical Supplies Achieve Prestigious ISO Certifications
In a remarkable testament to their unwavering commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and workplace safety, Abu Dhabi International Medical Services LLC (ADI) and its sister company, Fourmed Medical Supplies, have achieved significant milestones by earning globally recognized ISO certifications.
These achievements, guided by the strategic vision of MEDIN Investments LLC, the holding company of both organizations, underscore their alignment with the UAE's broader aspirations for healthcare innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Fourmed Medical Supplies has successfully obtained the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). This certification underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to ensuring superior quality and customer satisfaction. By meeting these rigorous standards, Fourmed reaffirms its role as a trusted provider of medical supplies, delivering products and services that consistently exceed expectations. On the other hand, ADI Medical Services has achieved the comprehensive ISO Integrated Management System (IMS) certification, which includes:
• ISO 9001 – Quality Management: Demonstrating excellence in consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management: Highlighting the company’s proactive approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety: Reflecting ADI’s dedication to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
These achievements, driven by MEDIN’s management and strategic oversight, reinforce
the companies’ leadership in the healthcare sector and their unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability.
The certifications were awarded after comprehensive audits assessing compliance with international standards, operational efficiency, and environmental and safety measures. The audit reports lauded both organizations for their innovative strategies, efficient processes, and emphasis on employee and customer well-being.
By embedding these global best practices into their operations, ADI Medical Services and Fourmed Medical Supplies strengthen their competitive edge while making meaningful contributions to sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Expressing pride in this achievement, Eng. Tamer Akl, Managing Director of MEDIN Investments LLC, stated: “These certifications mark a significant milestone in our journey of continuous improvement and innovation. They reflect our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability across all areas of our operations.
Guided by MEDIN’s strategic vision, we are proud to contribute to the UAE’s healthcare sector by aligning with global best practices and exceeding the expectations of our clients and communities.” He continued, “We are particularly proud that these certifications align with our dedication to sustainability, operational excellence, and fostering a safe and productive environment for our teams. This accomplishment inspires us to push further, innovate consistently, and deliver value that resonates across all aspects of healthcare.”
The certifications align closely with the UAE’s national initiatives promoting sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. By adhering to these standards, both companies contribute to the UAE’s strategic objectives while setting benchmarks
THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, GUIDED BY THE STRATEGIC VISION OF MEDIN INVESTMENTS LLC, THE HOLDING COMPANY OF BOTH ORGANIZATIONS, UNDERSCORE THEIR ALIGNMENT WITH THE UAE'S BROADER ASPIRATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND EXCELLENCE.
for quality and responsibility within the healthcare industry. The ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications achieved by ADI Medical Services further underscore its leadership in fostering a sustainable and safe work environment. These standards emphasize efficient resource utilization, waste reduction, and proactive safety measures, ensuring a positive impact on the environment
and workforce well-being. The successful attainment of these ISO certifications positions ADI Medical Services and Fourmed Medical Supplies as pioneers in embedding international best practices into their business models. It reflects their dedication to operational excellence and sustainability, reinforcing their reputation as key contributors to the advancement of healthcare in the UAE.
THE ATTAINMENT OF THESE ISO CERTIFICATIONS REFLECTS THEIR DEDICATION TO OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY.
Unlocking the potential of patient-derived organoids for personalized sarcoma treatment
Investigators at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed the largest collection of sarcoma patient-derived organoids to date that can help improve understanding of the disease and better identify therapies that are most likely to work for each individual patient. The approach, described in Cell Stem Cell, uses patients’ own tumor cells to replicate the unique characteristics of their tumors. This enables scientists to quickly screen numerous drugs and identify treatments tailored to each patient, targeting this rare and diverse group of cancers.
“Sarcoma is a rare and complex disease, which makes conducting clinical trials to identify
effective treatments particularly challenging. Some of the rarer subtypes lack standard treatment altogether. Even when multiple therapy options are available, there is often no reliable, data-driven method to determine the best course of action for an individual patient. Choosing the most effective treatment is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.” said Alice Soragni, PhD, the senior author of the study and assistant professor in the department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
While sarcomas, which can develop in the bones or soft tissues such as muscles and adipose tissue, account for less than 1% of all cancers, they carry a high mortality rate,
WHILE SARCOMAS, WHICH CAN DEVELOP IN THE BONES OR SOFT TISSUES SUCH AS MUSCLES AND ADIPOSE TISSUE, ACCOUNT FOR LESS THAN 1% OF ALL CANCERS, THEY CARRY A HIGH MORTALITY RATE, PARTICULARLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
particularly among young people. The rarity and diversity of sarcoma types — more than 100 distinct subtypes — makes them difficult to study. Responses to conventional therapies can vary widely between patients, making it challenging to determine the most effective course of action for each individual.
To determine whether organoids could enhance the understanding of how a patient’s tumor might respond to specific drugs or combinations, the team assembled a biobank of 294 samples from 126 UCLA Health patients diagnosed with 25 different subtypes of bone and soft tissue sarcoma.
The team successfully created tumor organoids from more than 110 samples and conducted detailed histopathological and molecular analyses to confirm that the organoids retained the key characteristics of the original tumors. These organoids were then subjected to high-throughput drug screening using the mini-ring pipeline developed by Dr. Soragni and her team, enabling the testing of hundreds of drugs in a 3D format within a short timeframe.
Using this process, the team was able to identify at least one potentially effective U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for 59% of the samples tested. Additionally, they found the drug responses observed in the lab matched how the patients themselves responded to treatment for a small number of cases, suggesting that these organoids could be a powerful tool for guiding clinical decisions.
“We’ve shown that it’s possible to generate sarcoma organoids quickly — within a week after surgery or biopsy — and use them to screen a large number of drugs, including FDA-approved therapies and other treatments currently in clinical trials,” said Dr. Soragni.
“This gives us the ability to identify which drugs are most likely to work for a particular patient, which is crucial for a disease as complex
as sarcoma, where genomic precision medicine has often fallen short,” added study author Noah Federman, MD, the Glaser Family Endowed Chair and director of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Pediatric Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Program.
In addition, the study demonstrated that a large-scale, functional precision medicine program could be implemented within a single institution, offering a streamlined and scalable model for organoid-based testing.
“Organoids provide a tangible way to match patients with the most promising therapies and this could be a game-changer for sarcoma patients.” said Nicholas Bernthal, MD, Chair and Executive Medical Director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UCLA Health.
Following these findings, the UCLA Health team will validate the findings in a larger clinical trial that is aimed at confirming the effectiveness of the organoid-based approach in predicting treatment responses in patients with osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer that mainly affects children and young adults.
Drs. Soragni, Federman and Bernthal are all members of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The study’s first authors are Ahmad Shihabi, a project scientist in the Soragni laboratory; Peyton Tebon, a visiting project scientist; and Huyen Thi Lam Nguyen, a graduate student. Other UCLA authors are Sara Sartini, Ardalan Davarifar, Alexandra Jensen, Miranda DiazInfante, Hannah Cox, Alfredo Enrique Gonzalez, Summer Swearingen, Helena Winata, Sorel Fitz-Gibbon, Takafumi Yamaguchi, Jae Jeong, Sarah Dry, Arun Singh, Bartosz Chmielowski, Joseph Crompton, Fritz Eilber, Scott Nelson, Paul Boutros and Jane Yanagawa.
For more information, please visit https://www.uclahealth.org/international-services/ or call +1 310-794-8759
TO DETERMINE WHETHER ORGANOIDS COULD ENHANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW A PATIENT’S TUMOR MIGHT RESPOND TO SPECIFIC DRUGS OR COMBINATIONS, THE TEAM ASSEMBLED A BIOBANK OF 294 SAMPLES FROM 126 UCLA HEALTH PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH 25 DIFFERENT SUBTYPES OF BONE AND SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA.
Eczema Treatment for Children: A Comprehensive Medical Approach to Skin Care
Dr. Adele Chedraoui, Consultant Dermatology at Al-Ahli Hospital/Qatar
EFFECTIVE TREATMENT
REQUIRES A HOLISTIC MEDICAL PLAN THAT INCLUDES DEEP HYDRATION, MEDICATION, AND DAILY ADJUSTMENTS TO AVOID TRIGGERS.
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions among children, characterized by skin irritation, dryness, and intense itching, which can impact the quality of life for both the child and their family.
Effective treatment requires a holistic medical plan that includes deep hydration, medication, and daily adjustments to avoid triggers. This article outlines the recommended medical treatments and practical tips to manage eczema symptoms effectively.
Hydration: The Foundation of Prevention and Treatment
Daily deep hydration of the skin is a cornerstone in managing eczema and preventing flare-ups. Using the right medical-grade moisturizers helps maintain the skin's natural barrier, reducing irritation and dryness.
Frequency and Timing
• Hydrate the skin at least once or twice daily during stable periods.
• During flare-ups, increase hydration frequency and focus on dry and irritated areas.
• Features of Ideal Moisturizers:
• Thick creams or ointments free from fragrances and irritants.
• Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing or washing hands to lock in moisture.
Corticosteroid Creams: Effective and Safe When Needed
Corticosteroid creams are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for eczema flare-ups. They effectively reduce inflammation and itching when used appropriately and for short durations.
How to Use
• Apply once or twice daily as per the doctor’s instructions.
• Treatment usually begins with mild corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone (0.5% or 1%), for mild cases.
• The doctor may recommend stronger options like mometasone (Elocom) in severe cases.
Correct Dosage
The quantity can be measured using the "Finger Tip Unit" method. Squeeze the cream to cover an adult's fingertip from the first crease to the tip, which is sufficient to cover an area the size of two adult palms.
Additional Treatment Options for Advanced Cases
In some cases, additional medications may be required to manage symptoms more effectively:
• Topical Antibiotics: Prescribed when bacterial infection signs are present, such as severe redness, oozing, or crusting.
• Antihistamines: Recommended to alleviate intense itching, particularly if it disrupts the child’s sleep.
• Calcineurin Inhibitors: Topical treatments like tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases in children over two years old. These are often used as alternatives or alongside corticosteroids.
Daily Skin Care Guidelines
Daily skin care plays a vital role in managing eczema and reducing the frequency of flare-ups.
Bathing
• Use lukewarm water for short baths (5-10 minutes).
• Opt for soap-free, gentle cleansers designed for sensitive skin.
Clothing
• Avoid irritating fabrics like wool or synthetic materials.
• Choose soft, loose-fitting, cotton clothing.
Laundry Detergents
Use hypoallergenic detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
Avoid Triggers
Monitor environmental and dietary triggers, such as pet dander, dust, and specific foods.
Adhere to Treatment
Use prescribed medications and maintain a daily hydration routine, even during symptomfree periods.
The Role of Parents in Managing Eczema
Effectively managing eczema requires full cooperation from parents to ensure adherence to treatment and medical advice. Monitoring changes in the child’s skin and consulting the doctor promptly when complications arise is essential.
Comprehensive Care at Al-Ahli Hospital
At Al-Ahli Hospital, we provide holistic and specialized care for children with eczema. Our dermatology experts are committed to delivering the best treatment plans tailored to your child's needs, ensuring their comfort and well-being. For the best care for your child’s skin, book your appointment with our experts today.
AT AL-AHLI HOSPITAL, WE PROVIDE HOLISTIC AND SPECIALIZED CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH ECZEMA. OUR DERMATOLOGY EXPERTS ARE COMMITTED TO DELIVERING THE BEST TREATMENT PLANS TAILORED TO YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS, ENSURING THEIR COMFORT AND WELL-BEING
Revolutionizing Diagnostic Imaging with NewTom 7G Dual Energy Technology
As of today, NewTom 7G integrates the Dual Energy (DE) system, resulting in even greater performance through the use of two different radiant energies that acquire two sets of images of the same anatomical area. The result of a continuous quest for patient well-being and ever-greater diagnostic precision, Dual Energy uses two different radiant energies to identify any pathologies with greater clarity and precision.
Reconstruction of the information from the low and high energies is instantaneous. The special DE software developed by NewTom allows real-time selection of energy levels during display. This means you can access a vast spectrum of information, making pathology detection more effective and reliable. Particularly effective, therefore, for obtaining superior quality visualisation of cortical bone, trabecular bone and significantly better quality soft tissue images, Dual Energy is also capable to mitigate beam-hardening artifacts, are a recurring problem in tomography which makes it difficult to make a diagniosis. By being able to reconstruct virtual monochromatic images at several keV levels, Dual Energy improves soft tissue visualization, reduces metal artifacts and provides a basis for tissue characterisation for unparalleled image quality.
NewTom's Dual Energy software enables users to perform semi-automatic tissue segmentation and the application of colourcoded images streamlining the differentiation of materials within the scanned area. This allows rapid and straightforward detection of potential pathologies. Quantitative tests have demonstrated that Dual Energy protocols improve - compared to single-energy CBCT exams - HU accuracy, contrast resolution and image homogeneity. One of the causes of image quality decay is the appearance of artifacts caused by patient movement. NewTom
has developed an algorithm that corrects any movement-induced distortions. It does this on each axis, offsetting any shifts, rotations or variations in distance from the panel. The result is uncompromising quality. So, the new features enable weighted blending of highand low-energy imaging. The resulting images combine the low noise, typical of high-energy acquisition, with the high contrast resolution of the low-energy image set.
Dual Energy: Precision Redefined
NewTom's Dual Energy technology provides unique clinical information that lets you highlight, characterize, quantify and distinguish tissues, which have different sensitivities to different energy levels, of the areas being scanned, thereby obtaining more information about the chemical composition of the materials in the area being examined.
‘Too many more years to live’: Tinley Park woman becomes living donor for husband needing kidney transplant
LaVerne Bartee, 51, had never donated blood before. But in October 2022, the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital events and communications manager was working near a hospital blood drive and decided to donate on a whim. A few weeks later, she discovered she had the same blood type as her husband with kidney failure who was on the waiting list to receive a kidney transplant.
“There was no doubt in my mind what I was going to do,” LaVerne Bartee said. “I had no hesitation. I was in complete peace about it.”
MORE THAN
5,800 LIVING
DONOR KIDNEY
TRANSPLANTS TOOK PLACE IN THE U.S. IN 2022, BUT THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY
90,000 PEOPLE ON THE KIDNEY
TRANSPLANT
WAITING LIST
She quietly began testing to see if she would qualify to be a living donor for her husband, Kevin Bartee, 53. The Tinley Park couple had been together more than 30 years and had four children, one of whom was also in the process of being tested as a potential organ donor. But LaVerne wanted to be the kidney donor rather than have her son do it. When it started looking like LaVerne would qualify, she finally told Kevin, “I’m going to give you a kidney.”
More than 5,800 living donor kidney transplants took place in the U.S. in 2022, but there are approximately 90,000 people on the
LaVerne and Kevin Bartee
Rolf Barth, MD
Professor of Surgery
Chief, Section of Transplant Surgery
Co-Director, Transplant Institute
Dr. Barth performed the first scarless single-port laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (kidney removal), and has gone on to successfully complete this procedure over 500 times.
Michelle A. Josephson, MD
Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) Director of Education, Transplant Institute
Michelle Josephson, MD, provides highly skilled medical care to renal transplant recipients and potential donors during pre-transplant evaluation and postsurgical treatment.
Piotr Witkowski, MD, PhD
Professor of Surgery Director, Pancreatic and Islet Transplant Program
Dr. Witkowski is a leading expert in islet transplantation. He was instrumental in developing an optimized islet isolation technique that greatly improved success in clinical transplants.
kidney transplant waiting list. Kidneys from living donors are healthier than kidneys from deceased donors, function longer and can allow some patients to get a kidney transplant before starting dialysis, which is better for long-term health.
“Living donors do something else very special that they might not even realize. They decrease the number of people depending on a deceased donor, which allows a kidney to go to someone else,” said UChicago Medicine nephrologist Michelle A. Josephson, MD “They’re critical. They’re absolutely heroes.”
“I felt like I was a healthy person” Kidney failure took Kevin by surprise. He’d been monitoring elevated kidney numbers for a couple of years, but a few weeks after a mild COVID-19 infection in January 2022, he wasn’t eating or sleeping well and was losing weight quickly. Hours after an appointment with a primary care provider, he got a phone call that he had kidney failure and needed to get to an emergency room immediately. Kevin had surgery so he could receive emergency dialysis. A month later, he was told he would need a new kidney.
“It really was a life-changing process,” Kevin Bartee said. “I felt like I was a healthy person. I had some issues with blood pressure but was taking medicine. To go from being able to work every day to suddenly doing four hours of hemodialysis three days a week, it was very emotional and draining.”
By July, Kevin had switched to peritoneal dialysis — a type of dialysis that uses the lining of the belly to filter blood inside the body and could be done from home. He had more flexibility in his day-to-day life but eventually needed 10 hours of peritoneal dialysis a night. Patients can spend three to five years waiting for a kidney transplant from a deceased donor, but finding a living donor can mean a new kidney within months. It’s why LaVerne was so clear-minded about her decision.
“We had too many more years to live,” she said. “I thought if Kevin could get back
LaVerne Bartee trying to pin "the kidney on the Kevin" at a party that family and friends threw before the surgeries.
to feeling normal again, we could finish out everything we wanted to do.”
Quick work and better outcomes
On Jan. 31, 2023, Kevin and LaVerne underwent their coordinated surgeries at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Hyde Park.
LaVerne was up first with her surgeon Piotr Witkowski, MD, Director of the UChicago Medicine Pancreatic and Islet Transplant Program. About halfway through LaVerne’s three-hour surgery, Kevin’s began. His two-anda-half-hour case was performed by Rolf Barth, MD, Director of Liver, Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation.
In total, LaVerne’s kidney was only out of a human body for an hour, which included the time it took to flush the kidney, cool it, put it on ice and sew it to Kevin’s blood vessels.
“That’s pretty quick,” Barth said. “Most of us can’t transfer flights in an hour.”
Kevin’s new kidney began working and producing urine right away — another benefit of receiving a kidney from a living donor.
“When we take kidneys from deceased donors, it might take a week or two before the kidney begins making urine,” Witkowski said. This can be due to how the deceased donor died and the time the kidney spent outside of a
THE PAIR ARE GRATEFUL TO THE WHOLE TRANSPLANT TEAM AT UCHICAGO MEDICINE — THE SURGEONS, THE NURSES, THE COORDINATORS AND OTHER STAFF. KEVIN RECEIVES FOLLOWUP CARE WITH JOSEPHSON AND HER NEPHROLOGY COLLEAGUES THROUGH A TEAMBASED CARE MODEL. HE’S AMAZED AT HIS FORTUNE AND HOW GOOD HE FEELS.
human body, which can be up to 48 hours.
“The Bartees are a great example of everything going well,” Barth said. “We would pick this path for every patient if we could.”
Gratitude for living donors
LaVerne was able to go home after two days, which is typical for living kidney donors. Kevin went home after six days and has had a slightly longer recovery. Both are now doing well and are back at their Saturday date nights with their bowling league.
The pair are grateful to the whole transplant team at UChicago Medicine — the surgeons, the nurses, the coordinators and other staff. Kevin receives follow-up care with Josephson and her nephrology colleagues through a team-based care model. He’s amazed at his fortune and how good he feels.
“I feel very blessed that I have a new kidney after only a year,” he said.
“Living donor kidney donation offers people a bright light at the front — and not the end — of the tunnel,” Barth said. “The donors are amazing people. One of the most special things we do in transplant is care for our living donors. It’s a meticulous and careful process. Even with the motivation of a family member to donate at whatever cost, our goal is still to
“We had too many more years to live."
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
prioritize the safety of the donor and not take unnecessary chances.”
Barth noted that the UChicago Medicine living donor kidney transplant program has a 100% one-year success rate for recipients.
“This shows the care we take with these very special gifts,” Barth said. “A donor can feel that their kidney is entrusted to a program with the highest success rates and most predictable outcomes to treat kidney failure.”
As a donor, LaVerne will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep her remaining kidney healthy and help prevent high blood pressure or diabetes. But she’s otherwise not limited in any way.
AS A DONOR, LAVERNE WILL NEED TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TO KEEP HER REMAINING KIDNEY HEALTHY AND HELP PREVENT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR DIABETES. BUT SHE’S OTHERWISE NOT LIMITED IN ANY WAY.
“The only thing living donation prevents someone from doing is donating their second kidney while they’re still alive,” Barth said.
With this latest hurdle behind them, Kevin is most looking forward to spending time with family and trying to repay LaVerne for giving him a kidney.
“After 30 years, do you know how much I have to hold over him?” LaVerne said with a laugh. “This is just one little nugget.”
The Bartee family
Excellence in Healthcare... Cedars-Sinai, A Leading Destination For Patients Worldwide
Cedars-Sinai has been recognized for nine years in a row on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report. Cedars-Sinai’s sterling reputation and worldclass services make it a leading destination for patients worldwide. The U.S. News & World Report rankings place Cedars-Sinai among the top hospitals in the U.S. in multiple healthcare specialties, including: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Diabetes & Endocrinology; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Orthopedics; and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery.
Leading the Way in Transplantation
Cedars-Sinai is a world leader in cuttingedge surgical technologies. The Cardiology Department at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai has the largest heart
transplantation program in the U.S. Its expert surgeons have performed heart transplants for more than 1,600 patients since the program was launched.
Jon Kobashigawa, MD, director of the program, recently became president of the American Society of Transplantation, an organization of more than 5,000 clinicians and other healthcare professionals who work in the field of organ transplantation.
Known for tackling particularly complex cases, in 2023 Cedars-Sinai surgeons completed a successful triple organ transplant, providing a patient with a new heart, liver and kidney— and a new lease on life—during a 20-hour operation. Cedars-Sinai is also a leader in research identifying ways to prevent and treat organ rejection, a vital area of expertise for transplantation.
Exploring New Worlds With Stem Cells
The Regenerative Medicine Institute at CedarsSinai is at the forefront of developments in the programming of stem cells to become liver, kidney, heart, lung, brain, spine, tendon, cartilage and other types of cells. The institute can produce these cells in large quantities and has become a hub for the development of cutting-edge stem cell research. In an ongoing partnership with NASA, the institute has launched its fourth collection of stem cell experiments to the International Space Station. Cedars-Sinai researchers are now testing the programming of stem cells in microgravity to become new heart and brain cells.
World Leaders in Cancer Care
Anyone facing a cancer diagnosis wants the reassurance of knowing they are receiving expert care. Cedars-Sinai’s renowned cancer doctors, researchers, nurses and staff treat more than 60 types of cancer. They guide patients through the entire care journey, leveraging the latest scientific innovations and the most up-to-date technology.
Cedars-Sinai scientists are forging the future of cancer treatment. Their research includes novel immunotherapies that help the body’s immune system battle the disease, and individually targeted therapies that make more of the patient’s own cancer-fighting cells. Clinical trials are available in many leadingedge treatments.
Specialized Care for International Patients
Cedars-Sinai’s groundbreaking research and specialized care have garnered an international reputation for excellence and attracted many patients from outside the U.S. Los Angeles is one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities on the planet—known worldwide for its beaches and museums, and for attractions such as Hollywood and Disneyland. Cedars-Sinai is centrally located in Beverly Hills, providing easy access to everything L.A. has to offer.
“Every year, thousands of patients come to Cedars-Sinai from around the world,” said Heitham Hassoun, MD, chief executive of Cedars-Sinai International, which is responsible for overseas patients and collaborations with hospitals and healthcare systems outside of the U.S. “We care for patients from more than 100 countries annually. Many need to be treated for complex conditions that the healthcare systems in their home countries are not yet able to manage.”
This year, and for the second consecutive time, Global Healthcare Accreditation has recognized Cedars-Sinai for providing international patients with the highest-quality healthcare in the U.S. An exceptional level of personalized concierge care is available to international patients at Cedars-Sinai, including assistance with short- or long-term housing, airline ticketing, ground transportation and medical document review.
Cedars-Sinai’s physicians create individual
THIS YEAR, AND FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TIME, GLOBAL HEALTHCARE ACCREDITATION HAS RECOGNIZED CEDARS-SINAI FOR PROVIDING INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS WITH THE HIGHEST-QUALITY HEALTHCARE IN THE U.S. AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF PERSONALIZED CONCIERGE CARE IS AVAILABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS AT CEDARSSINAI, INCLUDING ASSISTANCE WITH SHORTOR LONG-TERM HOUSING, AIRLINE TICKETING, GROUND TRANSPORTATION AND MEDICAL DOCUMENT REVIEW.
treatment plans for all international patients, and our multilingual staff provides support and advice throughout the full cycle of care.
Last year, Cedars-Sinai opened its International Lounge, a place where patients and their companions can relax in comfort. It includes a quiet room for meditation and prayer as well as conference rooms for meetings and consultations, among other amenities.
Big Changes
“There are big changes taking place in 21stcentury global healthcare,” Dr. Heitham Hassoun said. “Impressive new healthcare facilities are being established in key regions, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Cedars-Sinai continues to expand our collaboration with facilities around the globe.”
With an office opened in Mexico City in 2023 and another in Singapore in 2024, CedarsSinai now has multiple regional offices—and more are planned in Ecuador, Qatar and elsewhere. Cedars-Sinai International is also set to open two clinics in London in 2025, providing expertise and seamless connections to both U.K. and U.S. specialists.
The London-area clinics will offer highly
personalized primary and outpatient specialty care and concierge medicine services in a prestigious environment with premium service.
“By meeting patients where they are, we can connect them with expert care providers at Cedars-Sinai and help coordinate their medical travel to Los Angeles or provide remote video consultations,” said Benjamin Seo, CedarsSinai International’s director of Global Business Development. “We’re working to support local healthcare and, at the same time, provide the best-possible experience for those who are able to travel to our medical center in Los Angeles.”
It’s All About the Patient
Cedars-Sinai’s Patient Experience team continues to strive for excellence at every level of healthcare services.
“Our global network continues to grow, and our expert doctors, nurses, researchers and managers are now reaching people all over the world,” Dr. Heitham Hassoun said. “But I can guarantee that one thing won’t change: The patient is at the center of everything we do. Everyone who comes to Cedars-Sinai can trust that they will receive the very highest quality healthcare from people who are dedicated to their well-being and progress.”
OUR GLOBAL NETWORK CONTINUES TO GROW, AND OUR EXPERT DOCTORS, NURSES, RESEARCHERS AND MANAGERS ARE NOW REACHING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.
A Year of Wonders and Achievements for Acıbadem Türkiye
Once again, Acıbadem Türkiye has made history with extraordinary medical breakthroughs and pioneering treatment methods. This remarkable year has seen milestones such as the successful treatment of a 67-year-old Parkinson's patient and the completion of a highly complex separation surgery for conjoined twins joined at the chest. These and countless other achievements have solidified Acıbadem’s reputation as the trusted choice for solving some of the world’s most challenging medical cases.
Crowning this incredible year, Acıbadem Türkiye has been honored with the prestigious title of "Greatest Healthcare Exporter" for the 9th consecutive time, reaffirming its unparalleled leadership in global healthcare.
Crossing Borders, Connecting Patients Across the Globe
As one of the world’s leading international healthcare providers, Acıbadem continues to set the standard for excellence with 24 hospitals, 15 outpatient clinics, and a dedicated team of over 25,000 healthcare professionals. With a strong presence in Türkiye, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the Netherlands, Acıbadem’s state-of-the-art medical facilities are a beacon of hope for patients worldwide. Beyond its regional footprint, Acıbadem operates over 60 representative offices across 56 cities in 33 countries, ensuring patients everywhere can access world-class healthcare closer to home. This expansive network underscores Acıbadem’s mission to connect with patients globally and
CROWNING THIS INCREDIBLE YEAR, ACIBADEM TÜRKIYE HAS BEEN HONORED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE OF "GREATEST HEALTHCARE EXPORTER" FOR THE 9TH CONSECUTIVE TIME, REAFFIRMING ITS UNPARALLELED LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL HEALTHCARE.
extend its outreach even further. Acıbadem is not just a provider, it is a pioneer in healthcare innovation. Supported by a team of over 3,300 specialists and 4,700 nurses, the organization leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional care. Acıbadem’s portfolio includes:
20 breast centers, including a newly opened facility this year in Istanbul.
11 accredited oncology centers.
16 heart care centers.
14 fertility centers.
10 organ transplantation centers.
10 spine and neurosurgery centers.
10 nuclear medicine centers.
6 robotic surgery centers.
3 FIFA-accredited sports medicine centers.
These centers are dedicated to providing the highest standards of care in their respective fields, solidifying Acıbadem’s reputation as a global leader in healthcare.
Innovations at Acıbadem Türkiye: Redefining Global Healthcare Excellence
Acıbadem Türkiye is celebrated worldwide for its groundbreaking medical achievements and unparalleled expertise in managing even the most complex medical cases. With a patientcentered approach and personalized treatment plans, Acıbadem has become a destination of hope for patients from across the globe. In 2023, the institution provided high-quality medical care to 55,000 patients from 148 countries,
SUPPORTED BY A TEAM OF OVER 3,300 SPECIALISTS AND 4,700 NURSES, THE ORGANIZATION LEVERAGES CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL CARE.
ACIBADEM: The Undisputed Leader in Healthcare Services Export from Türkiye!
Acıbadem has once again proven its unparalleled leadership in Turkish healthcare, earning the prestigious "Türkiye Healthcare Services Export Champion Award" for an unprecedented 9th consecutive year. This accolade, presented by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and the Service Exporters’ Association (HİB), reaffirms Acıbadem’s unmatched excellence and dedication to global healthcare. In 2023 alone, Acıbadem provided premium, reliable healthcare services to 55,000 patients from 148 countries, further solidifying its title as Türkiye’s foremost healthcare services exporter. This achievement underscores Acıbadem’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and patient satisfaction. With consistent top-tier performance, Acıbadem stands unchallenged as the benchmark for healthcare services in Türkiye. Its record-breaking success and enduring reputation prove that Acıbadem continues to lead and set the standard globally.
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
a testament to its reputation as a trusted choice for advanced healthcare. This unwavering trust has earned Acıbadem the prestigious title of "Greatest Healthcare Service Exporter" for an unprecedented 9th consecutive year.
While the dedication and expertise of Acıbadem's world-class physicians remain at the heart of its success, cutting-edge technology plays an equally vital role. Acıbadem integrates advanced radiotherapy technologies, including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, MR Linac, and Ethos, which leverage artificial intelligence to revolutionize cancer treatment. These technologies ensure unparalleled precision, safety, and efficacy, giving patients access to some of the most advanced medical solutions available today.
Acıbadem’s commitment to innovation extends far beyond current technologies. By continuously investing in research and advancements, the organization strives to set new benchmarks in patient safety, satisfaction,
and surgical excellence, reaffirming its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
SOME OF THE GROUNDBREAKING MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2024, Acıbadem Türkiye welcomed 6 million patients from across the globe, each carrying stories of resilience and hope, ranging from plastic surgery to life-saving oncological treatments and organ transplantations. Among these were several remarkable cases that highlight Acıbadem’s expertise and commitment to transforming lives.
Separation of Conjoined Twins
At just 17 months old, conjoined twins from Algeria arrived at Acıbadem Atakent University
ACIBADEM HAS ONCE AGAIN PROVEN ITS UNPARALLELED LEADERSHIP IN TURKISH HEALTHCARE, EARNING THE PRESTIGIOUS "TÜRKIYE HEALTHCARE SERVICES EXPORT CHAMPION AWARD" FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED 9TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Hospital in Istanbul for a life-changing separation surgery. Born with a congenital abnormality, the twins were joined at the chest and shared the pericardial sac, sternum, and chest tissues. Complicating matters further was a complex congenital heart condition.
The journey to separation involved months of meticulous planning and two surgeries totaling nine hours, performed by a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Thanks to extensive preoperative care, precision surgery, and thorough postoperative support, the twins now enjoy the freedom of independent lives.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease
After 11 years of battling Parkinson’s disease, a 67-year-old patient from Azerbaijan turned to Acıbadem Türkiye for hope. Her condition caused debilitating symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, and dyskinesia as the effects of her medication wore off.
Under the care of Professor Dr. Fatih Bayraklı, she underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a procedure designed to restore control over her movements. Following the successful surgery, she returned to her home country free from the symptoms that had disrupted her life for over a decade.
IVF Success for a Patient from Azerbaijan
A woman from Azerbaijan in her 40s, seeking to overcome the challenges of advanced maternal
AT JUST 17 MONTHS OLD, CONJOINED TWINS FROM ALGERIA ARRIVED AT ACIBADEM ATAKENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN ISTANBUL FOR A LIFE-CHANGING SEPARATION SURGERY.
age, approached Acıbadem Türkiye’s IVF center. Guided by Professor Dr. Cem Fıçıcıoğlu, the patient underwent comprehensive pretreatment testing, including genetic screening of embryos to ensure the best outcomes.
Following the correction of an internal uterine deformity, the embryos were successfully implanted, and the patient achieved a healthy pregnancy. She returned to her country with the joy of carrying twins, marking yet another success story for Acıbadem’s IVF program.
These extraordinary cases underscore Acıbadem Türkiye’s position as a trusted destination for complex medical treatments. By combining cutting-edge technology, worldclass expertise, and a compassionate approach, Acıbadem continues to transform lives and provide hope to patients worldwide.
ACIBADEM IS NOT JUST A PROVIDER, IT IS A PIONEER IN HEALTHCARE INNOVATION.
The Well-Child Care Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Pediatric Health
Dr. Mohammed Anas Barakat, Head of Pediatric Department at Al-Ahli Hospital/Qatar
CHILDREN GROW RAPIDLY, AND PREVENTIVE CARE ALLOWS US TO MONITOR SUBTLE CHANGES THAT MAY OTHERWISE GO UNNOTICED.
The foundation of every thriving community lies in the health and wellbeing of its children. Recognizing this, Al-Ahli Hospital has introduced the Well-Child Care Program, a pioneering initiative designed to provide comprehensive preventive care for children from birth through adolescence. Led by Dr. Mohammed Anas and his team of specialized pediatricians, this program ensures optimal health outcomes by addressing the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children at every stage of growth.
The Vision Behind the Well-Child Care Program
Preventive pediatric care is a cornerstone of modern medicine, serving as the first line of defense against potential health challenges. The Well-Child Care Program at Al-Ahli Hospital is grounded in the principle that "prevention is better than cure." This initiative focuses on early identification and management of health issues while fostering a holistic approach to child development.
As Dr. Anas explains, "Our program is meticulously designed to not only monitor growth and development but also to empower parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children's health journey."
Core Components of the Program
1. Periodic Comprehensive
Check-ups
Regular evaluations are essential to track a child's progress and address emerging concerns. The program includes:
• Growth Monitoring: Measuring height, weight, and head circumference.
• Developmental Assessments: Tracking motor, linguistic, and social milestones.
• Sensory Screenings: Early detection of vision or hearing impairments.
2. Vaccinations
Vaccinations are the backbone of preventive care, safeguarding children from diseases such as measles, mumps, and hepatitis. The program adheres to international immunization schedules, ensuring comprehensive protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses.
3. Developmental Screenings
Specialized tools assess developmental progress, identifying potential delays in motor, cognitive, or social domains. Early interventions are then tailored to the child's specific needs, enhancing outcomes.
4. Nutritional Counseling
Proper nutrition is vital for healthy growth. The program offers individualized dietary advice to ensure children receive the essential nutrients required for physical and cognitive development.
5. Parental Guidance
Educational sessions equip parents with strategies to address common challenges, including sleep routines, behavioral management, and fostering healthy lifestyle habits.
6. Preventive Screenings
The program includes targeted evaluations for common pediatric issues such as anemia, obesity, and scoliosis, enabling timely interventions to mitigate long-term risks.
The Role of Preventive Care in Pediatrics
Preventive pediatric care is not merely about addressing immediate health concerns but about establishing a strong foundation for lifelong well-being. The Well-Child Care Program emphasizes:
• Early Detection: Identifying and addressing potential health or developmental issues before they escalate.
• Growth Tracking: Monitoring growth patterns to ensure timely intervention for
any deviations.
• Health Records: Maintaining a comprehensive health history to guide future medical decisions.
"Children grow rapidly, and preventive care allows us to monitor subtle changes that may otherwise go unnoticed," notes Dr. Anas. "This proactive approach is integral to achieving sustainable health outcomes."
A Holistic Model for Child Health
The program adopts a multidimensional approach, addressing:
• Physical Health: Focuses on growth monitoring, vaccination, and disease prevention.
• Mental Health: Prioritizes emotional wellbeing and cognitive development, with support for conditions such as anxiety or learning disabilities.
• Social Development: Fosters communication skills and appropriate social behaviors at every stage of development.
Tailored Care Across Developmental Stages
Recognizing that each child is unique, the program is segmented to address the specific needs of different age groups:
• Infants (0–12 months): Emphasis on breastfeeding, immunizations, and physical growth.
• Toddlers (1–3 years): Focus on motor skill development, language milestones, and balanced nutrition.
• School-Aged Children (4–12 years): Support for academic success, vision and hearing screenings, and instilling healthy habits.
• Adolescents (13–18 years): Guidance on physical changes, mental health support, and preventive measures like scoliosis screening.
PREVENTIVE PEDIATRIC CARE IS A CORNERSTONE OF MODERN MEDICINE, SERVING AS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST POTENTIAL HEALTH CHALLENGES. THE WELL-CHILD CARE PROGRAM AT ALAHLI HOSPITAL IS GROUNDED IN THE PRINCIPLE THAT "PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE." THIS INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES WHILE FOSTERING A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT.
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A Testament to Excellence: Parental Feedback
Amina’s Experience:
"The Well-Child Care Program gave me confidence in my parenting journey. The team’s meticulous attention to detail and practical advice have been invaluable."
Khalid’s Perspective:
"Knowing my children are receiving regular checkups and vaccinations gives me peace of mind. This program is truly a blessing for parents."
Beyond Health: Cultivating Lifelong Habits
• The Well-Child Care Program transcends immediate healthcare needs by promoting lifelong healthy habits. Through tailored guidance, parents are encouraged to:
• Emphasize balanced diets and physical activity.
• Limit screen time to support mental well-being.
• Establish consistent sleep routines for overall health.
Al Ahli Hospital: A Leader in Pediatric Preventive Care
Expert Team:
Led by Dr. Mohammed Anas, the pediatrics department comprises experienced specialists dedicated to comprehensive child health care.
Advanced Facilities:
Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, the hospital ensures precise assessments and effective interventions.
Holistic Care Approach:
The program addresses all facets of child health, integrating physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
Parental Support:
Regular follow-ups and educational resources empower parents to actively participate in their children’s health journey.
Convenience:
Flexible scheduling ensures the program is accessible to families with varying needs.
Conclusion
The Well-Child Care Program at Al Ahli Hospital represents a paradigm shift in pediatric preventive care, combining cutting-edge medical expertise with a family-centered approach. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and comprehensive development, the program equips parents with the tools to secure a bright and healthy future for their children.
"Healthy children are the foundation of a healthy society," states Dr. Anas. "At Al Ahli Hospital, we are committed to nurturing this foundation through world-class pediatric care."
THE WELL-CHILD CARE PROGRAM GAVE ME CONFIDENCE IN MY PARENTING JOURNEY. THE TEAM’S METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND PRACTICAL ADVICE HAVE BEEN INVALUABLE
2024 Year-End Healthcare: Achievements, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Ali Elhaj, LLM., Ph. D. Chief Executive Officer at Ardens Health
As 2024 concludes, the healthcare industry finds itself at a pivotal moment, defined by ground-breaking advancements, enduring challenges, and an urgent call to action for the future. This year demonstrated humanity’s remarkable capacity for innovation and collaboration, yet it also exposed critical vulnerabilities that demand immediate attention. Reflecting on this duality, 2024 will be remembered as a year that redefined possibilities while emphasizing the need for systemic transformation.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare was among the year’s most notable achievements. AI-powered diagnostics, predictive analytics, and drug discovery tools revolutionized care delivery, enabling earlier disease detection and better patient management. Telehealth expanded its reach globally, bridging gaps in access for underserved
populations through wearable devices and mobile platforms. Advances in genomics and mRNA technology further underscored the potential of science, with CRISPR offering cures for genetic disorders and mRNA vaccines making headway against diseases like HIV and cancer. Collaborative global health efforts achieved a 30% reduction in malaria cases, and mental healthcare gained unprecedented visibility and funding, signalling a shift toward more holistic approaches to well-being.
Despite these successes, persistent challenges highlighted the fragility of healthcare systems. Workforce shortages and burnout reached critical levels, with insufficient pipelines to train and retain professionals exacerbating the strain. Rising costs continued to plague patients and providers, even as telehealth failed to fully bridge accessibility gaps for low-income and rural communities.
AI-POWERED DIAGNOSTICS, PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS, AND DRUG
DISCOVERY TOOLS REVOLUTIONIZED CARE DELIVERY, ENABLING EARLIER DISEASE DETECTION AND BETTER PATIENT MANAGEMENT
Cybersecurity threats loomed large, as the digitization of healthcare increased vulnerabilities to data breaches. Meanwhile, antimicrobial resistance and the health impacts of climate change, including heatwaves and the resurgence of vector-borne diseases, presented formidable obstacles.
Policy and governance emerged as critical factors shaping healthcare outcomes in 2024. Decisions surrounding healthcare funding, regulation of emerging technologies, and global health partnerships significantly influenced progress. Governments that prioritized equitable resource allocation and incentivized innovation in healthcare technology saw marked improvements in access and efficiency. Conversely, inconsistent policies and underfunded systems in some regions deepened health disparities.
The need for globally aligned health policies that prioritize resilience, equity, and ethical frameworks for emerging technologies has become more apparent than ever, as cohesive governance will determine the sustainability of the advancements made this year.
As the industry looks forward, it faces a complex mix of immediate concerns and long-term priorities. Ethical and regulatory frameworks for AI must ensure equitable access while addressing bias and transparency. Expanding precision medicine will demand strategies to make advanced treatments affordable and widely available.
Mental health remains a global crisis, requiring scalable solutions to bridge resource gaps, particularly in underserved regions. Strengthening pandemic preparedness through enhanced surveillance, vaccine distribution, and rapid response capabilities is critical to averting future crises. Addressing rising healthcare costs will necessitate innovative financing models, including value-based care and public-private collaborations.
Efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy will require rebuilding trust in science through transparent communication and community engagement. Climate adaptation strategies must be prioritized to counter the health risks of extreme weather and emerging diseases. Revitalizing the healthcare
workforce will involve addressing burnout, fostering wellness, and creating pathways to attract and retain professionals. Digital health innovations such as blockchain and “Internet of Things” integration promise to redefine care delivery, but their success depends on secure, interoperable systems that protect patient data, and finally and most importantly, Universal healthcare should not merely an idealistic goal; it is an actionable framework proven to improve population health outcomes, reduce disparities, and foster economic resilience.
However, achieving this vision requires comprehensive policy reform, sustainable financing, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Investments must focus on creating inclusive systems that address the unique needs of marginalized and rural populations, eliminate financial barriers, and bridge the digital divide that limits telehealth and digital medicine's reach.
Moreover, expanding access to care involves more than providing treatment; it encompasses preventive services, mental health support, and health education that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. It demands resilient healthcare infrastructure capable of withstanding crises, from pandemics to climaterelated disasters, ensuring continuity of care in the most vulnerable regions. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and international organizations are essential to mobilize the resources and expertise needed to scale these solutions effectively.
The achievements of 2024 illustrate what is possible when innovation meets collaboration, but the challenges underscore the urgency of a unified approach. The healthcare industry must strive for a future where quality care is a universal right, not a privilege, accessible to every individual regardless of geography or income. When fostering equity, resilience, and innovation, healthcare can rise to meet the demands of an increasingly complex world. The path ahead is fraught with hurdles, but with collective determination and thoughtful governance, the industry has the potential to be the driving force behind a healthier, more equitable planet.
MENTAL HEALTH REMAINS A GLOBAL CRISIS, REQUIRING SCALABLE SOLUTIONS TO BRIDGE RESOURCE GAPS, PARTICULARLY IN UNDERSERVED REGIONS. STRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH ENHANCED SURVEILLANCE, VACCINE DISTRIBUTION, AND RAPID RESPONSE CAPABILITIES IS CRITICAL TO AVERTING FUTURE CRISES. ADDRESSING RISING HEALTHCARE COSTS WILL NECESSITATE INNOVATIVE FINANCING MODELS, INCLUDING VALUEBASED CARE AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATIONS.
Dr. Ali Elhaj
Sleep Apnea: : A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms and Treatments
Dr. Hassan Sawaf, Consultant Pulmonologist / Head of Department at Al-Ahli Hospital/Qatar
IF LEFT UNTREATED, SLEEP APNEA CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES, SUCH AS HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, AND DIABETES.
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, significantly impacting quality of life and overall health. Despite its potential severity, it is both diagnosable and treatable with effective solutions. This article provides a detailed overview of sleep apnea, covering its symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and the latest treatment options.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last for several seconds or more, reducing oxygen levels in the body and leading to fragmented sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Key Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common indicators of sleep apnea include:
• Loud snoring, often accompanied by pauses in breathing.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s sleep.
Additional symptoms may include:
• Dry mouth upon waking.
• Frequent morning headaches.
• Mood swings and irritability.
• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
• Depression and chronic fatigue.
Distinguishing Sleep Apnea from Regular Snoring
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. The critical difference lies in the impact on sleep quality. Sleep apnea often results in persistent fatigue during the day, while simple snoring does not. Additionally, unusual sounds during
sleep, such as gasping or choking, may signal sleep apnea.
Types and Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is classified into three main types:
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a temporary blockage of the airway due to relaxed throat muscles. Risk factors include: Obesity, enlarged tonsils, aging, and smoking.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Results from a disruption in the brain’s signals that control breathing. Risk factors include: Chronic heart disease, stroke, and certain sedative medications.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of OSA and CSA, and it is less common.
Diagnosis: The Key to
Understanding the Problem
Polysomnography (Sleep Study) is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. This test is conducted in a specialized sleep lab and monitors breathing rate, oxygen levels, and other indicators during sleep. At Al-Ahli Hospital, we offer comprehensive sleep lab services using the latest technologies to ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans for every patient.
Modern Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
1. Lifestyle Changes
• Weight loss: A highly effective measure for reducing symptoms.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Especially before bedtime.
• Optimize sleep posture: Sleeping on the side instead of the back can alleviate symptoms.
CPAP machines are the first line of treatment for moderate to severe cases. They deliver a gentle
stream of air to keep the airway open through a mask worn during sleep.
3. Oral Appliances
These devices, custom-designed by dentists in collaboration with medical professionals, are effective for mild to moderate cases.
4. Surgical Intervention
For patients who are unresponsive to other treatments, surgery may be a viable option. Surgical procedures include:
• Removing excess tissue in the throat.
• Adjusting the jaw to widen the airway.
• Implanting devices to stimulate breathing muscles.
Final Thoughts
Sleep apnea is a serious condition requiring professional medical care for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. At Al-Ahli Hospital, your health is our priority. We offer comprehensive care for sleep disorders, adhering to the highest standards of medical excellence. Don’t hesitate to contact us and book your appointment today.
Al-Ahli Hospital: Your Path to Restful Sleep and Better Health.
POLYSOMNOGRAPHY (SLEEP STUDY) IS THE GOLD STANDARD FOR DIAGNOSING SLEEP APNEA. THIS TEST IS CONDUCTED IN A SPECIALIZED SLEEP LAB AND MONITORS BREATHING RATE, OXYGEN LEVELS, AND OTHER INDICATORS DURING SLEEP.
Doctory Launches Futuristic Telemedicine Station to Redefine Patient Care
In a groundbreaking development poised to transform the healthcare industry, Doctory, leading smart telehealth solutions and telemedicine platform, has introduced the Doctory Telemedicine Station. This futuristic medical chair reimagines how healthcare is delivered, offering unmatched convenience, efficiency, and patient safety.
A Leap Forward in Telemedicine
The Doctory Telemedicine Station is a stateof-the-art medical chair designed to deliver a comprehensive healthcare experience. With its advanced features, patients can access highquality medical care from the comfort of their location, whether at home, work, or in rural communities with limited access to healthcare facilities. At the core of this innovation is patient convenience and safety. The Telemedicine Station is equipped with sophisticated devices to measure and record vital signs seamlessly. These include:
• Vital Signs Monitors: Integrated devices capture essential health metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and more, with precision and efficiency.
• Passport Scanner & ID Reader: These tools ensure accurate patient identification, streamlining the process for both patients and healthcare providers.
• Prescription Printer: Patients can immediately receive a printed prescription following their consultation, eliminating unnecessary delays.
A Seamless Patient-Doctor Experience
Using the Telemedicine Station is intuitive and hassle-free. The patient simply sits in the chair, where all vital signs are measured and automatically recorded in their Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This real-time data is accessible to doctors during the consultation, ensuring a personalized and informed diagnosis. The station allows for remote consultations
with a licensed doctor, who can use integrated tools such as a digital stethoscope to assess the patient’s condition in greater detail. This advanced capability ensures accurate evaluations and informed decision-making. Once the assessment is complete, the doctor can prescribe the necessary medication, with the prescription conveniently printed for the patient.
Prioritizing Patient Safety and Convenience
The Doctory Telemedicine Station goes beyond convenience by addressing critical aspects of patient safety:
• Hygiene: The chair and devices are designed for easy sanitation, ensuring a safe and sterile environment for every use.
• Accuracy: State-of-the-art sensors and devices ensure reliable readings, reducing the risk of diagnostic errors.
• Accessibility: The station bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers by bringing medical expertise to remote and underserved areas.
Enhancing Patient Interaction with AI-Powered Avatars
Taking patient convenience to the next level, the Doctory Telemedicine Station includes an AI-powered avatar that interacts with patients in multiple languages, making healthcare accessible to a diverse population. The AI avatar not only provides clear instructions and answers questions during the consultation process but also uses facial recognition technology to enhance personalization and security.
This advanced feature ensures that patients feel understood and supported, regardless of their language or background. The face recognition capability adds a layer of security, verifying patient identity before consultations and seamlessly integrating patient data into their EMR. By incorporating these technologies, Doctory emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity, precision, and innovation.
USING THE TELEMEDICINE STATION IS INTUITIVE AND HASSLEFREE. THE PATIENT SIMPLY SITS IN THE CHAIR, WHERE ALL VITAL SIGNS ARE MEASURED AND AUTOMATICALLY RECORDED IN THEIR ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS (EMR). THIS REALTIME DATA IS ACCESSIBLE TO DOCTORS DURING THE CONSULTATION, ENSURING A PERSONALIZED AND INFORMED DIAGNOSIS.
Transforming Healthcare Delivery
The launch of the Doctory Telemedicine Station marks a significant milestone in the evolution of telehealth. It redefines how patients interact with healthcare systems by combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centric solutions. The station saves time and resources and ensures that patients receive prompt and accurate care, regardless of their location. By introducing this revolutionary platform, Doctory underscores its commitment to leveraging technology to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and safe. The future of healthcare is here, and with the Doctory Telemedicine Station, patients are empowered to take charge of their health like never before.
Doctory: Revolutionizing Healthcare with Smart Telehealth Solutions
Doctory is a cutting-edge telehealth and telemedicine platform designed to bring world-class healthcare to your fingertips. By
leveraging advanced technology, Doctory. me bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring accessible, efficient, and secure medical care for individuals at home, employees at work, and underserved rural communities. Our platform offers comprehensive remote care services, empowering patients to monitor their health, consult with doctors, and access personalized treatment plans seamlessly. With innovative features like the Doctory Telemedicine Station, real-time vital sign monitoring, EMR integration, and AI-powered multilingual avatars, Doctory is redefining convenience, safety, and quality in healthcare delivery. At Doctory, we believe healthcare should be inclusive and patientcentric, combining the power of technology with compassionate care to improve lives everywhere.
For more information on the Doctory Telemedicine Station: www.doctory.me
WITH INNOVATIVE FEATURES LIKE THE DOCTORY TELEMEDICINE STATION, REALTIME VITAL SIGN MONITORING, EMR INTEGRATION, AND AI-POWERED MULTILINGUAL AVATARS, DOCTORY IS REDEFINING CONVENIENCE, SAFETY, AND QUALITY IN HEALTHCARE DELIVERY.
Pap Smear and HPV Vaccination Two Steps Towards Preventing Cervical Cancer
January is recognized as National Cervical Health Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of cervical health and promotes preventive measures such as routine screenings and vaccinations. Early detection of cervical cancer can significantly reduce its prevalence through Pap smears and HPV tests, alongside vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of this disease. This month raises awareness about women’s health and reinforces efforts to eradicate this serious illness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. The strategy highlights HPV vaccination as the key preventive measure, recommending it for adolescent girls to ensure long-lasting immunity against most cervical cancer types. Regular screenings, like Pap smears and HPV tests, are crucial for early detection of cervical cell changes, which can improve survival rates. However, disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality persist globally, particularly between high- and low-income countries, underscoring the need for enhanced prevention and treatment efforts.
HPV and Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through direct sexual contact. There are many types of HPV; some lead to genital warts, while others are closely linked to cervical cancer and other malignancies. In some cases, the virus persists in the body, causing a chronic infection. High-risk HPV types, especially types 16 and 18, are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide. Most cases of cervical cancer originate from HPV infection. Once HPV enters cervical cells, it can alter the DNA, leading to abnormal cell growth and cancer over time. This process usually takes several years, which is why routine screenings are so important for early detection. Cervical cancer associated with HPV often develops gradually. Typically, five to ten years are needed for HPV
infected cells to become precancerous lesions. Without timely detection and treatment, these lesions can evolve into invasive cervical cancer over about 20 years. These insights underline the value of preventive measures, including HPV vaccination and regular cervical screenings, to identify and manage potentially cancerous changes effectively.
Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer, especially when administered before exposure to the virus. Once vaccinated, the immune system produces antibodies specific to HPV, blocking or reducing the severity of infection. Children and adolescents should receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active. It is most effective when administered to preteens, typically between ages 11 and 12, ensuring protection before possible HPV exposure. However, individuals up to age 45 may also benefit from vaccination if they have not yet received it. Overall, the HPV vaccine offers strong protection against HPV-related diseases, especially cervical cancer.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a screening test that detects abnormal changes in cervical cells. A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope. Detecting these abnormalities at an early stage allows for timely intervention and lowers the likelihood that the changes will progress to cancer. Widespread use of Pap smears has significantly decreased the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, particularly in countries with well organized screening programs. Regular screenings are essential to reducing cervical cancer risk and improving health outcomes for women worldwide. Promoting awareness of Pap smears and their benefits encourages more women to participate in these screenings, ultimately cutting cervical cancer rates and deaths.
MOST CASES OF CERVICAL CANCER ORIGINATE FROM HPV INFECTION. ONCE HPV ENTERS CERVICAL CELLS, IT CAN ALTER THE DNA, LEADING TO ABNORMAL CELL GROWTH AND CANCER OVER TIME. THIS PROCESS USUALLY TAKES SEVERAL YEARS, WHICH IS WHY ROUTINE SCREENINGS ARE SO IMPORTANT FOR EARLY DETECTION.
Diseases Detectable Through a Pap Smear
Cancerous Conditions: Detects pre-cancerous cellular changes, with severe cases progressing to cervical cancer in 1–3 years and mild cases in 15–20 years, enabling early intervention.
Vaginal Infections: Identifies bacterial infections like vaginosis, caused by imbalanced flora, leading to discharge and acidity changes. Early detection aids treatment.
Viral Infections: Detects STIs like herpes, requiring timely treatment, especially for pregnant women.
Fungal Infections: Identifies candida infections causing discharge, itching, and redness, treatable with antifungals.
Parasitic Infections: Detects trichomonas, causing discharge, requiring treatment for both partners.
Infertility Causes: Highlights nutrient deficiencies like folic acid, affecting cervical health and sperm compatibility.
Cervical Polyps: Detects cell overgrowth causing bleeding and discomfort, often needing removal.
Vaginal Atrophy: Evaluates estrogen levels, as low levels thin tissues, causing discomfort and infection risks in menopause.
HIV/AIDS: Identifies HIV markers linked to higher cervical cancer risks.
Birthing couches: Versatile Medical Equipment for Natural Birth Positions
Birthing couches are adaptable medical aids equipped with additional features that support physiological positions during childbirth. They help women relax more easily and choose the position that feels most natural at any given moment.
These specialized pieces of equipment are designed for use during childbirth, allowing women to adopt various positions that are both physiological and comfortable. Birthing couches are crafted to promote the physiological process of labor while enhancing the comfort of the birthing woman. They also enable close proximity to a partner or companion.
Birthing couches are commonly utilized in maternity wards that prioritize physiological birthing practices and value the comfort of the mother.
The LINDU Medical Birthing Couches features armrests and a range of accessories. It is foldable and portable. The couch is covered with a two-layer medical-grade material with certified quality, bonded seams, and foam padding. It is fully disinfectable to meet the needs of hospitals and maternity wards. The material is flexible and pleasant to the touch.
Additional components of the couch come in various shapes, are refillable, and can be supplemented as needed.
The positions in which women give birth are not just a result of the physiology and function of the female body and the birth process. They are influenced by the culture we live in, the images and understanding of birth that we have and, of no less importance, by the training of midwives and medical professionals. It is time to base our care on evidence and facts.
Benefits of vertical birth positions
• Active vertical positions support the natural biomechanics of labour, which means less complications and healthier both, baby and mother.
• The foetus has more room to rotate in the birth canal as there are increases in most pelvic measurements.
• Labour is shorter and less painful.
• Due to evidence, it is more beneficial to move and change birthing positions than to stay in one specific position.
David Winkler CFO Lindu medical
Currently, over 50% hospitals in the Czech republic and 6 in Slovakia are equipped with birthing couches and have undergone the implementation workshop on active vertical birth and practical couch care guidance.
