HOSPITALS Magazine issue 32 by The Arab Hospital Magazine

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Issue 32 / 124 Jan / Feb 2017 www.tahmag.com

Publisher

Arab Health Media Communication

General Manager

Simon Chammas E: schammas@tahmag.com Creative Department Roula Haddad Georges Habka Creative Director Jessy Chlela

2016 was a big year for medical achievements and developments. It is worth calling 2016 the year of health awareness and prevention at the local level and the year of breakthroughs at the international level. It witnessed many achievements and advancements in the medicine field that received wide acclaim worldwide and have become a standard for the treatment of fatal diseases such as cancer, malaria, diabetes and others. In April, British researchers announced a new screening technology for drugs that could eliminate the cancer cells within days. Swiss scientists also discovered a drug that stops the growth of cancer cells. In July, researchers have developed the first widely protective vaccine against chlamydia, the most common STD in the world. British researchers said in August that they have come a long way in the development of a blood test that can predict Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms worsen. In September, experiments revealed the effectiveness of new vaccines in providing complete protection against the “Zika” virus. US researchers announced that “promising” drugs are used to block a group of enzymes in hair follicles and succeeded in treating people suffering from “alopecia areata” or spot baldness. In the same month, the first “artificial pancreas” that automatically pumps insulin in the body whenever the patient needed it was introduced. The World Health Organization announced in November that Morocco has defeated trachoma, which is a leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. The expanded efforts for the treatment of AIDS led to the decrease in HIV-related death by 45% annually. In 2016, the Arab world witnessed awareness campaigns for the prevention of many diseases as well as health fairs that achieved great success. These are not all the achievements of course but it is a major indication of the successes accomplished or expected to be achieved to serve human health in the region and the world. The Publisher

Copy EDITOR

Jessica Achkar

EDITORS

Aline Debes, Mark Steven, Don Karn, Andrew Weichert Colette Semaan, Abbas Moussa

Advertising & Marketing advertising@tahmag.com Mirna Khayrallah E: mirna@tahmag.com Roula Fakhry E: roula@tahmag.com Dayane Al Dib dayane@thearabhospital.com Jessie El Hajj jessie@tahmag.com

Business Development Manager Ralph Rahal tahmag@tahmag.com

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AHMC, Lebanon Mansourieh High way, Jihad Wakim center, 3rd floor. T/F: +961 4 53 40 58 M : +961 3 60 61 00 E: tahmag@tahmag.com Simon Chammas E: schammas@tahmag.com Dubai AHMC 00971502971007 Schammas@tahmag.com KSA Moussa ALHAKIM - KSA Market Manager POBox 116197, Fahd Bin Zaghir Road Al Zahraa Jeddah 21391 – Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 55 600 88 60 France “Media & PR” 9 rue Victor Hugo 92400 Courbevoie, France T: + 33 1 43 34 24 90 M: + 33 6 19 03 31 86 E: jpcressot@wanadoo.fr

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Distribution: KSA - UAE - OMAN LEBANON - JORDAN - SYRIA KUWAIT - BAHRAIN - QATAR - EGYPT

Jan - feb 2017

64 COVER

20 Interview with LINET MEA’s Managing Director Jiri Plecity

22 ELEGANZA 5

18 Dubai ENT specialist co-publishes clinical article

26 AAMAL MEDICAL 28 Royale Hayat Hospital Celebrates 10 Anniversary th

NEWS

34 Aster DM Healthcare’s Founder

opportunity for e-Health at Life

40 Dr. Mohamed Al-Emadi addresses

Science Discussion hosted by Dubai

medical students at Qatar University

8 Leading industry experts highlight Science Park

10 HMC and PHCC

Will Work

Together to Deliver Integrated Mental Health Care Services

12 IVI Fertility sets up Dubai headquarters

14 Becton Dickinson inaugurated its Center for Safety & Clinical Excellence

16 Al Noor Hospital Family Care Center in ghayathi

16 Bellevue Medical Center

Raises

Awareness around Adolescent Health in Lebanon

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receives the Indian Innovator Award

46 The Department of General Surgery, Al Ahli hospital

FEATURES

64 Liver Disease 106 Appendicitis 120 Vitamin D 124 Diabetic wounds 136 Renal Failure

INTERVIEWS

56 Dr. Hisham Hout 82 Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh

86 Antoine Onaissi

ARTICLES

58 Hill-Rom 72 Best of British 78 Baylor St. Luke’s 80 BHM 90 Advantech 92 Bowtie Risk Assessment Method 94 WISH 2016 98 Hamad Medical Corporation 108 Innovation is the Need of the Hour in Stroke Care

108 Cervical cancers & HPV 110 What is organic agriculture? 112 Male Infertility 114 Qatar University 126 Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar 130 ASK AMERICA 140 Managing personal health like personal finances

144 Kidney condition

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NEWS

Leading industry experts highlight opportunity for e-Health at Life Science Discussion hosted by Dubai Science Park healthcare providers, will also play a role in maintaining Dubai’s rise as a smart e-Health city. The second panel of the day highlighted a need for intellectual property to enable widespread access to unmet health needs in the UAE and around the region.

ubai has the potential to become one of the world’s leading e-Health nations, according to delegates that gathered at the 2nd Dubai Life Science Discussion hosted by Dubai Science Park, a member of TECOM Group, during UAE e-Health week at the Mina A’Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The event, which was anchored by two panel discussions, was attended by respected industry leaders and policy makers representing the government, healthcare, technology and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as law and consultancy experts. Talks focused on the economic and social benefits stemming from integrating medical technologies and intellectual property rights within the healthcare sector. Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Executive Director of Dubai Science Park and member of the panel, said: “As we envision the future of healthcare, technology will play an important role in creating solutions, but also enabling access for those who need these services the most. Dubai Science Park is committed to supporting the UAE’s medical industry by improving the quality and cost effectiveness of health services

JAN.FEB 2017

through the strengthening of collaborations between the public and private sectors.” The keynote panel of the day focused on enabling the expansion of e-Health and led to meaningful discussions between the Dubai Health Authority and other public and private sector stakeholders, who regrouped later in the day for a closed discussion to determine appropriate steps for implementation. The outcome strategy emerging from the event is aligned with Dubai Science Park’s innovation agenda which seeks to bolster the integration of healthcare services and technology, encouraging its adoption through fostering public-private partnership in the field of life sciences. The e-Health panel highlighted the potential of the UAE’s healthcare information technology, which is expected to grow by as much as 11 percent by 2019 according to Technavio, a market research company that focuses on emerging markets. Together with government initiatives including mobile applications for patient engagement, data analytics, and the digitisation of electronic medical records, industry-wide spending on information technology by public and private sector

Innovative intellectual property policies has traditionally meant the industry takes larger strides towards progress. However, the growing demand for best-in-class health services means new medical developments need to be available to patients easily. The Dubai Government’s sustained investment in health infrastructure has resulted in Dubai being recognised as a major destination for medical tourism, improved facilities, and locally produced research, the majority of which is on a par with or exceeding internationally recognised standards. Janahi said: “Healthcare and Life Sciences are two sectors that have been identified as a priority sector by regional governments, and the UAE healthcare sector, in particular, has witnessed significant progress in the past few years as it is projected to advance at an annual average growth of 12.7 percent from 2015 to $19.5 billion in 2020, according to the latest GCC Healthcare Industry report published by Alpen Capital. Dubai has become home to premier medical institutions, attracting medical experts from the Americas, Europe and other global pacesetters to the emirate. This is driving Dubai Science Park to playing an instrumental role in creating a health and wellness ecosystem to bring forward the UAE’s vision of becoming one of the most innovative and happy countries by 2021.”

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NEWS

HMC and PHCC Will Work Together to Deliver Integrated Mental Health Care Services

amad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint-working protocols for the management of patients with mental health problems. The agreement will help set standards to enable both organizations to work together to provide more integrated care for mental health patients. PHCC’s Executive Director for Operations, Dr. Samya Al-Abdulla, highlighted that patients will be the main focus of the program. She said: “We have established clear communication channels between the two organizations to improve continuity of care for our patients. Our shared vision and understanding will hopefully result in improved outcomes for patients and staff.” Dr. Fatema Musa, Head of the Mental Health Program at PHCC added: “The joint-working group established between PHCC and HMC in the area of mental health worked very hard to ensure that our patients’ interests are at the center of the agreement. Improved communication channels will be established to ensure the smooth transition of patients and continuity of care between the two organizations.” This initiative is one of the key outcomes of the “Better Together” program which sets out a comprehensive approach to more

integrated and effective collaborative working practices between Qatar’s key public sector healthcare providers. “We have formed dedicated teams responsible for assessing the needs of our patients and determining improved pathways between primary and secondary care. The comprehensive set of joint-working protocols that are being developed are based on a shared understanding of how our mental health services should integrate. This is an important step towards raising the standards of mental healthcare in Qatar. These are centered on international best practice but reflect the needs and wishes of our local population,” said Mr. Iain Tully, CEO of HMC’s Mental Health Service. The joint working protocol covers the key stages of the patient pathway - from physician referral through to assessment, care, treatment and discharge to primary care follow-up. It also identifies the general areas where PHCC and HMC can work together to improve joint-working and information sharing in the area of mental health. “I am delighted at how well this project has progressed to facilitate HMC and PHCC working more closely together to align the care that both organizations provide to mental health patients. said Dr. Majed Al-Abdullah, Deputy Medical Director of HMC’s Mental Health Service

“Go-anywhere” X-ray system (approx. 68 kg) and compact build. The new system is attractive wherever it is not possible to move patients to a hospital for diagnostic radiology. Areas of application are first aid services, home care, nursing homes, medically oriented aid organizations, military purposes and ships or oil rigs. The lightweight system can easily be pulled oversteps and obstacles and can be swiveled in all directions – a huge advantage in confined spaces and elevators. The X-ray system is stable and does not tip over on uneven terrain. Its large, all-terrain wheels permit effortless movement.

eveloped entirely by OR Technology, the fully digital Amadeo M mini X-ray system incorporates a sophisticated design which reduces components to the most essential, functional operating elements. The Amadeo M mini is therefore particularly suitable for portable use and can easily be transported due to its low weight

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The Amadeo M mini includes all necessary components of a functional system: X-ray detector, X-ray generator and image processing workstation. The latter is delivered with a globally proven software package dicomPACS®DX-Rwhich includes a convenient X-ray positioning guide for fine adjustment (except AX-version).

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02 492 9000 www.healthpoint.ae 11

NEWS

IVI Fertility sets up Dubai headquarters Spurred by simplified visa procedures for medical treatment is the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) which involves injection of a single sperm directly into a mature egg in the IVF laboratory.

ne baby is born in Dubai every 3.5 hours according to Dubai Statistics Centre (DSC). Nearly triple the national births, the expatriate births stood at 22,755 babies compared to 7,728 UAE ones. This was revealed in connection with the announcement of opening up a new headquarter in Dubai by IVI Fertility, the globally renowned centre for fertility treatment, following its successful launch of operations in Abu Dhabi in May last year and over 120 successful pregnancies in less than a year. “The opening of this office is very significant when viewed against the findings of a report by Dubai Statistic Centre (DSC) that fertility was among the top treatments sought by medical tourists who visited Dubai in 2015, next only to treatment of osteoporosis, dermatology and plastic surgery,” said Dr Human Fatemi, Medical Director, IVI Fertility Middle East. “We realized that a lot of our patients at Abu Dhabi clinic came from Dubai, Al Ain and other parts of the UAE. This factor, combined with the booming health travel sector in Dubai, prompted us to open a new clinic in Dubai,” commented Dr. Barbara Lawrenz, Specialist – Obstetrics & Gynecology at IVI Fertility Middle East. “The Middle East has an estimated 2 to 3 million couples

JAN.FEB 2017

in the age group of 20-40 who are facing difficulties in starting a family. This challenge of infertility is globally recognized as a major health issue. In the last few years, we all have probably read or heard about advancements in fertility treatments,” added Dr Fatemi. “IVF involves combining the egg and the sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once an embryo or embryos form, they are then transferred back to the uterus of the woman. If done with the correct approach, this technique delivers successful results. However, there have been cases of severe male sterility, previously failed IVF cycles, failure with Intrauterine Insemination or even limited number of available oocytes that pose challenges. Such cases do not necessarily yield results with the conventional IVF technique,” he added. “The Dubai clinic is a major step in making sure that highly advanced, world’s best treatments are easily available to couples desiring to become parents. At IVI, our extensive research in understanding GCC-specific factors of infertility amongst couples and personalized treatments is the crucial factor behind our success rate of over 70%,” added Dr Human Fatemi, Medical Director IVI Fertility. The most common and successful methodology of IVF

“At IVI Fertility, great emphasis is put on patient education. Extensive counseling is given to familiarize them with the designed treatment. Before the start of IVF/ICSI treatment, the clinic also customizes the ovarian stimulation as per the patient’s needs for egg production. These eggs are then collected and each egg is injected with a single sperm from the spouse. The rest of the process is the same as IVF. As the patient is more likely to become pregnant with twins or triplets if more than one embryo is transferred, we at IVI Fertility recommend a single embryo transfer (SET),” he said. ICSI was pioneered by Dr Prof Paul Devroey, a leading Belgian researcher and professor specialized in human fertility. He worked for over 30 years at the University of Brussels and has trained Dr Human Fatemi, Medical Director at IVI Fertility, Abu Dhabi, in various Assisted Reproductive Techniques. IVI has several proprietary test techniques that are now used worldwide and are known to enhance the chances of triggering pregnancy. “Fortunately, science today has the answer to most fertility problems. However, such treatments are successful only after the right tests and assessments are carried out to diagnose the exact cause of infertility. At IVI, our extensive research in understanding GCC-specific factors like consanguinity and its impact on fertility and customizing treatments to address those, are responsible for the high success rate,” added Dr Fatemi.

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NEWS

Becton Dickinson inaugurated its Center for Safety and Clinical Excellence region as a whole, hence promoting the adoption of medical technology’s highest standards and the healthcare industry’s best practices”.

ecton Dickinson (BD) a world leader in medical technology, devices and laboratory equipment from medication management and parenteral drug delivery to diagnostics and solutions for clinical research, officially inaugurated on November 3rd 2016 its Center for Safety and Clinical Excellence (CSCE) in a public ceremony under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Public Health and Licensing - Ministry of Health, and the presence of selected healthcare professionals and executives from the UAE and the GCC region. The new BD Centre is considered the first in its class to be operational outside the US and located in Dubai

The event was highlighted by a word from H.E. Dr. Amin Al Amiri, articulating the current challenges in the healthcare sector and “the tremendous efforts exerted by the Ministry of Health to offer a solid framework for the medical industry global players to establish their scientific offices in the UAE, in order to serve not just the UAE but the

JAN.FEB 2017

The new BD Centre for Safety and Clinical Excellence is considered the first in its class to be operational outside the US and located in Dubai. As quoted by Maher Elhassan, Vice President and General Manager for BD Middle East and North Africa “the center will play a major role within BD’s regional and global organization offering our visitors from healthcare professionals and BD partners a unique and holistic ‘customer and patient experience’ to grasp the full scope of BD’s contribution to Advancing the World of Health”. A tour of the center and an in-depth exploration of BD’s various care stations underlined how clinical performance, training and education, quality and innovation could all be synergized to ultimately ensure that the patient and healthcare worker’s safety prerogatives are met.

Fotos: Shutterstock, Rabold und Co.

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NEWS

Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in the Western Region inaugurates

Al Noor Hospital Family Care Centre in Ghayathi Region, and both the Executive Committee and the Operations Committee of Mediclinic Middle East and Al Noor Hospitals Group. Al Noor Hospital Family Care Centre in Ghayathi brings quality healthcare closer to people and to their homes. The clinic provides a wide range of out-patient services in the areas of general medicine, internal medicine, paediatrics and dentistry, delivered by experienced physicians and a caring nursing team. The new clinic also houses numerous facilities, spacious waiting rooms and treatment rooms.

is Excellency Mohamed Hamad bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, the Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in the Western Region inaugurated Al Noor Hospital Family Care Centre in Ghayathi, which is part of Mediclinic Middle East and Al Noor Hospitals Group. The grand opening saw the attendance of a number of senior officials from the Western

David Hadley, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East and Al Noor Hospitals Group, said: “The opening of Al Noor Hospital Family Care Centre in Ghayathi further strengthens our broad portfolio of healthcare facilities and medical offerings across the important and rapidly developing region, bringing the total number of Al Noor medical facilities in the Western Region to five.” Hadley added: “Our next big project in the region includes the opening of a 48bed hospital in Madinat Zayed, which is currently in the planning phase.”

Bellevue Medical Center Raises Awareness around Adolescent Health in Lebanon

s part of its community work and interest in adolescent health issues, Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) conducted recently an awareness campaign aiming to engage Lebanese adolescents in their own care, and increase their health awareness. As part of the campaign, BMC doctors’ team, specialized in adolescent medicine, visited schools to address the health-related topics adolescents encounter nowadays.

JAN.FEB 2017

In line with the campaign’s objective to benefit the community on the longrun by improving adolescents’ health, reducing accidents, preventing longterm health problems, and eventually creating a healthier society, an informative session was held at BMC hospital to address parents, media, and schools’ administrators on the topic. During this session, BMC also officially launched its recently-opened adolescent clinic, catering medical and behavioral needs for adolescents between ages 11 and 21. Dr. Patricia Kaldani, chief of pediatrics department at BMC, said: “Adolescents are a special group in the society with specific needs which are often un-addressed; only 6 percent of adolescents in Lebanon who need a treatment receive it, compared to 25 percent in the

world. Adolescents are in search for their identity and need to make a number of important choices which will affect their future life and health. In Beirut, already 20 percent of adolescents drink, 40 percent go through a serious mental disturbance, 15 percent are at risk of being overweight, and 30 percent have been bullied, in addition to a rapidly emerging problem of addiction to the internet and video games. The latter figures are the main reason for us to raise the light about adolescents’ health and help the young generations better thrive and build a better future for our country.” The campaign will stretch in the coming year and will also include a digital campaign with youth social media influencers targeting all adolescents, parents and their caretakers, aiming to raise awareness and encourage teens to take care of their health.

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NEWS

Dubai ENT specialist co-publishes clinical article on research into Endoscopic Ear and Eustachian Tube Surgery in prestigious international publication

ollowing new international research led by Dr Muaaz Tarabichi, Head of ENT Department at American Hospital Dubai, a new clinical research report/ article has been published by the prestigious Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. Dr Tarabichi co-authored the article with Joao Flavio Nogueira, from Brazil, entitled ‘Functional Endoscopic Chronic Ear Surgery: A new horizon’.

Dr. Muaaz Tarabichi ENT Surgeon at the American Hospital Dubai

The medical understanding of the Eustachian Tube – part of the anatomy of the middle ear – was refined by the research collaboration undertaken by an international committee of 15 ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists from around the world. The article was published in the October 2016 issue of the publication and has established a new and common understanding of the Eustachian Tubes. Patients are now set to benefit from a new understanding of the anatomy of the Eustachian Tube –a vital part of the middle ear. Dysfunction of the Eustachian Tube is the most common reason for patients visiting and seeking treatment at ENT departments worldwide. The committee’s re-evaluation of the Eustachian Tube was made possible by the use of middle-ear endoscopes (an endoscope is a thin, illuminated tubular instrument used to look deep into the body in a procedure called an endoscopy) to create direct access to and viewing of the Eustachian Tube. Dr. Tarabichi was the first ENT surgeon to perform Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES), in 1992, and developed the procedure at American Hospital Dubai, which is acknowledged as the ‘birthplace’ of EES.

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With the benefits of ear endoscopy, the committee was able to redefine the structure of the Eustachian Tube and develop a new understanding and a clearer and more distinct description of an area that is now increasingly accessible for surgical interventions. This new anatomical understanding is being reported across international ENT organisations and is being adopted as the official position on Eustachian Tubes. Dr. Tarabichi comments: “We now have a new and common understanding of the anatomy and terminology used to describe the Eustachian Tube for the ENT community worldwide. With this greater understanding and access to the inner ear made possible by middle ear endoscopy, we will be in a better position to correct Eustachian Tube dysfunctions and so improve patient outcomes.” ENT specialists from Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Italy and the US worked as part of the international committee alongside Dr Tarabichi, which took three months to complete the re-evaluation of the Eustachian Tube. The Eustachian Tubes are a pair of narrow tubes that run from each middle ear to high in the back of the throat, behind the nasal passages. The throat end of the tubes open and close to regulate air pressure in the middle ear, refresh air in the ear,and drain normal secretions from the middle ear.Swelling, inflammation and mucus in the Eustachian Tubes from an upper respiratory infection or allergy can block them, causing the accumulation of fluids in the middle ear. A bacterial or viral infection of this fluid is usually what produces the symptoms of an ear infection.

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COVER STORY

LINET MEAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing Director

JAN.FEB 2017

COVER STORY

LINET is a stable brand that has been operating in the region for a long time. How has it approached its local customers? Decidedly by an appropriately selected offer of products which includes beds with unique functions and innovations that arise above all from the needs of nurses and their patients, whether this concerns TOP products for the most demanding clients or standard beds that contain extraordinary parameters in their categories. In addition, quality is also utilised as the beds are manufactured in Europe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Germany and in the Czech Republic. We also place emphasis on design which combines functionality with ergonomics and aesthetics, and is a characteristic feature of our products. Then there is customer orientation. For us the customer comes first and our aim is to accommodate his needs and requirements as much as possible. An example is a collection of special customised intensive beds that are hand-painted and designed for child cancer patients in Qatar. How will LINET MEA contribute to further development? We will be in direct contact with our customers and partnership companies. In practice, this means that we are based in Dubai; I and my entire family, and other LINET core employees will be working in the office. We want to develop customer relations with further added value. We are getting the LINET Academy project underway which will enable us to provide education and training to nurses, technicians and managers. On the other hand, this provides us with an excellent platform for the exchange of experience and obtaining feedback from people who work with our products. This we can then apply to the innovation of our products and services. Can you provide more information about the LINET Academy project? Medical beds have long since stopped being a mere reclining space for patients. They are functional products that have a therapeutic effect and further properties that actively support the process of convalescence. We want the healthcare professional to make maximum use of them not just to benefit the patient and his health, but also to improve his own work. So he is more effective and is not unnecessarily exposed to physical strain or injury when working with the bed. Such skills do not come of their own accord, therefore at the LINET Academy we want to offer courses and training on how to use the bed functions correctly in practice. Education has an established tradition at LINET. We have been organising our own courses, training and workshops for healthcare professionals worldwide, which are run by a team of our clinical coaches. The first LINET Academy courses for nurses have already taken place and the main subject covered moving & handling, pressure ulcer prevention, etc. Apart from education, what else do you plan for the near future? We want to follow up on the success of our team. I have been working in the region for six years now and in that time we have tripled our turnover, acquired contracts for prestigious hospitals and implemented projects in countries where LINET had not been operating till this time. We are now launching the new Eleganza 5 bed accompanied by a unique visual campaign. Another novelty is the expansion of the obstetrics portfolio.The new AVE 2 birthing bed represents the pinnacle in its field and enhances LINETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s product range for obstetrics, neonatology and paediatric care.

COVER STORY

Caring for the sick is a real art Millions of women and men worldwide have chosen to devote themselves to the worthwhile work of nursing. They take care of patients and help them to recover. They are nurses even though working in healthcare is physically very demanding and dangerous, more so than in construction! During one shift a nurse can lift a total of up to 1.8 tons. In the US alone, more

JAN.FEB 2017

than 35,000 nurses annually suffer injury to their musculoskeletal system due to enormous strain.

harming themselves. The Eleganza 5 elevates the work of healthcare professionals to a real art, the art of nursing.

The new Eleganza 5 bed is here to change this.

Art of Turning

Being a nurse can be a beautiful and safe profession if exercised without unnecessary exertion and with elegance, joy and dedication. Thanks to the Eleganza 5 bed, nurses can relish the true essence of their profession without

To make the bed, change the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes, wash or position the patient without strain, use the power of the 15Â° lateral tilt to the left or the right. Work will be easier and more ergonomic. Empirical measurements have demonstrated that there is a 30% saving in

COVER STORY

the energy expended. The lateral tilt works in perfect combination with the foot control. The nurse controls the tilt with a foot and both hands are free to work with the patient. The new technology concealed in the bed columns ensures the bed moves completely smoothly and the care is sensitive and considerate. Thanks to the easy handling, prevention of pressure ulcers is also improved because the staff can reposition the patient more frequently with less effort.

Art of Safety The Eleganza 5 bed safety system is enhanced in two ways. Not only is the Eleganza 5 equipped with a number of sophisticated safety features, but the main parameters are also continuously monitored by a monitoring system. • The Eleganza 5 devotes great attention to the siderails. The safe minimal gaps or the lowered siderail sensor are a must. • The i-Brake system prevents falls if the bed brakes are not activated. • The Safe Stop feature protects against injury in the lowest bed position. • The Multizone Bed Exit Alarm does not just raise an alert when the patient leaves the bed, but also indicates the risk for any unusual movement made by the patient. • The 30° Autostop feature always stops the backrest at the tilt for easier breathing. • The option of setting the bed to a very low position lessens the consequences of falls. The BedMonitor system monitors the important safety features, so the staff have an overview of them on their monitor, tablet or phone.

Art of Mobilization Mobilization has never been so easy.

Thanks to the symbiosis of 3 features, patients have help at hand that will literally put them back on their feet. • The new and unique Mobi-Lift handle which will set the bed at the appropriate height and tilt it to one side. • The ergonomically shaped handle in the siderail provides support for leaving the bed. • With the help of the lateral tilt, patients can stand up with the minimum of effort. The Centre of Excellence in Posture, Movements & Handling in Birmingham, in cooperation with LINET, has calculated that a patient leaving a bed equipped with the Mobi-Lift handle or lateral tilt expends half as much effort as opposed to a standard bed. Easy and safe mobilization on the Eleganza 5 bed speeds up the patient’s convalescence and improves self-confidence. It also eliminates the demanding physical work of healthcare professionals. Shorter hospitalization also reduces treatment costs.

Art of Positioning The broad range of bed-positioning options expands patient treatment options and increases patient comfort. For healthcare professionals, the benefits of electric positioning are clear: zero effort, easy control and effective care. The frequent repositioning of the cardiac chair supports breathing in cases of respiratory problems and is pleasant for the patient when reading or watching television. The Ergoframe system extends the space in the pelvic area and so reduces the risk of pressure ulcers. The bed has highly varied positioning so it can be set precisely according to the patient’s needs: Fowler’s position 30/30, tiltable position, vascular or fully vascular; all this for individual and effective care.

Art of Communications The Eleganza 5 embodies a new method of communication. The bed’s smart technology, monitoring systems and their connection to other information systems make the Eleganza 5 a new generation bed. The centre is the revolutionary iBoard – the point from which the nurse controls the entire bed and its accessories. It is located in the head siderail close to the patient. The ergonomics are optimal for the nurse, who has no need to move around the bed. The iBoard has everything that modern technology should have: a logical single-level structure, intuitive controls, a display visible from all angles, high resolution and clarity, preselected functions and safety features. However the Eleganza 5 has even more to offer. It is a bed which communicates! The BedMonitor system, with the aid of sensors built into the bed, provides information about the bed’s safety parameters. The data can be monitored and assessed over the long term, and managers have an effective tool for risk management to hand. A further module integrated into the bed sends the necessary data to the hospital information system by Wi-Fi or LAN. It is therefore possible to monitor the bed’s settings, the condition of the components and efficiency of use of the bed’s resources. Last but not least, the Eleganza 5 is connected to iBed Diagnostics, so that any fault can be immediately detected and the on-line LINET service system can start to work. iBed Diagnostics also look after the bed in terms of routine maintenance or the ordering of new parts. Eleganza 5 is the Art of Nursing. It offers the maximum to make care easy and effective. Use the Art of Nursing of the Eleganza 5 bed.

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The Office of Graduate Studies at Qatar University Launched the Pharmacy Postgraduate Society (PPS) at a ceremony recently held at the organization’s Research Complex

he event was attended by QU Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed, QU College of Pharmacy (CPH) Dean Dr Mohammad Diab, and Acting Dean for QU Office of Graduate Studies Dr Ahmed Elzatahry, as well as QU officials, faculty and students.

the various steps that were undertaken to establish the Society. The event followed a graduate student workshop on “Thesis/Dissertation Submission and Approval” organized by the Graduate Academic Support Unit at the Office of Graduate Studies and delivered by QU Graduate Advisor Dr Mary El-Mereedi.

Postgraduate Society (PPS) and is dedicated to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in research and academia.

The event’s program featured an informative panel discussion chaired by CPH Assistant Professor Dr Daoud Al-Badriyeh, and presented by CPH Dean Dr Mohammad Diab, CPH Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Dr Feras Alali, PharmD alumni Dr Sara Hayder and senior MSc student Loulia Bader. Discussions focused on CPH’s experience throughout the processes involved with the establishment of the Pharmacy Postgraduate Society.

Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed noted that the Pharmacy Postgraduate Society, the first of its kind on campus, represents the interests and concerns of postgraduate students at the local and international levels.

It reflects the institution’s commitment towards empowering its students to achieve optimal results by offering them supportive opportunities and resources that enable them to advance their research interests.”

“The society aims to support postgraduate students to achieve the highest academic standards and to promote a competitive and productive learning environment among students through a diversity of programs and activities”, she said, adding, “Its mission is to represent the views of its members, to enrich the lives of postgraduate students, and to advance their interests academically, culturally, and socially.”

Ms Dina Abushanab said: “We have put a lot into this endeavor, and we are very proud of the outcome; furthermore, we hope to collaborate with graduate students in other colleges to share this success story.”

It also included presentations delivered by CPH Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Dr Alla El-Awaisi and PPS President Ms Dina Abushanab. They respectively highlighted the leadership and commitment exemplified by PPS founding executive members and

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Dr Mohammad Diab said: “QU College of Pharmacy supports the Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Postgraduate Society is a testament of Qatar University’s alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar’s national research priorities.

Dr Elzatahry said: “The graduate student voice is a welcome addition to the QU community. PPS represents the collective voice of graduate students in the College and it will serve as a powerful example for graduate students in other programs as well.”

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AAMAL MEDICAL HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS IN QATAR

amal Medical is one of the leading Medical Equipment and Surgical Consumables distributors in Qatar with major market share. The company is a subsidiary of Aamal Q.S.C. a well-established company with diversified activities consisting of more than nine companies under its banner. Aamal Medical specializes in the sale of medical equipment, medical and surgical consumables, hospital furniture, spare parts and IT solutions and provides post-sales technical support through Engineers qualified by the medical equipment manufacturers. Expanding year by year through the acquisition of new brands and award of new projects with consequent increase of the market share, Aamal Medical has customers in government, semi-government and private sectors. Aamal Medical is committed to supplying the Qatari Market with the need of high quality medical devices and consumables through dedicated and skilled sales & technical team. It is also one of the main players in the IT healthcare market and has been awarded several times for its distinguished performance by Hamad Medical Corporation and other authorities. The company has delivered in Qatar the first Health Information System (HIS), Total Solution for the Pharmacy Automation and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), in addition to Complete Integrated Operating Room Solutions (OR1 from Karl Storz). Aamal Medical is an expert in total package solution projects particularly for the operation theatres/ICU, Oncology and CSSD. 2016 was a very special year for Aamal Medical, marked by the acquisition of some international brands which are breaking into the Qatari Market with their innovative products:

1. ALVO MEDICAL: Company from Poland providing innovative solutions and products for operating theatres, hybrid operating rooms, ICU/NICU units, surgical preparation rooms and other hospital areas. Alvo Medical install ORs and manufacture

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medical equipment for hospitals all over the world since almost 25 years: modular walls and ceilings, operating tables, surgical scrub sinks, OR doors, medical trolleys, patient transfer systems and furniture. Starting from 2017 Alvo Medical is represented in all Gulf Countries and the regional office is now based in Aamal Medical Headquarter.

2. TELELIFT: Company from Germany manufacturing a Railbased Automatic transport system suitable for indoor transportation for a wide variety of materials, including biological samples, surgical tools, linen and documents. This system, already installed in many Hospital worldwide, has several advantages compared to the commonly used PTS.

3. MMM: As one of the world’s leading suppliers of sterile processing systems, MMM has been working actively to promote good health since 1954. The Company, historically manufacturing and currently leading the market in Germany, is specialized in autoclaves, washer disinfectors and sterilization solutions. To ensure a better understanding of the growing demands within the local healthcare sector in Qatar, the company focuses on identifying the market’s requirements and maximizing the effective usage of resources. Aamal Medical aims to maintain and enhance our leadership stance while offering their clients an overall distinguished experience by building on the well-entrenched reputation, and providing the most technologically advanced solutions in the medical field, aligned with supporting Aamal’s team of professionals with consistent development programs.

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Royale Hayat Hospital Celebrates 10th Anniversary And marks its first decade of impeccable medical care believers and a significant amount of determination, that’s Royale Hayat’s recipe for success. Royale Hayat is not the best hospital in Kuwait by chance; this achievement is only a realization of the vision of its benefactors and their mission; which is to provide the most innovative health service for all family members. “It’s been 10 years, and we are still as enthusiastic as we were on that grand opening day,” said Mr. Pradeep K.Handa – Chairman Royale Hayat has accomplished a lot since then. All departments, facilities, and equipment have been reconstructed, renovated, and renewed over the years to guarantee exceptional care and comfort.

n the presence of Board of the Directors of Kapico Group Holding Co. & Almulla Group Holding Co. Royale Hayat Hospital marks its first decade of impeccable medical care and outstanding contributions. Back in 2006, Royale Hayat Hospital redefined the meaning of “hospitals”; patients were welcomed into a remarkable facility designed to blend luxury and comfort. In addition to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical technology to serve all family members in a luxurious, welcoming environment. Today, 10 years later, we can proudly look back and say, “We did it!” Our team, our qualified physicians, our dedicated nurses, our loyal community, we all believed we could, and we did. A strong and clear vision, a devoted team of

One must consider the significant impact the hospital has had on the medical industry as a whole and on the lives of families in particular. The expansion, new departments, the services, awareness campaigns, events, conferences, educational and medical programs, celebrations, and all the daily contributions have made our journey rewarding. In the era of patient-centered medical care, advanced technology, patient safety and innovative treatments, Royale Hayat Hospital will continue to rise as an essential partner and contributor to every individual’s health at the best medical facility in Kuwait.

Tawam Hospital maintains HACCP certification

awam Hospital, part of the SEHA healthcare system, has once again received the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification for its food safety standards. “Food safety at hospitals presents daily challenges due to the large volumes of food prepared and the time it takes to distribute food throughout the hospital. By implementing food safety audits and ensuring that staff at Tawam adhere to food safety standards and procedures, we have been able to increase patient satisfaction and meet the HACCP requirements,” said Eng. Saeed Al Shamsi, Tawam Acting Chief Operating Officer.

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Tawam Hospital was one of the first HACCP accredited public hospitals in the UAE. Receiving HACCP certification. The HACCP certification is an international standard developed by the American FDA that defines the requirements of a safe food management system. HACCP focuses on identifying and preventing hazards and allows investigators to monitor a hospital’s progress. The system also helps organizations focus on the hazards that affect food safety and hygiene. Commenting on this achievement, Maryam Al Dhaheri,Tawam Support Service Director said:“We have already made significant improvements to the choice, quality, taste, and presentation of our food” Tawam Hospital is part of the SEHA Health System owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

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4th edition of the Healthscape summit GCC kicks off to fill supply gap in the Gulf medical offer Healthcare spending in MENA is expected to grow to US$144 billion in 2020 with approximately US$69 billion of this health spending coming from the GCC countries.

esigned to provide the procurement needs of the Healthcare industry in the GCC region, the 4th edition of the Healthscape Summit GCC kicked off at Al Bustan Rotana in Dubai. Eminent members of the Ministry of Health & Prevention in the UAE, Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and Saudi German Hospital Group inaugurated the summit that continued until Wednesday 7th December.

“We put the focus on the healthcare sector for it is a vital pillar in societies that guarantees the development and well-being of the populations. We are proud that the summit was launched with key contributions of eminent members of the Ministry of Health & Prevention in UAE, Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and Saudi German Hospital Group,” said Mr Ganesh Babu, Director India & Middle East, IDE, organizer of the summit. The event that is organised by IDE Global, a leading procurement consulting firm, saw the attendance of 154 Healthcare experts from the GCC countries and global suppliers offering the latest products and services that match the needs of the upcoming Healthcare/Hospital projects. Officials from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE, Neil David Clark, Advisor at the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi and Mr. Makarem Batterjee from the Saudi German Hospital Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opened the summit with insightful speeches on the opportunities to support the healthcare offer and services in the region. Presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions were scheduled to talk about the best practices in planning and designing hospitals’ facilities. Besides, B2B meetings on day one brought together the involved suppliers and buyers allowing them to make secure deals.

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According to the Healthcare and life care sciences report, GCC government mostly funds the health expenditure, with the public sector covering around 65%–80% of total health expenditure across GCC countries. “GCC governments and the private sector have made substantial investments in the hospitals infrastructure during the past 25 years, which has had a direct effect on improving the healthcare offer and services in the region. This summit is the perfect opportunity for both sectors, public and private, to meet directly global providers with high quality products that meet the international standards,” added Babu. The report predicts that the GCC countries are expected to see considerable growth in health care expenditure due to a change in the population mix toward an older population, a rise in chronic lifestyle diseases, growing medical tourism demand, and a move toward medical technology innovation. The health sector is expected to see a demand-supply gap for beds, doctors and nurses across the GCC. This provides an opportunity for the private sector to make judicious investments addressing the health service capacity gaps that would help improve quality of care and access for the patient population in the region.

We put the focus on the healthcare sector for it is a vital pillar in societies that guarantees the development and well-being of the populations. We are proud that the summit was launched with key contributions of eminent members of the Ministry of Health & Prevention in UAE, Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and Saudi German Hospital Group

Global suppliers like Hi Tech, Janak international, Gypsemna, Micromil are showcasing modern and latest products in the categories of hospital beds and furniture, information management systems, sanitation, Nurse call systems and energy management system, medical imaging equipment, tele medicine and mobile applications among others. IDE global is a leading procurement firm in the region with a mission of creating exclusive, captivating and unique deal flow initiatives. As one of the emerging leaders in the B2B realm, IDE is committed to creating value for each and every client by delivering remarkable experiences that build businesses.

Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar* is so much more than a medical school; it is a world-renowned institution and network of powerful partners that combines groundbreaking research, top-tier education, and best-in-class care to put patients at the center of everything it does. * Previously Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar

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BinSina offers its customers more value as the winter sets in with a special promotion weather, a time when skin and hair require maximum attention and care. So naturally choosing a good skin or hair care product would make a great gift for the season.

inter ushers in a long festive season as the world gears up for the New Year. It is also a time when people are on the lookout for gifts for family and friends. Picking out the perfect gift is not an easy feat. Take a look at the winter

BinSina Pharmacy, one of the leading pharmacies in the UAE, makes the festive season a great time to look forward to with confidence. Customers have access to the widest choice of international skincare and hair care products and an extensive range of health supplements along with expert advice on health & beauty needs by BinSina’s highly qualified pharmacists. BinSina ran a special two-month winter promotion, from 1st of December 2016 till end of January 2017. The ‘Buy 2 Get 1 FREE’ promotion was valid on a large range of skincare and hair care at all the BinSina Pharmacies in the UAE. The promotion not only offered greater value to customers shopping for themselves but also great gifting ideas for the ones they care about during the festive season.

Aster DM Healthcare’s Founder receives the Indian Innovator Award

r. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman & Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, received the 2016 ‘Indian Innovator Award’ in the healthcare innovation category, during the third annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award ceremony, which is organized by Entrepreneur MENA, a franchise of BNC Publishing. The Award recognizes Dr. Azad Moopen’s tireless efforts to drive excellence in the healthcare sector

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through Aster DM Healthcare. Founded in 1987, through a single clinic in Bur Dubai, the enterprise today has 296 establishments across 9 countries in Middle East and India. The growth of the company has been in accordance with efforts to strengthen the healthcare delivery system in UAE which brings internationals standards of care to meet the needs of common public. Catering through a vast network

of hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies and specialized healthcare professionals, the company constantly seeks to innovate and introduce best practices which can help shape a healthier society. Ms. Alisha Moopen – Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hospitals & Clinics (GCC), Aster DM Healthcare, received the award on behalf of Dr. Moopen, from Wissam Younane, CEO of BNC Publishing,

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Accreditation of Tawam Bariatric and Metabolic Disease Center about healthy eating manners and smart techniques to get rid of unhealthy eating habits; whereas the physical therapist customizes a 30-minute daily physical activity program”. He also emphasized: “When lifestyle changes have not worked and obesity becomes a life-threatening condition then bariatric surgery may be the last resort. There are different types of this modality depending on the patient’s obesity condition like the sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, and Rouxen-Y gastric bypass”.

Dr Mohamad Yamen

Dr Guido Mannaerts

he Bariatric and Metabolic Center in Tawam Hospital, one of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company organizations, has received the international American accreditation by the SRC (SURGICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE) accreditation body. The Accreditation was awarded for two categories: one for providing quality services in accordance with the international standards in bariatric surgery and gastroenterology (metabolic) diseases; whereas the second was bestowed on Doctor Guido Mannaertsas a skilled bariatric surgeon of excellence acknowledged by the bariatric surgery and gastroenterology diseases (metabolic) association in UAE.

team is committed to maintaining high standard of quality care using a variety of non-surgical and surgical modalities”. Dr. Yaman added: “We take pride in our Bariatric team receiving this well-deserved accreditation that came as a culmination of their professionalism, expertise, dedication and hard work. Tawam Hospital has always been keen to offer the best available health services to its patients. Receiving such accreditation assures that our patients are in safe hands and are receiving the highest standards of care.

Dr Mohamad Yaman the medical director of Tawam Hospital commented: “Obesity has become a serious health issue and a contributor to serious co-morbidities including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac diseases, sleep disorders, osteoarithritis (joint diseases) as well as an increasing risk of cancers. Our internationally experienced

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He furthered: “Bariatric surgery services in Tawam hospital provide a multi-disciplinary treatment program: surgical and non-surgical options. Non-surgical options include a continuum of nutritional, behavioral and physical therapy care. The clinical dietician conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment to determine any existing nutritional issues and accordingly develops an individualized nutrition program educating the patients

Dr Guido Mannaerts holds board certificates both in gastrointestinal and oncology surgery and is the chairman of the surgery department in Tawam Hospital: “Receiving the accreditation of the American Association of Surgeons is quite an inspiring achievement. The numbers of the obese patients attending the bariatric surgery clinic has been growing continuously. We perform around six bariatric surgeries daily. About 650 bariatric surgeries are performed this year”. He added: “I would like to advise the local community to diligently adopt a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy and balanced meals and exercise regularly. On the other hand parents should ensure that their kids (children and teenagers) maintain healthy lifestyle in order to prevent early childhood overweight and morbid obesity”. Tawam Hospital is part of the SEHA Healthcare System, and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

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NEWS

Hamad Medical Corporation’s Heart Hospital and National Center for Cancer Care and Research Receive Distinction

he Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics has recently announced that two Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) facilities, the Heart Hospital and the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), have achieved the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption ModelSM (EMRAM) Stage 6 distinction, an international benchmark for the use of advanced IT to improve patient care. This is the first HIMSS Stage 6 achievement in Qatar.

methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems for hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics™ Database. There are eight stages (0 – 7) that measure a hospital’s implementation and utilization of information technology applications. Hospitals can track and review their progress in completing each stage as they proceed towards the ultimate goal of reaching Stage 7 which represents an advanced electronic patient record environment that delivers safety and efficiency improvements.

“The HIMSS Analytics Stage 6 accreditation demonstrates that electronic physician documentation has been installed throughout the entire hospital with structured documentation templates – allowing physicians to ‘point-and-click’ from a standardized selection of options that facilitate future reporting and data analysis. We have a clinical decision support system, and closed loop medication administration,which contributes toward the deliveryof safer and more effective patient care,” said Professor William McKenna, Medical Director andCEO of the Heart Hospital.

Dr. AbdulWahab Al Musleh, HMC’s deputy CMOfor Clinical Information Systems and EMRAM project sponsor said, “Through effectively using Cerner Millennium®, digital progress will transform the way care is delivered to our patients. With more complete patient information, our clinicians will improve their ability to make well-informed treatment decisions even more quickly and safely.”

This first HIMSS Analytics Stage 6 achievement in Qatar reflects years of hard work and dedication to improving patient care and business processes, made possible by HMC’s system wide adoption of Cerner Millennium’s® electronic health record (EHR). “Working with Cerner, the team has embraced the technology of the clinical information system which enhances patient safety and improves the efficiency of care delivery. We also thank our patients and their families for their willingness to work with us during the pre- and post-implementation phases of our new advanced healthcare systems,” said Professor Alexander Knuth, medical director and CEO of the NCCCR. HIMSS Analytics developed the EMRAM as a

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“Cerner Millennium(r) produced savings in several areas, including medication entry. A primary benefit of the Computer Physician Order Entry (CPOE) is that it can help reduce errors, such as those related to illegible handwriting, transcription of medication orders and adverse drug events. Over the next year, with the continued use of CPOE, we expect to continue saving lives while lowering costs,” added Dr. Al Musleh. Dr. Alejandro Kohn Tuli, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at HMC, a key contributor to the project,added: “Achieving Stage 6 HIMSS Analytics recognition is the result of a collective team effort by all clinical and administrative teams which would not have been possible without their valuable commitment. This achievement is an important milestone in keeping HMC hospitals at the forefront of care clinically and technologically, regionally and internationally.”

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Dr. Mohamed Al-Emadi addresses medical students at Qatar University espoused by its founder, Dr Mohamed Abdulla Al-Emadi, who with his great experience and dedication, has established a strong presence in the healthcare sector and made a positive impact on this sector in Qatar. Al-Emadi Hospital aims to continue to expand its departments and services to provide the patients with top of the line treatment, using the latest medical equipment and services. The hospital’s staff is recruited with care and only the best and most qualified and experienced physicians and medical personnel are selected.

l-Emadi Hospital Chairman Dr. Mohamed Al-Emadi gave a motivational and inspirational speech to Qatar University “College of Medicine” students on the invitation of the “Career Services Center”at the University for a Seminar as part of their monthly initiative; (Medicine: A Success Story).

His speech to future doctors featured his long and distinguished career and the challenges and uncertainties that could arise as they pursue the noble profession. As a successful surgeon, Dr. Al-Emadi brought a lot to the table and students heard him provide details of his career and obstacles faced and successfully overcome. He said: “As part of our CSR strategy and activities, Al-Emadi hospital is keen to encourage and help educate students about the field of medicine and help them gain the skills and habits that will hopefully enable them to succeed in their medical education and

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future careers. It strives to enable medical students to realize their goals and achieve their greatest potential.” He told students: “Our vision in the last couple of years has been to establish the hospital as an academic training center for physicians. The first step in this direction was to get accredited as a Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development (CME/CPD) Center by the Ministry of Public Health. This was achieved in 2014 and we were the first private hospital in the State of Qatar to achieve this distinction. In the coming years, we intend to build on this momentum and transform our facility into a full-fledged academic training center.” Over the past 12 years, Al-Emadi Hospital has achieved countless milestones as one of the premier health services providers in Qatar and the GCC region. The hospital’s many achievements are a result of the strong personal values

The first step in this direction was to get accredited as a Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development (CME/ CPD)Center by the Ministry of Public Health. This was achieved in 2014 and we were the first private hospital in the State of Qatar to achieve this distinction

The hospital also ensures its employees undergo continuous training programs and attend workshops to help them attain more knowledge and experience in providing the best medical services possible. Al-Emadi Hospital will continue to focus on diversifying its departments and healthcare services provided in the country and its growth and expansion plans will always be in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar and the tenets of “Qatar’s National Health Strategy” and “Qatar National Vision 2030”. The hospital remains committed towards supporting the long-term socioeconomic growth plansof the country, while aiming to further develop its reputation for providing unparalleled and quality healthcare and medical services to its patients.

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Hamad General Hospital State-of-the-art operating theaters transform patient care Surgeons are now collaborating with neuroanesthesiologists, neuroradiologists and neurosurgery staff to make assessments using real-time imaging. Our first case using the hybrid MRI operating room is an important milestone for HMC as it means that patients can now have MRI imaging during surgery.” He added: “This is significant because it means, for example, that a surgeon operating on a patient with a brain tumor is now able to maximize tumor resectioning. This means there is less chance of causing damage to the brain structure around the tumor.”

tate-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment that has been permanently integrated into Hamad General Hospital’s operating theaters is revolutionising surgical practice at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) largest hospital and providing patients with even better care. Earlier this year, Hamad General Hospital inaugurated a new 10,000 square meter operating theater expansion that features 20 newly equipped surgical theaters. This month another milestone was achieved with the first patient undergoing surgery using the hybrid MRI operating room. “A hybrid operating room is a surgical theater that is equipped with advanced medical imaging devices such as a MRI scanner, CT scanner, or an angiogram. At Hamad General Hospital, there are three hybrid operating rooms that have this real-time imaging technology and this will change the way surgeons perform a variety of specialist surgeries, especially neurosurgery. The new Brainlab technology allows for a more precise surgical procedure, enabling minimally-invasive surgeries which are less traumatic for the patient,” said Dr. Ghanem Al-Sulaiti, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon and Head of Neurosurgery at HMC. Commenting on the advantages of such hybrid operating rooms, Dr. Al-Sulaiti, who is also President of the Gulf Neurosurgical Society and the Qatar Society for Neurological and Spine Surgery said: “Combining imaging technology with the operating room is transforming surgical care.

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Dr. Al-Sulaiti highlighted that the introduction of the new imaging technology meant that more surgical procedures would now be possible for HMC, especially for functional neurosurgery, which addresses the treatment of patients with neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. The opening of the newly equipped surgical theaters and their hybrid operating rooms are part of a wider expansion plan that is revitalizing Hamad General Hospital. In addition to the operating theater expansion, a new 19-bed Trauma Intensive Care Unit and 15-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit were also opened in June of this year. Dr. Al-Sulaiti concluded: “Hybrid operating rooms provide a number of benefits to patients, including combined procedures previously not possible. With more accurate procedures, patient recovery may also be faster and some patients with conditions that were formerly deemed inoperable may be able to undergo procedures.”

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NEWS

The Department of General Surgery, Al Ahli hospital participated in the 4th Annual Gulf Obesity Surgery Society Meeting (GOSS2016)

he Department of General Surgery, Al Ahli hospital participated in the 4th Annual Gulf Obesity Surgery Society Meeting (GOSS2016), which took place in Kingdom of Bahrain from 30th of November to 2nd of December 2016.

Dr. Abdul Azim Hussain, Chief of Medical Staff & Dr. Bakhos Al-Haddad, Specialist General Surgeon presented two studies, which were done on a big number of patients who were treated for essential obesity by Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures. These studies included assessment of Age, Gender, Body Mass Index, Co-Morbidity, Excess Weight Loss, Possible complications of these procedures, and Management of the complications. Dr. Abdul Azim Hussain presented a scientific study about a new endoscopic technique for management of overweight and obesity. This technique is called POSE Procedure (Primary Obesity Surgery, Endoluminal), and it was implemented for the first time in Qatar at Al-Ahli hospital. The aims of this study were to define the patients who are candidates to be treated by this technique, to measure the Excess Weight Loss, and to compare the results of this study with results of the international studies which were done on this kind of procedures. Dr. Bakhos Al-Haddad presented a scientific research that was done on 463 patients who underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for management of obesity at Surgery

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Department of Al Ahli hospital from January 2014 until December 2015. The aims of this research were to determine the selection criteria of patients who are candidates for this procedure, to compare that criteria with the international standards, to show the distribution of this type of operation between men and women, to measure the Excess Weight Loss after 1 to 2 years, and to study the possible complications and the best ways to manage them. Dr. Abdul Azim explained matching results of these two studies with results of the international studies regarding the selection criteria, Excess Weight Loss, complications, and management of these complications, Which shows that the medical staff in Al Ahli Hospital is keen to keep up with the highest international standards in selection of appropriate patients for each type of bariatric surgery, and the latest surgical techniques in order to reach high success rates and decrease the possible complications. And he pointed to the satisfaction of participants in this conference of surgeons from around the world on the results of these two researches and their adoption of the highest international standards. Dr. Abdul Azim has stressed that Al Ahli Hospital is keen on the annual presence and active participation in this kind of conferences by participating scientific researches, and exchange of experiences with surgeons from around the world in aim to develop the performance and improve the results and to keep up with the latest standards and international technologies.

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Beckman Coulter Announces the Launch of its New DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostic System* in the United Arab Emirates

eckman Coulter, one of the world’s leading clinical diagnostics companies, announced the launch of its DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostic System in the United Arab Emirates. The platform is expected to set a new standard in molecular diagnostics testing by revolutionizing workflow automation and improving laboratory outputs. The launch enables Beckman Coulter Diagnostics to bring its

80-year legacy of automation and innovation in the clinical diagnostics laboratory to the molecular diagnostics arena, supporting the company’s mission of moving healthcare forward. The DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System is a fully automated, sample-to-answer instrument for the quantitative analysis of molecular targets. The unique features of the system are designed to ensure that the laboratory can run multiple diverse markers, at any given time, with minimal manual intervention. The DxN VERIS integrates sample introduction, nucleic acid extraction, reaction setup, real-time PCR amplification and detection and results interpretation in a single instrument.This integrated approach enables molecular diagnostics laboratories to provide fast and reliable test results, while improving workflow and reducing number of consumables. “The DxN VERIS system represents a paradigm shift in molecular diagnostics,” said Ganesh Ramaswamy, Senior Vice President, customer operations for high-growth markets at Beckman Coulter. “It offers a simplified, flexible and LEAN workflow that produces fast, accurate results for physicians and their patients.”

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NEWS

Further collaboration between the laboratory and clinicians to bridge the gap towards better holistic patient care in the GCC Laboratory Medicine; Acting Chief Medical Officer at American Hospital said: “As medicine undergoes fundamental transformation in how it is delivered, and new technological innovations bring us new possibilities in diagnosis and treatment, the laboratory has a key role to play in the new healthcare paradigm. MEDLAB provides a forum to bring the diverse players together. The technology entrepreneur, the lab scientist, and the clinician, are given the opportunity for cross fertilization of ideas and practices.

EDLAB Exhibition & Congress, the world’s leading event for laboratory management and diagnostics, has introduced a new focus for its scientific programme for 2017 with updates on laboratory testing and developments in clinical diagnostics. It will review the expanding role of laboratory medicine in patient care in the GCC and will feature the correlation of tasks between a laboratory professional and a clinician, in analysing algorithms of the disease, test interpretations and standards in reporting. In 2016, the global in-vitro diagnostics market (universally known as ‘laboratory tests’), in which MEDLAB offers a critical platform, was estimated to be worth USD 60.07 billion and is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 5.2% to be worth USD 77.38 billion by 2021. Growing at a similar pace (estimated 6.5% by 2018 in Saudi Arabia and 5.23% in UAE by 2020) in the GCC, the increase is due to several factors such as the strong rise in the incidences of

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chronic diseases and the rise in the research and development efforts from the key market players. Simon Page, Managing Director of Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, the organiser of MEDLAB said: “The relationship between the laboratory and the clinician the clinician increasingly important as countries in the region continue to adopt a patient-centric approach to healthcare. Each step in the process is critically important and all parties included should work together to deliver a more holistic approach. At MEDLAB 2017, we aim to be able to facilitate that discussion and opportunity for a closer relationship between caregivers.” In an effort to bridge the gap between laboratory professionals and doctors, MEDLAB will host the first Laboratory Informatics conference in the region in order to effectively implement technology for laboratory information management and to explore how to efficiently manage laboratory data in electronic medical records systems in the Middle East. Dr Aaron Han, Chief, Department of Pathology and

“The collective of leading healthcare professionals and sharing their diverse skills, perspectives and experiences, leads to fruitful collaborations, enhances care, and elevates our daily work to new vistas. We may work in different parts of the medical ecosystem, yet we are all united through a shared commitment to the wellbeing and health of populations and individuals”, Dr Han added. MEDLAB offers over 11 CME-accredited multi-disciplinary conference tracks featuring topics such as laboratory management, molecular diagnostics and clinical chemistry. This year’s congress introduces new conferences about blood transfusion medicine, cardiac markers, laboratory testing and the management of diabetes, as well as laboratory informatics. Dr Mansour Al-Zarouni, Member, General Secretariat Committee at Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award (SITA) and Chair of MEDLAB said: “Transforming scientific advances occurring in our laboratories into patient care is a challenge, but one that needs to be addressed in order to improve healthcare. It is essential that laboratory workers and clinicians work

NEWS

together to convert modern science into medicine that saves lives. This is why MEDLAB this year will focus on bridging the gap between clinicians and laboratory workers in all areas of healthcare – from the dynamics of lab chains to cardiac markers. “It is essential that every effort is made to further improve collaboration and holistic ways of working. MEDLAB will play a crucial role in inspiring innovative and progressive ways to accelerate standards of patient care in both the GCC and the rest of the world.” As a platform for the pioneers in the industry to showcase their innovation, MEDLAB will host more than 700 of the world’s leading laboratory management and diagnostics brands such as Abbott, Siemens Healthineers, Snibe Diagnostic, Beckman Coulter and many more. Featuring the latest updates and innovation in the laboratory industry, MEDLAB is now a standalone event

after 15 years of success as part of Arab Health, the region’s largest healthcare trade exhibition and congress. MEDLAB will run from the 6th - 9th February 2017 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, for the sole purpose of improving the

laboratory industry developments and assist in delivering patient care. To register for MEDLAB Exhibition & Congress 2017 please visit:

www.medlabme.com/forms/visitor-registration-form-2017.

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INTERVIEW

President, Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Indian Subcontinent at Hill Rom

Dr. Hisham Hout After the acquisition of Welch Allyn, Hill-Rom will be playing a leading role to provide the best patient care and help healthcare providers obtain better economic results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hospitals magazineâ&#x20AC;? had the pleasure to meet with Dr. Hisham Hout, President, Middle East, Turkey & Indian Subcontinent at Hill-Rom to further discuss these matters. Below is the full interview:

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INTERVIEW

Hill Rom has accustomed us to greater achievements every year. First, we would like to know about the company’s latest accomplishments? By nearly every measure, fiscal 2016 was a record-setting year for our company. Hill-Rom achieved record sales and profitability while strengthening our foundation for future growth. We successfully integrated Welch Allyn, deepened our customer partnerships and continued to streamline our operations and cost structure, and solidified our three global businesses: Patient Support Systems, Surgical Solutions and Front Line Care. Could you tell us about the acquisition between Welch Allyn and Hill Hill-Rom? What is its importance for both parties? What are the main achievements that were made one year after the acquisition? The combination of Hill-Rom and Welch Allyn is successful on a number of levels, including financial and cultural, as well as in terms of our ability to successfully meet the needs of our customers around the world. Welch Allyn has brought to HillRom great strength in patient monitoring and diagnostics, and we could not be more pleased with the acquisition. What are the companies’ latest achievements in light of their innovative solutions for patient’s comfort? Some of Welch Allyn’s latest innovations have to do with eye care for patients. To cite one example of a product we recently launched in the U.S. and Australia: Welch Allyn® RetinaVue™ 100 Imager, a breakthrough handheld technology which makes diabetic retinopathy screening simple and affordable for primary care settings. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults because it often goes undetected. With early detection and treatment, as much as 95 percent of vision loss cases can be prevented. The company has a broad spectrum of digital solutions and diagnostic communications solutions. Could you tell us about the company’s achievements in this field?

Let me offer one example. We recently launched Welch Allyn Connex® Spot Monitor, an easy-to-use, full-color, touchscreen monitor that provides comprehensive and accurate patient vital signs (blood pressure measurement, pulse oximetry for assessing respiratory conditions, and thermometry) documentation using a single device. The Arab Health Exhibition, which will be held at end of January in Dubai, is considered an important platform for the launch of the latest innovations. How do you see this exhibition? We have a long history of innovation to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers, and the opportunity to show customers our products and services – both those that are new, of course, as well as trusted solutions – is an important one for our business. How important is it to you in terms of the number of visitors or exhibitors from various countries? Hill-Rom and its Welch Allyn business are growing, and we are proud of the solutions we offer in the marketplace. As we advocate for improved outcomes for patients and their caregivers, helping medical executives from throughout the region understand our innovations and offerings is critical to our future growth. What are the latest innovations that will be showcased at the exhibition? In our continued tradition of innovations, we are thrilled to introduce two outstanding solutions as well as the latest technologies spanning the entire hospital spectrum, including: Primary Care: Connex Integrated Wall System, Spot Vision Screener, Reteval and BIO Intensive Care Unit: Progressa™: MetaNeb® and HR900 Access as a new bed Operating Room: TruSystem™ 7000, iLED 7 and TruSystem™ 3000 as a new table Bariatric Room: Compella™ and LikoGuard™ Connectivity Solutions: Clinical Workflow Solution and connected Vital Signs solutions

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Hill-Rom helps healthcare providers navigate a complicated healthcare environment and overcome barriers that make it difficult to achieve your goals. Our innovative solutions enable you to provide high-quality patient care, in light of financial realities, both inside and outside of the hospital. We partner with healthcare providers in more than 100 countries by focusing on patient care solutions that improve clinical and economic outcomes: Patient Safety and Mobility Solutions, Patient Assessment and Monitoring Solutions, Respiratory Care Solutions, and Surgical Solutions. In addition, Hill-Rom provides best-in-class service to ensure reliable and safe products to help you provide exceptional, high-quality care for your patients.

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Patient Safety & Mobility Solutions Get your most challenging patients better, sooner

Improve patient safety & satisfaction while managing costs

Harms and complications in the ICU can extend length of stay and add to costs. The longer the patient is in the ICU and immobile, the higher risk they are for the potential complications such as respiratory infections and pressure injuries. Hill-Rom partners with our customers to implement an integrated mobility program that leverages innovative ICU products (such as advanced beds, patient handling lifts, and respiratory therapy devices) to reduce ICU length of stay by decreasing patient ventilator days, delirium and pressure injuries.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Med-Surg units, healthcare providers are faced with sicker patients, while also being asked to increase quality of care and patient satisfaction.Â At the same time, patients, and their families, are more involved in their care than ever before.Â Hill-Rom can help you improve patient satisfaction and patient safety with a robust solution of products and clinical programs including smart beds that communicate directly with our nurse call system, patient monitoring solutions, and a Falls Prevention clinical program that can integrate into your existing clinical protocols.

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Patient Assessment & Monitoring Solutions Protecting patients by anticipating careSM. Data is everywhere in hospitals today, but too often it is not being leveraged to solve clinical problems. This is one of the reasons why preventable conditions like falls and infections continue to occur that cost our system billions of dollars. Hill-Rom Clinical Workflow Solutions can help via our innovative software platform and products. First, we help you collect the information that matters as not all of the information holds equal weight at all times. We then use algorithms to help you identify opportunities to improve care and deliver that actionable insight to you in real-time, giving you the confidence that you’ll receive the information you need, when you need it, to enhance outcomes.

Helping to eradicate the leading causes of preventable blindness Welch Allyn delivers simple and affordable screening solutions in primary care settings to help eradicate some of the leading causes of preventable blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. ]et with early detection, 95% of vision loss cases can be prevented, while also achieving up to 90% patient compliance with potentially vision-saving diabetic retinopathy exams. One in four school-age children suffer from a vision disorder. Welch Allyn provides technology that can screen for five amblyoptic risk factors in just seconds.

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Delivering more advanced and comprehensive care with practical diagnostic tools. The role of primary care has evolved from an independent function to a key linkage of information to support the overall clinical decision making process. This change has created a greater need to coordinate information sharing across the care continuum and has also produced new workflow challenges for clinicians.Â Welch Allyn provides the integration of vital signs management and physical assessment tools in one system. Helping to eliminate frustrating and time-consuming searches for individual pieces of equipment allows clinicians to immediately view all necessary patient data, then sends it directly to an EMR/EHR. This streamlined workflow leads to improved operational efficiency within the office and throughout the health system.

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Respiratory Care Advancing respiratory health through innovative therapies. Retained secretions in the airways may lead to increased infection, hospitalization, and reduced lung function. Airway clearance therapy has been shown to improve lung function. With reported adherence to therapy in the 50% range, collaboration tools that increase visibility to therapy patterns can aid HCT coaching and motivation. Hill-Româ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Respiratory Care products work to improve airway clearance and remove secretions from the upper airways. This connected care provides opportunities for enhanced discussions and early interventions, which may lead to a reduction in respiratory infections, hospitalizations and medical costs.

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Surgical Solutions Effective and efficient OR utilization. Operating rooms can be one of the most costly departments in a hospital.Â More and more, hospitals rely on important metrics for OR efficiency and utilization.Â These metrics may range from first-case start times and turnover times to percent of rooms used and, of course, patient outcomes. Hill-Rom Surgical Solutions provide high-quality surgical equipment, surgical instruments and medical supplies to help you improve such metrics. The unparalleled breadth of our surgical table offering and innovative technologies bridge general and multidisciplinary applications to bariatric and advanced specialty procedures, as well as integrated intraoperative and robotic-assisted surgeries.Â

ARTICLE FEATURES . Liver Disease

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and has several functions. It regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps break down fats, preparing them for further digestion and absorption. All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates nutrients for the body to use. It also metabolized drugs in the blood into forms that are easier for the body to use. Many vital functions have been identified with the liver.

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Some of the more well-known functions include production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion, production of certain proteins for blood plasma, production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body, store and release glucose as needed, processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron), conversion of harmful ammonia to urea, clearing the blood of drugs and other harmful substances, regulating blood clotting, resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria

from the bloodstream and clearance of bilirubin. Keeping your liver healthy should be important to you because its condition determines how well you feel and the health of so many other organs in your body. Your liver is the cleanser and filter of your bloodstream; keeping your bloodstream clean is vital for a healthy immune system. The health of your liver determines your bowel function, your cholesterol level and even the health of your thyroid gland. Launch of the first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis, 2016-2021

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Liver Disease

Viral Hepatitis

Affects 400 million people globally

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Liver Disease

Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for HCV.

According to the World Health Organization, around 400 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B or C, which together cause approximately 80% of all liver cancer deaths and kill nearly 1.4 million people every year. Yet with better awareness and understanding of hepatitis prevention, up to 4,000 lives can be saved every day. World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2016 is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis and urge partners and Member States to support the roll-out of the first Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis for 2016–2021, which was approved during the Sixty-ninth World Health Assembly in May 2016. The new strategy introduces the first-ever global targets for viral hepatitis. These include a 30% reduction in new cases of hepatitis B and C, and a 10% reduction in mortality by 2020. According to the World Health Organization, Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact. An estimated 95% of people with hepatitis are unaware of their infection.

Hepatitis tests are complex and can be costly, with poor laboratory capacity in many countries. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. Scientists have identified 5 unique hepatitis viruses, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. While all cause liver disease, they vary in important ways. • Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is present in the feces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life-threatening. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV. • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV. • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use.

• Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection. • Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. HEV is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world and is increasingly recognized as an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not widely available.

Treatment Treatment depends on the virus that causes inflammation, whether it is acute or chronic condition. For example, in acute hepatitis A, B, C, bed rest is recommended to patients along with some medical tests. In cases of chronic viral hepatitis such as C, B, patients need to have a follow-up and laboratory tests, and sometimes the doctor asks for a sample of the liver to determine whether the patient needs special treatment or not. There are a lot of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C and B and are not treated or did not respond to medications; however, they live a normal life, and have no serious complications. If the condition lasted for 20 years or more, a decline in liver function is likely to happen, as this type of inflammation leads to the deterioration of the liver’s functions, sometimes leading to death if no new liver has been transplanted.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Liver Disease

Cirrhosis of the liver

Early detection could limit the damage

Decompensated cirrhosis is the term used to describe the development of specific complications resulting from the changes brought on by cirrhosis. Decompensated cirrhosis is life-threatening. The liver damage done by cirrhosis generally can’t be undone. But if liver cirrhosis is diagnosed early and the cause is treated, further damage can be limited and, rarely, reversed. A wide range of diseases and conditions can damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis. The most common causes are chronic alcohol abuse, chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) and fat accumulating in the liver. Other possible causes include iron buildup in the body (hemochromatosis), cystic fibrosis, copper accumulated in the liver (Wilson’s disease), poorly formed bile ducts (biliary atresia), inherited disorders of sugar metabolism, genetic digestive disorder (Alagille syndrome), liver disease caused by your body’s immune system (autoimmune hepatitis), destruction

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of the bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis), hardening and scarring of the bile ducts (primary sclerosing cholangitis)and some medications such as methotrexate.

Symptoms Cirrhosis often has no signs or symptoms until liver damage is extensive. When signs and symptoms do occur, they may include: • Fatigue • Fever • Bleeding easily • Bruising easily • Itchy skin • Yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice) • Fluid accumulation in your abdomen (ascites) • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Swelling in your legs • Weight loss • Confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy) There’s currently no cure for cirrhosis. However, it’s possible to manage the

symptoms and any complications, and slow its progression. Treating underlying conditions that may be the cause, such as using anti-viral medication to treat a hepatitis C infection, can also stop cirrhosis getting worse. You may be advised to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol, or lose weight if you’re overweight. A wide range of alcohol support services are available. In its more advanced stages, the scarring caused by cirrhosis can make your liver stop functioning. In this case, a liver transplant is the only treatment option.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Liver Disease

Liver Cancer

Radiation therapy the latest treatment technique Liver cancer often appears in patients suffering from chronic liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver; obesity causes fat to be deposited in the liver, thus, leading to liver cancer. Many patients were also suffering from Hepatitis B or C. Most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have signs and symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. When signs and symptoms do appear, they may include losing weight without trying, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, general weakness and fatigue, abdominal swelling, yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice) and white/chalky stools. Factors that increase the risk of primary liver cancer include chronic infection with HBV or HCV, cirrhosis as this progressive and irreversible condition causes scar tissue to form in your liver and increases your chances of

developing liver cancer, certain inherited liver diseases can increase the risk of liver cancer, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, an accumulation of fat in the liver increases the risk of liver cancer and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to irreversible liver damage and increase your risk of liver cancer. Tests and procedures used to diagnose liver cancer include blood tests which may reveal liver function abnormalities. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He may also recommend removing a piece of liver tissue for laboratory testing in order to make a definitive diagnosis of liver cancer. During a liver biopsy, your doctor inserts a thin needle through your skin and into your liver to obtain a tissue sample. In the lab, doctors examine the tissue under

a microscope to look for cancer cells. Liver biopsy carries a risk of bleeding, bruising and infection. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy from sources such as X-rays and protons to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Doctors carefully direct the energy to the liver, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. During external beam radiation therapy treatment, you lie on a table and a machine directs the energy beams at a precise point on your body. A specialized type of radiation therapy, called stereotactic radiosurgery, involves focusing many beams of radiation simultaneously at one point in your body. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver, and it increases the risk of liver cancer. You can reduce your risk of cirrhosis if you drink alcohol in moderation, if at all, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Liver Disease

Liver Transplant Last resort to stay alive

Liver transplant is a last resort treatment measure. A transplant can help save your life when your liver no longer works. Also called a liver or hepatic transplantation, the treatment involves the surgical removal of the entire organ. It is then replaced with a healthy donor liver. Having a healthy liver is essential to longevity because the liver is responsible for nutrient distribution and toxin removal in your body. Not all medical conditions require this major operation; however, it is considered the last resort for the patients suffering from chronic liver failure and cirrhosis of the liver making it impossible for the liver to perform its vital functions. Liver transplant is the only solution to

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keep the patient alive. Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus that attacks the liver. Cirrhosis, or liver injury, is a common reason why adults need liver transplants. Patients with severe liver damage from alcoholism, chronic hepatitis, and cancer may also need new livers. Children with bile and digestive issues are often candidates for this surgery. Each transplant center has its own guidelines regarding eligibility for liver transplantation. A center might determine that a person with acute or chronic liver failure is not a candidate for a liver transplant if the person has cancer outside the liver, infection throughout the body, advanced heart

or lung disease, an alcohol or drug abuse problem, AIDS, the inability to follow a treatment regimen and a lack of psychosocial support. In addition, the transplant candidate may decide not to go forward with a transplant. Liver transplant surgery is complex and can take up to 12 hours. A small number of liver transplants are performed using living donors. Most living donors are relatives of the recipient. In living donor transplantation, a segment of the donorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthy liver is surgically removed and transplanted into the recipient. Because a healthy liver can regenerate, the donorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liver soon grows back to normal size after the surgery, while the segment of the liver that was transplanted into the recipient also grows to normal size.

BEST OF BRITISH

The very best of British healthcare will be on display at Arab Health 2017, as 150 world-leading healthcare businesses, renowned hospital groups and esteemed clinicians exhibit at the Dubai congress. The UK Pavilion, organised by the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) - the industry association for the medical technology sector in the UK - will highlight how British developments are transforming the lives of patients and clinicians across the globe.

The centrepiece of the pavilion will be a state-of-the-art operating theatre, equipped with advanced UK technologies. This surgical ‘stage’ will celebrate collaborations between healthcare providers, clinicians and healthcare technology companies and allow visitors to watch Britain’s best surgeons in action. Confirmed hospitals taking part in the demonstrations include BMI Healthcare, Royal Brompton Hospital and HCA International. Paul Benton, International Director of the ABHI, said: “We are extremely excited to be travelling to the Middle East, with what is our largest ever delegation of UK exhibitors.” “The UK is a key player in the

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drive to improve patient care around the world through the development and implementation of new technologies. We have a vibrant, diverse and highly innovative medical technology industry, which has cemented our reputation as a global leader.”

World-leading clinics London’s renowned Harley Street Medical Area will be returning to the Middle East for its second year; this time with 22 world-leading clinics and hospital groups. Located in Marylebone in the heart of central London, the Harley Street Medical Area is home to over 5000 practitioners, small clinics and

full-scale hospitals, covering just about every medical specialism and related profession. This year’s attendees include the prestigious King Edward VII Hospital, frequented by the British royal family and patronage by Her Majesty the Queen. The world’s largest private hospital group, HCA International will also be showcasing their clinical excellence and state-of-the-art facilities. As well as Schoen Clinic London, a specialised hospital focusing on the treatment of back pain, spinal conditions, as well as orthopaedics with diagnostics and radiology facilities will also be part of the group.

BEST OF BRITISH

Below are just a few of the companies that will be on the UK Pavilion this year:

Philip Chapper & Company Philip Chapper & Company Ltd, is a British pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor, who specialises in exporting overseas licensed, restricted and outof-stock pharmaceuticals and speciality products for rare diseases. Established over 40 years ago, Philip Chapper & Company Ltd has a global reputation for successfully sourcing and distributing pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment to around 50 countries worldwide.

The company are experts at sourcing products, consolidating orders and organising shipments, no matter what the destination. This includes supplying both branded and generic pharmaceuticals, over the counter medicines, veterinary medicines and other medical supplies to a wide range of pharmaceutical importers, distributors, ministries and wholesalers. Jonathan Chapper, CEO of Philip Chapper & Company, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;By supplying hard-to-find products, we

ensure that medicines get to patients around the world quickly, helping people get better and effectively manage their illnesses. The Middle East is one of our key markets and as a company, we invest a lot of time and resource into building relationships here in the region. Our first customer was from the Middle East and I am proud to say that over 40 years later, they remain a loyal and valuable customer. Arab Health is a key part of our calendar and we are very much looking forward to exhibiting.â&#x20AC;?

BEST OF BRITISH

Mediplus

Rober

UK manufacturer, Mediplus will be launching a pioneering IV administration set that allows clinicians to access a variety of pumps and deliver fluids in a safe manner. Argentum is a dedicated infusion delivery set, designed to facilitate the administration of intravenous medicines in one complete system. Designed together with clinicians, the innovative system offers convenience to the end user whilst maintaining the highest standards for safe, cost effective drug delivery. It has been developed to facilitate the administration intravenous drugs within general surgery, obstetrics, coronary care, intensive and critical care and recovery.

Pressure ulcer specialist, Rober will be launching a state-ofthe-art pressure ulcer mattress developed specifically for patients who are critically ill or in intensive care.

Attending Arab Heath for the third time, family-run Mediplus will also be showcasing their extensive portfolio, which includes a range of Gold Standard TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) solutions. Supplying the healthcare sector with innovative patient centric products for 30 years, Mediplus have worked closely with clinicians to develop, manufacture and bring to market, 15 new innovations. The company focuses on two key clinical areas - pelvic floor, which includes urology, urogynaecology, gynaecology, gastroenterology, and critical care, which covers anaesthetics and general surgery sectors.

Rober will be at the congress to launch NoDec® WIZARD an innovative mattress that prevents pressure injuries from developing in immobile patients. The dynamic system, which mechanically replicates the body’s natural spontaneous movement, also features clinically proven therapeutic technology that promotes the healing of established ulcers. Developed with clinicians to meet the needs of their patients, the NoDec WIZARD is fully automatic and anyone nursed upon it requires less manual repositioning. The WIZARD is part of Rober’s new pioneering pressure ulcer mattress range, which focuses on four key areas - microclimate control, patient safety and comfort, maximising infection control and offering additional nursing support.

This year’s attendees include

THE PRESTIGIOUS KING EDWARD VII HOSPITAL, FREQUENTED BY THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY AND PATRONAGE BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

GBUK A multi award-winning medical device manufacturing and distribution company will also be attending Arab Health 2017 to develop its export business across the Middle East. GBUK offers a wide range of medical devices including specialist enteral feeding devices, consumables for surgical and post-operative care, and a comprehensive selection of products to assist in patient handling and positioning. Building on their strong and successful growth in the UK, the company has ambitious plans to develop its export business throughout the region. They are attending Arab Health for the second time to showcase their extensive portfolio and meet potential new export partners. GBUK products provide clinical performance and value. Added to this is their programme of research and development which has brought a number of innovative products and product design improvements to market.

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BEST OF BRITISH

Pelican Feminine Healthcare / Single Use Surgical ‘High quality, cost effective, single-use solutions’ is the message from UK-based Pelican Feminine Healthcare and its subsidiary company, Single Use Surgical, who will be at Arab Health to source new partners from the Middle East. Parent company, Pelican Feminine Healthcare, is a leading UK manufacturer of single-use medical devices for women’s health and is at the forefront of healthcare innovation in gynecology and obstetrics. Its subsidiary company, Single Use Surgical, offers the widest selection of specialist single-use suction devices available on the market. The company was established in 2001 as a direct response to UK hospitals’ concerns over the cleaning practices involving fine lumen instruments, and how they posed a high risk of cross contamination between patients. Export Manager, Michael Denver, said: “Both Pelican Feminine Healthcare and Single Use Surgical are revolutionising the single-use market in their own ways and are fast becoming products of choice for health services and professionals worldwide. We are keen to build on this success in the Middle East, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and Arab Health is the perfect platform to appoint new partners and develop existing relationships.”

BEST OF BRITISH

Confirmed UK Speakers The UK is also proud to have a number of confirmed speakers presenting at the Arab Health 2017 congress. These include: • Dr Olga Kapellou, Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist, from HCA Healthcare UK, will be speaking about her experiences in the UK and the recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Dr Kapellou, who specialises in preterm and term infant developmental follow up, will also discuss how to diagnose and treat jaundice in newborn babies up to 28 days old. • Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon Dr Ros Miller FRCS Tr & Orth will be talking about the global problem of diabetic foot ulcers and her pioneering work in this area. Dr Miller specialises in foot and ankle pathology and is internationally renowned in all foot and ankle conditions, from Minimally Invasive Surgery to Total Ankle Replacements. She is also a pioneer of NEMISIS (Neuropathic Minimally Invasive Surgeries), a pioneering solution for the treatment of diabetic foot pathology. • An esteemed sports medicine doctor, who has been working for over a decade at FC Barcelona, will present on ‘winning health strategies’. Speaking on behalf of the Harley Street Medical Area’s Isokinetic Clinic, Dr Daniel Medina MD will present his experience at the club and how he used ‘big data’ and data science to create a winning team.

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H.O: Sami el Solh Av. - Ghorayeb Bldg l T: +961 1 389067 l F: + 961 1 389379 P.O.Box: 166 - 116 AshraďŹ eh, Beirut 1100 - 2100 Lebanon l marketing@victoire.com.lb

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or the past 60 years, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (Baylor St. Luke’s) has remained a world leader in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. Its highly renowned surgeons and staff, surgical techniques, and clinical trials have helped thousands of patients who are either waiting for a heart transplant, or do not qualify for a transplant, stay alive. Located in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, Baylor St. Luke’s is home to the Texas Heart® Institute (THI), an organization consistently ranked as one of the top cardiovascular research and education institutions in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Baylor St. Luke’s also has a partnership with Baylor College of Medicine, one of the nation’s top medical schools. Both institutions collaborate to provide comprehensive care while creating healthier communities across the globe.

To date, the hospital has performed more than 250,000 cardiac catheterizations and 1,100 heart transplants. The long-standing history of heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at Baylor St. Luke’s began in 1968, when Denton A. Cooley, MD, performed the first successful heart transplant in the United States. One year later, Dr. Cooley became the first heart surgeon in the world to implant an artificial heart in a human. Cooley and his associates performed more than 120,000 open heart operations — more than any other surgical group in the world. Baylor St. Luke’s has also pioneered some of today’s most widely used left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for patients suffering from severe heart

failure. An LVAD is a mechanical pump implanted into a person’s heart to help it pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. “These devices extend the patients’ lifespan and enhance the quality of their lives,” Dr. Frazier said. “It’s amazing to think some 30,000 pumps have been used in people around the world the past 10 years and they were all developed here.” Today, patients at Baylor St. Luke’s have access to every mechanical heart device manufactured, including the Impella (versions 2.5 and 5.0), TandemHeart™ pVAD, ECMO, and CentriMag® RVAD/LVAD, among others. Just this year alone, doctors at Baylor St. Luke’s have implanted more than 60 LVADs and three artificial heart transplants. In December 2016, Baylor St. Luke’s successfully implanted the new SynCardia Total Artificial Heart into a patient suffering from biventricular end-stage heart failure. The device can be used either as a bridge to a donor heart transplant or for destination therapy, which provides long-term support to patients who are not candidates for transplant. The 50cc device fits patients, smaller in stature, with life-threatening non-reversible biventricular (both sides) heart failure. These patients are typically women and adolescents who do not have the body surface area (1.85m² or less) to receive the 70cc device. “This device has the potential to revolutionize the field of artificial heart technology,” said Jeffrey Morgan, MD, who performed the surgery. “Due to its smaller size, we can now treat patients who previously could not be treated with artificial heart technology and get them back to living a close to normal lifestyle.”

O.H. "Bud" Frazier Chief of Cardiopulmonary Transplantation, Program Director and Chief of the Center for Cardiac Support, and Director of Cardiovascular Surgery Research at the Texas Heart Institute

Similar to a heart transplant, SynCardia’s Total Artificial Heart replaces both failing heart ventricles and the four heart valves. In most cases, SynCardia’s heart restores blood flow, pumps up to 9.5 liters per minute, and eliminates complications associated with the patient’s failing heart. This helps vital organs to recover faster and allows patients to be better transplant candidates when a donor heart does become available. As a result, patients usually see an improvement in their activity levels and overall quality of life. For more information contact Baylor St Luke’s Medical Center International Services at international@stlukeshealth.org or call +1 832 355 3350 or visit StLukesInternational.org Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas - USA

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State-of-the-art hearing systems “Made in Austria” - it must be

HM has set itself a major challenge: to help those with a hearing impairment regain a significant quality of life by using innovative hearing systems such as the bone conduction hearing system contact mini. A truly viable alternative to the cochlea implant and, consequently, an operation. It’s also a system that guarantees full freedom of movement.

Every hearing impairment must be treated For us, any type of hearing loss means limitations in everyday life, which has a direct impact on our quality of life. This is why all hearing impairments must be treated promptly. It is beyond dispute that children with congenital conductive hearing loss must be treated early, in order to ensure their speech development. Surgical intervention is of course an option, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the method of choice. Whatever the case, a bone conduction hearing system should at least be considered and used on a trial basis before any surgery is undertaken. In many cases, an operation is not even possible or necessary in the first place. Children are often too young for surgery, and the period before surgical intervention must be bridged in the best way possible. Conventional hearing devices are not usually suitable for infants because of their size and build.

The alternative – bone conduction hearing systems by BHM This is where Austrian hearing aid developer and manufacturer BHM comes in. BHM has set itself the challenge described above - and in addition to

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bone conduction hearing glasses, they also offer a miniature bone conduction hearing system that is ideally suited to the requirements of very young infants. In bone conduction hearing systems, sound is generated in a miniature vibration receiver and transmitted directly through the cranial bone as structure-borne sound, reaching the inner ear where it is converted into a nerve impulse. In this way, such systems use the natural properties of the skin. The bone conduction transfer enables a broader hearing sensation than bone-anchored and/or implanted hearing aids.

Before making your decision, please consider carefully whether an implanted hearing aid is the best option: you could spare your child an operation by choosing a bone conduction hearing aid.

Specially developed For children – contact mini BHM specialises in the development and manufacture of bone conduction hearing systems. The digital miniature bone conduction hearing system contact mini is therefore an important product in BHM’s comprehensive range. contact mini has been designed for children suffering from mild to moderate hearing impairment. It is a small device consisting of two interconnected units: an electronic casing and a tiny miniature receiver that can be discreetly attached to various different items of headbands, hair bands or headwear. As a result, your child can enjoy full freedom of movement and find their way around their world without any trouble. As with other hearing aids, bone conduction hearing systems should always be adapted on both sides where possible; the technique of in-situ audiometry provides a fully customised adjustment.

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Optimum hearing due to individual fitting Thanks to in-situ audiometry, BHM is a pioneer in the individual fitting of bone conduction hearing systems. So what is in-situ audiometry and what are its advantages? In-situ audiometry (“in-situ” means “at the place”, in this case “at the ear”) does not make adjustments to a hearing aid based on statistical averages, as was the case with the customary audiograms. Instead, the actual requirements of each individual are taken into account and measured. This means that you get a hearing aid that is perfectly tailored to you, giving you precisely the right hearing sensation.

optimum hearing comfort and optimum speech intelligibility, fully equipping the wearer for the hearing challenges of everyday life.

Quality “Made in Austria”

Sound Dynamix – automatic identification of different sound environments BHM is the first provider of bone conduction hearing systems to offer an automatic identification of sound environments (BHM Automatic ). By selecting the “Automatic” mode on the contact mini, the signal received via the microphone is analysed and categorised into various sound environments. These are: • Quiet surroundings • Conversation in quiet surroundings • Conversation with background noise • Music + film • Background noise • Wind noise Depending on the environment, the parameters of the hearing system are then configured in such a way as to achieve

aural atresia, when operations are prohibited, Franceschetti Syndrome, otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), conductive hearing loss, as well as generally for middle ear hearing loss and combined hearing loss.

Full freedom of movement with hearing device Increasing numbers of hearing-impaired adults are also making full use of the advantages offered by the contact mini bone conduction hearing system - full freedom of movement. Wearers can go about their sporting activities completely unhindered, for example running or skiing, as the contact mini can be added to caps and ski helmets, among other things. contact mini is particularly recommended for the following indications: a deformed outer ear (microtia),

Quality craftsmanship by BHM: the firm develops high-quality hearing systems based on bone and air conduction. Products are manufactured exclusively in Austria and distributed around the world. BHM has set itself a challenging goal: to help those with a hearing impairment regain a significant quality of life by using innovative hearing systems that ensure outstanding performance in aesthetics, quality and reliability.

Contact: BHM-Tech Produktionsgesellschaft Grafenschachen 242 7423 Grafenschachen Phone: +43 (0)3359 200 78 0 Email: nice_2_hear_u@bhm-tech.at Web: www.bhm-tech.at

INTERVIEW

Executive VP for Medicine and Global Strategy and Raja N. Khuri Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at AUB

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our vision is to transform healthcare and be the leading academic medical center in Lebanon and the region by delivering excellence in patient-centered care, outstanding education, and innovative research, all within major strategic commitment by AUB for AUBMC and the Faculty of Medicineâ&#x20AC;?.

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INTERVIEW

Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, Executive VP for Medicine and Global Strategy and Raja N. Khuri Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at AUB, is a world leader in transplantation, renal medicine, and transplantation immunobiology research. His hard work, unparalleled dedication, and extensive experience that spans over 25 years have gained him several awards and allowed him to publish more than 200 original articles in peer-reviewed journals, in addition to many reviews, editorials, meeting proceedings and book chapters. “Hospitals” magazine met with Dr. Sayegh to discuss his tremendously successful career path and inform us about the challenges he faced, AUBMC 2020 Vision, research and development, etc. Below is the full interview:

Could you tell us about your decision to return to Lebanon after 25 years of medical achievements abroad? What were the challenges that you faced when you were appointed Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at AUBMC? I am a physician-scientist who has worked extensively in the field of organ transplantation and immunology. I reached a stage in my career at Harvard Medical Institute where I managed a large transplant center, and I was also the President of the American Society of Transplantation (AST); so I gained a lot of administrative experience and when this opportunity came by, I thought it would be interesting to explore it. This position gave me the chance to return to my home, both Beirut and AUB. On a personal level, I felt that I have reached a stage in my career where I had to make this kind of transition and challenge myself knowing the potential impact that I can produce. Whether I was going to be successful or not was something I could not predict, but I had an ambitious vision that we have put together when I joined AUB, and that was the AUBMC 2020 Vision; a vision that has really transformed healthcare in Lebanon and the region. It aims to lead AUBMC to become the number one academic medical institution in the region and offer our patients the same level of treatment provided by any top notch medical institutions in the US. The main themes of the vision integrate leadership, excellence, innovation, partnerships and expansion. A major pillar of the vision was its academic component; we are not only a medical center but a center which delivers excellence in patient-centered care, outstanding education, and innovative research, all in one place. We are committed to educating and training medical students, residents, nurses, and healthcare professionals. Today, we are proud to have around 500 to a thousand people training at different levels.

If you observe the US, the best institutions that deliver care are in fact, academic medical centers and not private hospitals because training plays a crucial role in patient care. The care of patients nowadays involves many different individuals ranging from residents to nurses and physicians, all requiring combined efforts to take the right decisions and deliver the best care possible to the patient. Based on all that, my vision goes beyond the limit of recognizing AUBMC as the number one academic medical school and center in the region, but also to maintain its position as a major competitor to the best academic institutions in the west. What are the main clauses of this vision and the standards adopted in its application? The vision has been set into action based on the need to establish new clinical and research centers with state-of-theart equipment and the application of best practices. The first phase revolved around delivering the best care, which means creating centers of excellence for comprehensive pain care like the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, the Neuroscience Outpatient Center, Children Cancer Center and now the Children’s Heart Center. But the idea is not only to create specialized centers but to bring people with different talents and expertise to work together in order to deliver the best care possible. How do you measure the implementation of this vision and its level of success? AUBMC’s 2020 Vision has progressed along six main paths. More than 80% of the vision has been accomplished so far. The different paths include: 1) Providing patients with the highest standards of patient-centered care, 2) Recruitment of top-caliber, highly specialized, and accomplished faculty (from July 2009 to date over 150 faculty members from

INTERVIEW

leading institutions around the world have joined AUBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faculty of Medicine), 3) Academic innovation through the creation of clinical and research centers of excellence and the provision of outstanding medical education, 4) Establishment of strategic partnerships and collaborations locally, regionally, and internationally, 5) Investing in and expanding our facilities to meet the needs of the people of Lebanon and the region, and 6) Supporting the health of local and regional patients in need by ensuring their access to care. The various accreditations we have received are another attestation to our hard work and dedication across the organization. The latest JCI accreditation was stated to us as an academic medical center not as a hospital which has different and more complicated criteria. Another main pillar in my opinion is patient satisfaction. Throughout the past years, we have established the Patient Affairs Office, with dedicated staff who continuously conduct surveys among patients and listen to their concerns and feedback. This service made us spearhead on various levels. I am not claiming that we have done everything; we still have a lot to do, yet when we compare ourselves to our accomplishments a few years back or when we measure our success to that of other institutions in Lebanon or in the region, we are proud to distinguish ourselves in terms of service excellence that we provide to our patients. as Amongst our major and most successful accomplishments is supporting the treatment of needy patients at AUBMC. With more than $10,000,000 spent on supporting needy patients from various sources in the year 2014-2015, AUBMC has been able to treat hundreds of patients and launch over 40 initiatives across several departments, to provide excellent healthcare to the most vulnerable patients at our medical center. What about the expansions happening now? We are investing and expanding the complex physically in order to meet the needs of patients in Lebanon and the region. We have new affiliations and collaborations throughout Lebanon; wherever expertise is needed, we are willing to go to them instead of having only patients coming to us, this is because we are strong believers in community service and we are not only committed to the welfare of particular individuals in our community. Do you plan to share your vision with other institutions in Lebanon and with the Ministry of Health?

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We work very closely with the Ministry of Health and several of our awareness programs and campaigns are held in collaboration with them. Also, through our affiliation and partnership programs locally, regionally and internationally, we aim at providing access to more patients while improving the level of healthcare services in Lebanon and the region. Several systems that aim at implementing training programs and sharing our expertise have been applied on different levels; we have nurses and physicians coming from all around the MENA region to receive their professional training here. What about research and development? What are your plans in this field? We have invested tremendously in the infrastructure of research and development, and have renovated the medical school which includes the medical and research labs and now we are partly funding our research programs from the clinical revenues of our physicians. The fundamental problem concerning research is funding; but with what we have been able to secure, we were ranked first in the region for the last two years in terms of productivity in medical research. We have recently established a genomic center for precision medicine, a first-of-its-kind in the region. We know that our region faces too many challenges in the field of research, but we are focused in helping our people have more targeted care and more knowledge of our health issues. Finally, I can claim today that clinically and educationally we are as strong as the top medical institutions in the US. Our focus today has shifted from the AUBMC 2020 Vision to a more general health vision such as looking at areas like conflict medicine, population health, nutrition and diabetes. A major pressing problem in the region is that of refugeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health. AUB is moving now from being the best institution to deliver care to an institution that looks at health as a global issue and seeks solutions. I was skeptical when I first came to Lebanon about succeeding in my mission, not because of my capacities but because of the uncertainty of the level of support the institution will provide and the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will to change. But I can honestly say that in addition to the tremendous support from the Board of Trustees, I have been mostly supported by the many talents and expertise of the healthcare providers who stand behind the proper implementation of AUBMC 2020 Vision.

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Can you tell us more about the medical education and foundations adopted in the Faculty of Medicine? One of the major changes we made with Dr. Kamal Badr, Associate Dean for Medical Education at the Faculty of Medicine, is restructuring our whole curriculum to compete with the best institutions in America. The first four years of the medical program are more incorporated together with wider clinical experience. So the expansion of the curriculum was our primary concern and we will be reviewing it in March 2017. Another major achievement is that after we became the first medical center in Lebanon and the fourth in the world to receive institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), we received the accreditation for our residency programs, which has been our dream for many years.

AUBMC is the first in the Middle East to receive the five international accreditations of The Joint Commission International (JCI), Magnet, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education â&#x20AC;&#x201C;International (ACGME-I). So now if you are receiving your training here, it is like you are training in the US. The third accomplishment is the renovation of the medical school that will be completed by May 2017. We will have a state-of-the-art research facility that can house up to 40 faculties. Our project kicked off with an ambitious vision, yet our commitment and dedication to remaining the leading provider of healthcare in Lebanon and the region has continuously paved our way to further accomplishments and greater leadership in the field of medicine and healthcare in Lebanon and the region.

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Home healthcare has been receiving great attention from health leaders in the past years given its importance and role that complement the hospitalization, and that’s because many patients are in dire need of home care after receiving the necessary medical services in the hospital. Today, Home Care Lebanon (www.homecarelebanon.com) is at the forefront of companies working in the field of home healthcare in Lebanon after having amassed a wealth of experience over the past 20 years and with the help of a team specialized in offering home healthcare services. The company’s “smart system” through a flexible information program www.homecaremaker.com is what distinguishes the company and limits mistakes when dealing with the patient. “Hospitals” magazine visited CEO Antoine Onaissi, who spoke about the company’s most important features; below is the full interview: First, we would like to know about the advantages provided by Home Care Lebanon that put it at the forefront of companies working in this field? We are the first company that was founded in the Middle East in 1997 after realizing that there is a great need for this kind of service; we are present inside the hospital in order to offer the service to those who need it after hospitalization. Our board of directors also includes renowned doctors with

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the highest credibility and professionalism. The American University of Beirut selected us to train its students in the field of home healthcare. What sets us apart is our adopted program of action www. homecaremaker.com that helps us prevent errors; it is a computer information system that allows us to enter information via a computer and put them into a file for every patient.

INTERVIEW

This system is easy to use so that every nurse can enter the patient’s file and check the details related to him from the doctor’s prescription to the number of visits and the medications that should be given to the patient as well as the steps that should adopted – all this is done through an iPad. It is a fully integrated easy-to-use Information Technology (IT) system that significantly reduces errors and allows us to organize our work and serve more patients. Could you tell us more about this system? What is its importance and advantages? Since we are dealing with patients, making errors is unacceptable because the consequences may be very serious; thus, we decided to work according to an integrated IT system that allows us to create a special file for each patient where we attach his prescription, and every nurse should check it before visiting the patient. But this does not end here, the nurse must confirm that she had seen the prescription by pressing a button on the iPad, this way we make sure that she had seen the prescription and the nurse can take no action with the patient before reading the patient’s file and be aware of his condition and what should be done.

We have extensive experience in the field of home healthcare and work in accordance with a “smart system that reduces errors When opening the patient’s file, the nurse can also check the patient visits and know what has been done during these visits as well as the medications and doses given to the patient; namely, with a push of a button, she can know all the details related to the patient, thus, knows his situation before visiting him. Then, in the second phase, the nurse checks the medication protocol and mode of administration all that occurs in a matter of seconds through this system which greatly reduces error rates. All these stages are documented through this system, which means that anyone working within the company and has access to the program can know the steps taken by the nurse and ensure their safety. How do you assess the relation with hospitals? When does the home care for the patient start? Our relation with hospitals is really special and our role is only complementary to theirs (we have been present in university hospitals in Lebanon for years now) because we simply don’t do what they do, but our role starts at the end of the curative role and once the patient returns home but still needs to

be taken care of. Hence, our work begins when the patient’s medical condition has become stable and he can be taken home while receiving special care. Some patients are afraid to enter the hospital and stay there for a period of time; the same applies on the majority of patients who are afraid of staying in the hospital and would rather continue their treatment at home. Thus, some recent studies talk about the importance of the psychological aspect of the patient’s response to treatment. Since the hospital environment may be a burden for some patients, the follow-up treatment at home will have a positive impact on their health. I would like to emphasize that we are working in accordance with the doctor’s prescription and we completely abide by it. Who are the patients who need home healthcare? The best examples are the elderly who suffer from specific fractures; after being hospitalized and having undergone surgery while making sure there are no complications afterwards, the patient returns home but still needs special care that family members might be unable to provide – this is when we intervene to give the patient his medications according to the doctor’s prescription in addition to giving him the necessary instructions to move in the house effortlessly and visiting him regularly. Some patients also undergo chemotherapy or take doses of antibiotics that do not require them to enter the hospital, so we visit them when needed to give them the medication they need. Wound care also falls within the framework of our nursing services. The most important service provided by home healthcare companies in the Gulf is providing help to the elderly, whether they are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, specific fractures or chronic diseases or need physiotherapy. We also provide medical equipment to those who need them and do laboratory tests; we can also call the ambulance (for cold cases) should the need arise. Could you tell us about the team and its experience in this field? We work on all Lebanese territories through a work team that consists of more than 100 registered nurses, caregivers and physiotherapists, making us able to offer the necessary services to about 100 patients at a time. Our work team undergoes training sessions on a permanent basis in order to be informed about the latest developments in this field.

INTERVIEW

The head nurse controls the service outcome, but if she feels that the plan of care is unusual upon admission, then we consult our experienced doctors to take their medical opinion, and we communicate with the treating physician to discuss the case. Do you receive any certifications in your field? We certainly have a certification that we receive from the Quality Control Unit, whose mission is to check randomly on the nurse during her visit to monitor her work and ensure that procedures are followed. We also call the patients and ask them questions in order to know the patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opinions regarding the services that we provide. This happens periodically.

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Is there any international activity that you are doing? We are always keeping abreast of the latest international developments in the field of home healthcare through our membership in the National Association of Home Care (NAHC), which is the largest association in the world that is active in this field and is based in Washington DC. We participate in the annual conference hosted by the association, which brings together experts from around the world to share our experiences and learn about the latest developments in order to improve our work performance.. I am also a Board Member of the World Home Care and Hospice Association also based in Washington, DC.

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Advantech to Showcase Digital Healthcare Application-Ready Packages at Arab Health 2017

Advantech, a leading innovator of medical computing platform services and solutions, plans to showcase its latest medical IT hardware solutions at Arab Health 2017 (Saeed Hall 3, Booth E19), which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from January 30 to February 2, 2017. Advantech will demonstrate multiple application-ready packages (ARPs) and product portfolios aimed at specific applications, including integrated operating rooms, clinical mobility, and intelligent wards. The product demonstrations will be divided into the following three categories:

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Medical-Grade Computers for Integrated Operating Rooms Advantech’s medical computers are available in a range of sizes (15 to 24 inches) and comply with all relevant safety standards. At Arab Health 2017, Advantech plans to showcase POC-W242, a 24” medical computer aimed at integrated operating room applications, along with POC-W212, a 21” medical-grade computer powered by the latest 6th Generation Intel® Core™ processor. With its sleek, thinner-than-ever design, ability to boot up in seconds, and enhanced computing performance, Intel’s 6th Generation Core™ processor has set new industry standards that promote ongoing technological innovation.

Medical Tablets for Clinical Mobility Advantech produces diverse medical tablets that measure between 5, 8, and 10 inches in size. Although the AIM-55 8” medical-grade tablet has not yet been officially launched, Advantech is excited for this product to gain early exposure at Arab Health 2017. To satisfy customer demands, AIM-55 can be equipped with either the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise or Android 6.0 operating system, which can be customized for various medical applications. With its compact size and easy integration with diverse existing systems, AIM-55 is ideal for use in clinical environments to support various healthcare applications.

Intelligent Wards and Smart Battery Kits for Quality Care

Advantech will showcase three product lines that feature patient information terminals, medical carts, and e-medication boxes for closed loop medication administration. Also to be exhibited is Advantech’s new smart battery kit, which combines an iPS power system, remote management capabilities, and smart kit accessories into an intelligent power management console. This kit enables hospital IT departments to simultaneously monitor the battery/power status of multiple mobile devices, such as mobile nursing stations and vital sign monitoring carts. At the Arab Health 2017 exhibition, Advantech will also be collaborating with Kostec - a South Korean medical display OEM/ODM manufacturer founded in 2003. Kostec is dedicated to the research and development of medical and industrial-grade displays and boasts more than 150 partners over the world. By leveraging Kostec’s market share and appeal in South Korea, Southeast Asia, and North America, Advantech hopes to become a global leader of the intelligent healthcare industry. Advantech ARPs and solutions will be showcased at the Advantech booth (Saeed Hall 3, Booth E19) during Arab Health 2017, which will be held in Dubai, UAE, from January 30 to February 2, 2017. For more information or to schedule a meeting with Advantech, contact sarah.lin@advantech.com.tw or visit the Advantech website at http://www.advantech.com/digital-healthcare/.

ABOUT ADVANTECH DIGITAL HEALTHCARE DIVISION Founded in 1983, Advantech is a leading provider of trusted, innovative products, services, and solutions. Advantech offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services, embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. Our mission is to enable an intelligent planet by developing embedded computing products and solutions that facilitate smarter working and living. Regarding digital healthcare, Advantech offers a range of devices specifically designed for hospital environments and certified to IEC60601-1, EN60601-1, and UL60601-1 safety standards. Emphasizing digitally integrated operating rooms, quality nursing care, and intelligent outpatient services, Advantech’s medical solutions feature premium, high-performance technology to ensure reliable operation. In collaboration with international partners, Advantech continues to assist hospitals with establishing patient-centered healthcare environments and adopting universal digital healthcare platforms. Corporate website: http://www.advantech.com/digital-healthcare

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Bowtie Risk Assessment Method Innovation in Healthcare Risk Management Abstract Healthcare is a decade or more behind many other high-risk industries in its attention to ensuring basic safety. This is due, in part, to the lack of a single designated government agency devoted to improving and monitoring safety throughout the health care delivery system. At least 44,000 (1) people, and perhaps as many as 98,000 (2) people, die in hospitals each year as a result of medical errors that could have been prevented”. (IOM Report, 1999)

aware and trying to prevent medical errors from happening. That does not mean that the safety culture is fully developed. The Middle East Healthcare, especially in the Gulf Countries, is dealing with medical personnel from different countries and cultures. This adds an extra risk factor to the already complicated processes. This article will discuss a barrier based risk management method called Bowtie. This method is already widely used in other industries and is now being adopted by the Healthcare as well. This article describes the method and how it can be used in healthcare organizations such as hospitals to improve quality and patient safety.

Bowtie concept:

Management teams in hospitals are struggling every day to avoid medical errors. Doctors and nurses are all committed professionals who are trying to treat a patient in the best possible way. Everybody agrees that medical treatments and medical processes are very complicated. Unfortunately patients are still getting harmed because of medical errors. Research shows that a significant number of these errors could have been prevented if hospitals had used a proper method for risk assessment, identifying weak spots in their processes. The mentality around patient safety in the Middle East is more mature compared to Europa and USA. The Middle East hospitals are

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The first ‘real’ Bowtie diagrams appeared in the (Imperial Chemistry Industry) course notes of a lecture on HAZAN (Hazard Analysis) given at The University of Queensland, Australia (in 1979). The Bowtie risk assessment is a revolutionary method to reduce and to manage high risks. The method takes its name from the shape of the diagram that you create. A Bowtie diagram does two things. First of all, a Bowtie gives a visual summary of all plausible accident scenarios that could exist around a certain Hazard. Second, by identifying control measures the Bowtie displays what a health care organization does to control those risks. What is the definition of risk: Risk is probability or threat of damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities. Risk needs to be analyzed, assessed, treated and communicated. Critical to risk management is the identification and monitoring of

risk scenarios and appropriate associated safety measures need to be identified and monitored. Risk Management is a process to ensure that all significant risks are identified, prioritized, and managed effectively.

BowTie Methodology Bowtie is a diagram that visualizes the risk you are dealing with in just one, an easy to understand diagram. The diagram is shaped like a bow-tie, creating a clear differentiation between proactive and reactive risk management preventive and recovery safety measures (Figure 1.) The power of a BowTie is that it shows a summary of risk scenarios in a single picture provides a simple, visual explanation of risk, that would be much more difficult to explain otherwise which is easy to understand. The bowtie methodology complements risk identification methods like HFMEA studies and provides a deeper understanding of risks. The bowtie method consists of 8 elements. Each of these elements has a specific function.

Hazard: The start of Bowtie is the Hazard. A Hazard is something which has the potential to cause damage various aspects of the organization, such as people, environment, assets and reputation. The idea of a Hazard is to find the things that are a ‘normal’ part of the organization activity and could have a negative impact if control over that aspect is lost, for example: ‘operating a patient’. The rest of the Bowtie is devoted to how we keep that normal but hazardous aspect from turning into something unwanted.

Top Event: The Top Event is the moment when

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control is lost over the Hazard. Often, there is no damage or negative impact yet, but not always. Hazards can have multiple top events/ This means that the Top Event is chosen just before events start causing actual damage. For example: ‘applying incorrect procedure’.

Threats: Threats are possible causes for the Top Event. There can be multiple threats for a Top Event. For instance: ‘wrong patient’, ‘wrong site’ or ‘wrong side’.

Consequences: Consequences are the unwanted results from the Top Event. There can be more than one consequence for every Top Event. For example: ‘reoperation’ or ‘reputational damage for the hospital’

Barriers: Control and Recovery Barriers. Barriers are central to the Bowtie method. Barriers in the Bowtie appear on both sides of the Top Event. Barriers interrupt the scenario so that the threats do not result in a Loss of Control (the Top Event). Or that the Top Event does not escalate into an actual impact (the consequences). There is also barrier which reduce the negative impact of the consequence. There are different types of Barriers, which are mainly a combination of human behavior and/or technology.

Escalation factors & Escalation factor barriers: Anything that will can make a Barrier fail or undermine its effective functioning can be described in an Escalation factor. Barriers can also be placed to counter or reduce these escalation factors.

Importance of Bowtie in Operation: Bowtie diagrams are emerging as a very useful tool to depict and maintain an up-to-date, real-time, working risk management system embedded in

daily operations. These diagrams provide a pictorial representation of the riskassessment process. Bowtie diagrams can be a resourceful method in the safety and risk practitioner’s toolkit to improve performance of the hazard identification and risk assessment process and to demonstrate that major hazards are analyzed and managed to as low as reasonably practicable. A bowtie risk assessment often uncovers weaknesses in the management of a risk scenario which can help the health care organization to create a targeted improvement plan. Bowties are easy to understand by both upper management and operational personal due to the cause of their graphical nature. The method becomes more powerful if it is used as a framework for risk monitoring by integrating incident and audit data. In this way it is possible to see how barriers are performing in real time.

The benefits of using Bowtie methodology in Healthcare are: • Get insight and oversight of complex scenarios

• Identification of weak spots, opportunities to improve and opportunities to make better use of resources / save time and money • To structure thinking • For risk based decision-making • For communication & training • For monitoring the status of barriers An example of a healthcare r elated Bowtie can be found in the figure below.

Samer Ellahham

MD, CPHQ, CMQ, EFQM, FACP, FACC, FAHA CHIEF QUALITY OFFICER SENIOR CARDIOVASCULAR CONSULTANT SHEIKH KHALIFA MEDICAL CITY ABU DHABI - UAE Samerellahham@yahoo.com

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WISH 2016 ADRESSES KEY CHALLENGES IN GLOBAL HEALTHCARE Third Summit focuses on opportunities to create healthier populations JAN.FEB 2017

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he third World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) kicked off with Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), addressing a record number of ministers and global health policy experts, who travelled from more than 100 countries to attend the two-day event atthe Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). In her opening remarks, Her Highness acknowledged the new and diverse challenges facing the global healthcare community and the populations they serve, and expressed hope that the Summit would enable valuable collaboration. She said: “All of our countries have a healthcare system, but none of them are perfect. Each country faces its own healthcare challenges. I hope that the participants in this year’s Summit will benefit from the research produced by WISH to improve their own health systems, and I hope that they will also use WISH as their platform for observing and monitoring policy reform in their own countries.” Her Highness also highlighted Qatar’s groundbreaking work in genomics and personalised medicine. Qatar Genome Programme, which was launched at the inaugural WISH in 2011, completed the sequencing of 3,000 Qatari genomes, a milestone that Her Highness noted will bringsignificant benefits to the local population.

health information,” Her Highness said. The first day of the Summit featured policy briefings on universal health coverage and learning from international collaboration particularly on patient safety, as well as panel discussions on autism, health professional education, precision medicine, accountable care, behavioral insights, and genomics in the Gulf region and Islamic ethics. Professor the Lord Ara Darzi, Executive Chair of WISH, said: “WISH is a unique platform that brings together ministers, industry leaders, policy makers and academics to share our ideas, celebrate our successes and confront the common difficulties we face. WISH brings the world to Qatar and Qatar to the world. At WISH, it’s real change that matters. Here, today, we have a global network of health reformers with a shared ambition: to make our health systems more responsive, with better quality and better value for money.” Egbert Schillings, CEO of WISH, said:

“WISH, now only in its third year, has firmly established itself as an indispensable part of the global healthcare leadership agenda. The leaders we convened are in Doha to engage with a unique body of knowledge, distinctive in both scope and depth. Today, we saw that the world will always come together to advance the cause of human health, as long as leaders are equipped with the ideas to do so and a platform that unites them. That is the essence of WISH and we are looking forward to the next chapter with even greater energy and commitment to improving the health of populations everywhere.” In keeping with WISH’s goal of creating a global healthcare community, keynote speaker Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England and a member of the World Health Organization’s executive board, urged delegates to work together to fight drug-resistant infectious diseases, which she said results in 700,000

“The ultimate aim of the Qatar Genome Programme is for it to bring tremendous benefit to patients. Working with partners, we are seeking to find ways to develop systems that will enable citizens’ genome data to be accessible to all health care centres, hospitals and clinics in order to provide efficient and customised treatment, while also guaranteeing the protection and confidentiality of patients’

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Research and Medical Centre, said: “The strategy is based on six pillars: awareness, timely screening, timely diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, the role of schools in the child’s life and the transition into adulthood. These pillars are very important, and we are grateful to Her Excellency Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, who is the force behind this strategy. Secondly, WISH, having an autism forum that unites all national stakeholders, is great success in itself.” deaths worldwide each year. Dame Davies said: “These diseases are fuelled by the lack of a balance in antibiotics consumption that is fast becoming a major health disaster in the 21st century. It is imperative for us to move beyond the planning phase and take tangible actions to tackle this global epidemic. Continued awareness and education, ways to contain infections, optimised use of antibacterial drugs, innovation, and developing favourable market conditions are a few of the steps global policy makers have been agreeing to undertake in this process. I call on all the ministers, policy-makers and health professionals to work together towards innovating for a brighter future. We can change the world when we want to and when we choose to change.” In the evening keynote talk, Dr Julio Frenk, President of the University of

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Miami and former Minister of Health for Mexico, discussed the challenges and opportunities created by the rapid proliferation of healthcare education. “There has been an explosion in education and reform for universal healthcare coverage, which creates a unique set of opportunities for us to exploit. Transformative learning now means that healthcare professionals need to master the content and the context of the larger healthcare landscape in which they operate,” said Dr Frenk. Several of the panels addressed healthcare concerns in Qatar, including autism, which came to the forefront locally in 2015 with the creation of a National Working Autism Group and the development of a National Autism plan. Speaking about Qatar’s national strategy around autism, Muhammad Waqar Azeem, Chair of Department of Psychiatry at Sidra

WISH highlights Qatar genome programme Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), announced the completion of the pilot phase of the Qatar Genome Programme (QGP), with 3,000 complete genomes sequenced, in her welcome address to the World Innovation Summit for Health 2016 (WISH). QGP, which is incubated under Qatar Biobank, a member of QF, was announced by Her Highness at WISH 2013. The pilot phase was launched in September 2015. The goal of the QGP is to create a healthcare system designed around individuals, using advanced data to provide better, more personalised treatment for patients in Qatar. In an insightful address, Her Highness

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highlighted the significant value the genome programme will add to Qatar’s healthcare sector in the long-run in terms of easing the diagnoses of various diseases and their treatment through customised medicine. QGP uses a collection of samples and data from Qatar Biobank participants to identify genotype-phenotype associations relevant to the Qatari population, enabling researchers to make advances toward the development of personalised healthcare in Qatar. So far, more than 5,000 Qataris and long-term residents have contributed to Qatar Biobank. “Her Highness’s announcement of the completion of the pilot phase is a major step forward for the Qatar Genome Programme, as it demonstrates that we have sequenced enough genomes to have already made significant contributions towards healthcare research in Qatar,” said Professor Asma AlThani, Chairperson of Qatar Biobank and Vice-Chairperson of Qatar Genome Programme.

To further support QGP’s mission, Qatar Biobank, in collaboration with the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), launched the ‘Path to Personalised Medicine’, a research grant programme designed to provide personalised

healthcare based on an individual’s genetic composition. Following genomic sequencing compiled by QGP, the grant aims to support experts and researchers in their mission to integrate personalised healthcare in Qatar.

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HMC Hosts 2nd MENA Regional Summit

of the Association of Academic Health Centers International the AAHCI MENA Regional Office, one of several regional offices established to represent the Association’s international members and provide a framework for a coordinated and cohesive system-wide approach to addressing the needs of existing and new AACHI members. The 2nd AAHCI MENA meeting in Doha represented an important opportunity for academic health leaders to chart the direction of future collaborative health initiatives in the region and discuss local, regional and national health priorities.

amad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with the Association of Academic Health Centers International (AAHCI), recently hosted the 2nd AAHCI Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Summit. This high-profile event took place in Doha on 1 December 2016 and featured a cadre of local and international experts in the fields of clinical care, health professions education and research, which are all areas that are integral to academic health centers. The meeting was inaugurated by Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health and Managing Director of HMC, who was instrumental in launching Qatar’s national academic health system in 2011. The 2nd AAHCI MENA Regional Summit was supported by the World Innovation for Health Summit (WISH) which is a Qatar Foundation initiative. Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Al Kuwari praised the achievements generated under HMC’s longstanding partnership with the AAHCI and reiterated HMC’s commitment to developing the academic health concept locally in Qatar as well as regionally.

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“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the ideals of academic health and in our desire to work closely with the AAHCI and other regional academic centers in the Middle East,” said H.E. Dr. Al Kuwari. “The development of an integrated Academic Health System underpins our determination to meet the healthcare challenges of Qatar’s growing population and aligns with the aspiration of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.” The AAHCI is a member-based organization founded in 2008 as a subsidiary to the US-based Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC). AAHCI is the only global organization representing the education, research and population health missions of fully developed and developing academic health centers, systems and networks. “It has indeed been a privilege to work with Her Excellency, Hamad Medical Corporation, and our colleagues in the region,” said Dr. Steven A. Wartman, President and CEO of the Association of Academic Health Centers. “The progress that is being made is remarkable and I look forward to an exceptionally bright future.” Since 2014, HMC has been the host of

“HMC’s approach to integrating clinical care, education and research is predicated on close collaboration between leading academic and research institutions, as well as healthcare providers. To support our standing as one of the region’s leading Academic Medical Centers, it is essential that we partner with other clinical and academic centers of excellence to build on strong foundations for the advancement of new treatments and models of care that will help enhance patient care,” said Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of Medical Education at HMC. To meet the healthcare challenges of Qatar’s growing population, HMC has led the development of an integrated Academic Health System designed to make a significant, positive impact upon patient care, health professions education and research. The Academic Health System (AHS) in Qatar – a first within the MENA region – is an active nationwide network that integrates research, education and clinical care to focus on improving patient care and the delivery of innovative healthcare solutions.

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Clinical Information Systems Transformation Program Wins Prestigious Managing Director’s Award at Stars of Excellence

program that has implemented a single electronic medical record for each patient has been recognized with the prestigious Managing Director’s Award at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) annual Stars of Excellence Awards. The Clinical Information System (CIS) Clinical Transformation program saw millions of paper-based patient records converted into standardized electronic records. More than 24,000 members of HMC’s clinical and non-clinical workforce were trained to use the system. Working alongside this process was patient registration, creating new and updated records for each and every patient of HMC’s network of hospitals and services. “This program touches not only a majority of our staff every day, but also has a real and positive impact on the lives of our patients,” said HE Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health and Managing Director of HMC, who presented the award to the team responsible for the transformation at an event in Doha last month.

the project, and how the project has impacted patient care and the overall patient experience.

a physician prescribes medication, this is sent electronically to the pharmacy for the patient to collect.

Dr. Wasmiya Dalham, Executive Director of Nursing Informatics at HMC said the CIS program has already resulted in real improvements to patient care, including a reduction in medication errors and decreases in readmission rates.

At the same time, follow-up outpatient clinic appointments can also be scheduled,” she explained.

“Now that the CIS is integrated into our clinical processes, patients are starting to see improvements in their experience within our hospitals,” she said. “For example, if during a consultation

“The positive impact this program has on patient care is very real - having this information at their fingertips means our clinical professionals can spend more time with patients and focus on providing the best possible treatment and advice in a timely and safe manner,” Dr. Dalham said.

“We are very proud of the fact that Qatar is the second and largest country in the world to have a single, integrated Electronic Health Record for every patient. Our staff have worked hard to implement this program so that we can respond to changes in healthcare technology and most importantly, patients’ needs and expectations,” added HE Dr. Al Kuwari. Each year, the Stars of Excellence Awards winners are chosen based on their performance against key criteria such as the application of international best practice, evidence of direct improvements resulting from

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Hamad Medical Corporation

Welcomes the First Patient to Outpatient Clinics at Qatar Rehabilitation Institute

head of the official opening of three new hospitals in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City next year, Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) welcomed its first patient to its outpatient clinics. This precedes the official opening of the new dedicated rehabilitation facility which will take place once a comprehensive range of services and therapies have been established.

For now, the QRI will house a few outpatient clinics which are being relocated from Rumailah Hospital. These include physical medicine and rehabilitation, speech therapy, adult neuro occupational therapy and adult neuro physiotherapy clinics. Additional clinics and services will also be gradually phased in ahead of the official opening of QRI, Women’s Wellness and Research Center and the Ambulatory Care Center next year. Mr. Mahmoud Al Raisi, Chief of HMC’s Continuing Care Group who was present to witness the start of outpatient operations at QRI said: “I am extremely

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proud to be here on the day we start to welcome our first patient to this impressive facility. An increasing number of services will be phased in over the coming months in preparation for the official opening of all our three new hospitals in Medical City next year so there is a sense of excitement of what is to come. As the largest rehabilitation hospital in the region and as more and more clinical services and therapies services are launched over the next year, the range offered by the QRI will be unprecedented in Qatar.” Once fully operational, QRI will offer five main rehabilitation programs ¬Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Pain Management and Pediatric Rehabilitation. These programs are made up of clinical and therapy services such as hydrotherapy, music therapy, driving assessment and prosthetics and orthotics. Services are selected and adapted according to each patient’s needs by mul-

tidisciplinary teams of clinicians and therapists who work together to coordinate and deliver a personalized package of advanced rehabilitation services which are tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Commenting on the quality of care offered at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, the facility’s CEO Prof. Gisli Einarsson said: “The care offered by the QRI and the rest of our new hospitals will revolutionize healthcare delivery in Qatar. By not only increasing capacity and improving services but also providing each of our patients with a personalized rehabilitation treatment plan, we can ensure they receive the very best care and the best possible recovery outcome.”

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Hamad Medical Corporation

Opens The Region’s First Communicable Disease Center

.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, the Minister of Public Health and Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) officially opened the region’s first Communicable Disease Center (CDC). Dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases as well as education and research, the CDC has a focus on tuberculosis (TB), respiratory diseases and other infectious diseases including leprosy, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), influenza, measles, hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus among other emerging and re-emerging infections. The opening of the CDC marks the start of the largest expansion phase in HMC’s history, with the delivery of four new hospitals planned over the next six months.

Following the inauguration, their Excellencies toured the 9,000 square meter purpose-built facility which has 65 single-bedrooms, all with negative pressure and 100 percent fresh air exchange, with the capacity to be converted into isolation units in case of serious pandemics. The Center offers comprehensive inpatient services for infectious disease patients who need hospitalization and also houses outpatient clinics providing services which include pre-marital counseling and education for those with infectious diseases. The CDC is also home to Qatar’s first dedicated and comprehensive Travel Clinic which will open in January 2017. This will be a one-stop-shop offering vaccinations and preventative information for people traveling overseas.

It will also provide assessment, treatment and counselling for those returning with travel-related illnesses.

infectious disease research and where infection related statistics are also collected and analyzed.

The building is equipped with an automated pharmacy system dispensing medication quickly and safely and enabling pharmacists to spend more time with patients. In addition, the CDC has in-built and stringent infection control measures including negative pressure patient rooms and public spaces with state-of-the-art air filtration and ventilation systems. These will prevent cross-contamination from room to room and will mitigate the risk of acquiring any infectious illnesses.

“The CDC is also home to the National TB Control Program and the TB Laboratory. This state-of-the-art laboratory provides all public and private health sectors with TB diagnostics and leadership on a national level.

Commenting on the opening of the new facility, Her Excellency Dr. Al Kuwari said: “The new Communicable Disease Center will provide a dedicated facility for the identification and treatment of infectious diseases in Qatar, giving patients direct access to the most advanced treatment options available. It delivers a key piece of infrastructure in HMC’s facilities master plan and helps to meet the country’s growing need for specialist healthcare services and faster access to care options.” Her Excellency added: “Working with the Ministry of Public Health, the Primary Health Care Corporation and other stakeholders, this new facility will also undertake a critical public health mission in the management of infectious diseases in Qatar and protecting the population from their impact.” Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Head of Infectious Diseases at HMC, and the clinical lead of the CDC said the CDC will be a center of innovation where HMC conducts

The CDC also serves as a teaching center where young doctors, nurses and medical students learn how to diagnose and manage infectious diseases.” said Dr. Al Khal. “The CDC is not only Qatar’s first line of defense in partnership with Ministry of Public Health in identifying, preventing and managing outbreaks and pandemics, but we also aim to establish it as a world-class research facility specializing in the field of transmissible diseases.” Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Senior Consultant of Infectious Diseases and Deputy Chairperson of Medicine said in addition to its inpatient services and outpatient clinics, the CDC provides services beyond the clinical setting. “We provide a confidential counseling service and other social services to enable individuals and families to deal with the diagnosis and management of their conditions,” Dr. Al Maslamani said. “The CDC team supports and treats patients with a spectrum of communicable diseases. A highly specialized team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals at the center provide consultations and treatments for patients who have infections that are beyond the scope of primary care services.”

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HMC’s Annual Research Day 2016

Highlights the Impact of Research in Improving Care for Patients and Innovation Ecosystem’, highlighted the need for an integrated approach to building a strong research culture across Qatar – one that is geared towards national needs. “This year’s Annual Research Day featured many new awards, recognizing the outstanding contributions of researchers at HMC.

ore than 400 researchers and senior leaders from across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) attended the healthcare provider’s Annual Research Day 2016 on 7 December at the Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel. Organized by HMC’s Medical Research Center, the theme for this year’s event was ‘Bridging the Gap between Research and Innovation in Patient Care’. During his opening address, Professor Ibrahim A. Janahi, Executive Director of Research at HMC, stressed the importance of this theme. “Each year, Annual Research Day provides a valuable opportunity to look back on our achievements and celebrate the high quality research that goes on across HMC,” said Prof. Janahi. “Today we have a chance to discuss strategy at a national level for research and innovation so that we can build HMC’s research strength, harness opportunities for collaboration and spread the culture of innovation throughout HMC,” he said. “It is vital that our researchers understand the importance of ensuring their studies

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are undertaken with the direct aim of translating the findings into delivering improved care for patients,” Prof. Janahi explained. Following Prof Janahi’s opening remarks, delegates heard from Prof. William McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of the Heart Hospital and Head of HMC’s Academic Health System. “Academic health is central to our healthcare vision at HMC, which at its core combines innovative research, topclass education and excellent clinical care,” said Prof. McKenna. “It is wonderful to look back today on our research successes, but we must also look forward and use this opportunity to ensure we are all working towards our common goal – of enabling research to play a central role in delivering the highest standards of care for our patients,” he added. The event’s agenda also included a panel discussion, with representatives from Sidra Medical and Research Center, Qatar Science and Technology Park, and Qatar Foundation. The theme for the discussion, ‘Building Qatar’s Research

The nominations for the prestigious ‘Distinction in Research’ awards were scientifically and strategically assessed by international reviewers. Applications in other categories were assessed by reviewers inside Qatar. The best candidates were picked based on the resulting score analysis and strategic review. We were delighted to see a good number of quality applications for the first year of these new awards – a clear sign that our research culture is strengthening,” commented Sunitha Shyam, Corporate Research Grants Manager.

Annual Research Day 2016 award winners included: • Best Hospital for Research, 2015: Hamad General Hospital • Distinction in Research – Individual: Dr. Talal Ibrahim, Senior Consultant, Orthopedic, Surgery Department, Hamad General Hospital • Distinction in Research – Team: Rheumatology Team , Hamad General Hospital • Excellence in Basic Research: Dr. Shahab Uddin Khan, Academic Research Scientist, iTRI, Academic Health System • Excellence in Clinical Research:

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Dr. Saad J. Taj-Aldeen, Clinical Scientist, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology • Excellence in Health Services Science Research: Prof. Adeel Ajwad Butt, Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs, Department of Medicine • Promising Young Researcher: Dr. Tariq Osman Saeed Abbas, Specialist,

Surgery Department, Hamad General Hospital • Promising Resident / Research Fellow: Dr. Abduljabbar Alhammoud, Medical Resident, Medical Education • Best Publication Award: Beneficial Effects of Implementing Stroke Protocols Require Establishment of a Geographical Distinct Unit

Hamad Medical Corporation

Wins Prestigious International Nursing Awards

amad Medical Corporation (HMC) is proud to announce it has been named a winner of the 2016 NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality by Press Ganey Associates, Inc. HMC has won awards for both its Mental Health Service and Rumailah Hospital.

Selected from over 1,900 hospitals affiliated with the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI), HMC was the only award recipient located outside of the United States and is among an elite group of six hospitals that received the national award for 2016 during a ceremony held last month in Orlando, Florida. The NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality is bestowed annually to

the best performing hospital in each of six categories: academic medical center, teaching hospital, community hospital, pediatric hospital, rehabilitation hospital and psychiatric hospital. In order to be eligible for the award, hospitals must have submitted data on a minimum number of measures in 2015.

patients’ healthcare experience and these awards are a celebration of HMC’s nursing staff and the work they do on a daily basis. Ms. Hoda Salam Nakhla, Acting Director of Nursing with HMC’s Mental Health Service, said the award is an important achievement for HMC and its patients.

Ms. Ghaya Al Tamimi, Director of Nursing at Rumailah Hospital, said she is very proud of the award and is honored to be part of such an outstanding group of nurses. “I am extremely glad and proud that we have received this award. This award represents the high quality care that patients at Rumailah Hospital receive from a group of dedicated nurses,” said Ms. Al Tamimi. Nurses have a real and significant impact on their

“It is an honor to receive this prestigious award and the momentum within the mental health nursing team is very high because of this international recognition,” said Ms. Nakhla. The NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality recognizes hospitals that have achieved excellence in overall performance in nursing quality indicators. HMC’s The Cuban Hospital won the same award last year.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Appendicitis

Surgical intervention is necessary to avoid complications Appendicitis is considered among the health problems that need immediate intervention given the severe pain it causes; sometimes a surgical intervention is needed to remove it. Some believe that the appendix has no function and the person can live without it. However, researchers at Duke University Medical Center say that the function of the frequently discarded appendix, an organ often credited with little importance and often dismissed as having no significant function, does it seems have a role to play after all. Researchers in the United States say the appendix produces and protects good germs for the gut by “rebooting” the digestive system. The team of immunologists at Duke University Medical Center says the human digestive system contains massive amounts of bacteria most of which are good and help the digestion of food.

Antibiotics have an important role in the treatment of appendicitis; however, doctors resort to an appendectomy when the condition is advanced and the antibiotics won’t have any effect, therefore, surgery will be the only option so that the inflammation won’t increase and the appendix burst and spread throughout the body.

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So what is the appendix? The appendix is a tube-shaped sac that is attached to the large intestine. In medical terms, it’s referred to as ‘vermiform appendix’ for its thin, worm-like shape. Far from being useless, the appendix may produce and protect beneficial probiotic colonies in the digestive system. According to researchers, the human digestive system is full of bacteria necessary to digest food. When attack from diseases, sometimes these important kinds of bacteria are purged or killed off. In such situations, the appendix can act as a reserve for good bacteria. After the immune system beats off the disease, the bacteria emerge and re-colonize the gut.

Appendicitis . ARTICLE FEATURES

The reason why the appendix becomes inflamed in the first place is not known in most cases. Some cases are thought to be due to a blockage that occurs somewhere along the short appendix. This may be due to some hard stools (feces) that get stuck. It may also sometimes be due to bits of indigestible food being delivered from the small intestine to the large intes tine. These should be forced out again by the muscles in the wall of appendix, but if they get stuck then blockage results. Either way, germs (bacteria) may then thrive and cause inflammation behind the blockage in the dead end of the appendix. A blockage in the lining of the appendix that results in infection is the likely cause of appendicitis. The bacteria multiply rapidly, causing the appendix to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus. If not treated promptly, the appendix can rupture.

While the appendix may play a helpful role in the human body, it still carries the potential for appendicitis, a common and serious appendix-related disease where the appendix becomes inflamed and can rupture. Appendicitis doesn’t always result in appendix removal but it cannot be ignored because it can be serious and life-threatening.

Symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen • Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen • Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements • Nausea and vomiting • Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses • Constipation or diarrhea • Abdominal bloating There are 2 basic types of appendicitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of appendicitis are intense and painful, continuous abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea and fever. The pain usually begins in the lower region of the abdomen and later shifts to the lower right side. These symptoms gradually get worse over 6-24 hours. Some people have less typical symptoms. The usual treatment is an operation to remove the inflamed appendix, and the aim is to do this before it bursts (perforates). A perforated appendix is a very serious condition.

The following tests are usually used to diagnose appendicitis:

• Measuring body temperature • White Blood Cell Count • Urinalysis • Abdominal X-Ray • Ultrasound • Computerized tomography (CT) Scan • Laparoscopy Appendectomy is the standard treatment for appendicitis. Generally, if appendicitis is suspected, doctors tend to err on the side of safety and quickly remove the appendix to avoid its rupture. If the appendix has formed an abscess, you may have two procedures: one to drain the abscess of pus and fluid, and a later one to remove the appendix. However, there is some research showing that treatment of acute appendicitis with antibiotics may eliminate the need for surgery.

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Innovation is the Need of the Hour in

Â Across Middle East and North Africa (MENA), stroke is increasingly becoming a major health problem, with projections that deaths from it will nearly double by 2030. The incidence of stroke has varied extensively among studies. Studies reported rates from 29.8 per 100 000 people in Saudi Arabia to 57 per 100 000 people in Bahrain. Specifically, in the UAE, 50% of stroke patients are below the age of 45 years, as compared to the global average where 80 percent of stroke patients are above the age of 65 years. The numbers are alarming, highlighting the importance to establish dedicated stroke units to save patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives and to ensure that treatment is carried out in a prompt and efficient manner. The four-hour time frame in emergency care needs to have reduced door-to-need time (interval between patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival to the hospital and starting the treatment) to provide effective patient outcomes.

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Driving Innovation Innovation in protocol and medical administration is changing the way a typical patient interacts with the nursing team and physicians. Technology is also boosting communications between neurologists, stroke nurses, radiographers, radiologists, ambulance officers and emergency physicians. Smart ambulances that can control the traffic light system in emergencies can help deliver patients well within the critical time needed for stroke care. In many cases, initial patient evaluation is possible remotely by the neurologist who can join in from any geographic location, so can any number of teams even while the patient is on the way to a stroke center. This multiple eyes on the case approach can prevent any oversight to prevent human errors. Across the board, digitization is improving efficiency, enhancing stroke diagnosis, and enabling sharing of medical records, which ultimately contributes to improved clinical outcome. Innovations other than stroke care units are helping patients reduce convalescence times in hospitals, everyday conferencing health applications are allowing virtual face time with medical professionals continue to deliver post-op care. Health and fitness trackers are increasingly helping individuals at risk manage hypertension, diabetes and ischaemic heart disease that contribute to ischaemic strokes, the most common type of Atrial Fibrillation related stroke, which frequently leads to considerable disability and possibly death. Those with disabilities are increasingly being helped by new advances in robotics, including exoskeletons. Virtual reality headsets are helping alleviate any pain and helping with cognitive

and motor skills of those disabled by the condition. Protocols in hospitals are extremely crucial in management and treatment of stroke. In order to save lives and encourage better patient outcomes such as having a patient walk out with minimal disability. That said, prevention is always ideal. There are several factors which can lead to stroke such as atrial fibrillation, irregular blood circulation, and tendency for blood clotting, which requires effective treatment to minimize the chances of stroke occurrence. Increasing patient awareness to recognize symptoms leading to stroke is one thing, but it is also necessary for medical centers to have the right infrastructure and trained personnel to deal with such incidences.

Managing and treating stroke Prevention of ischaemic stroke in Atrial Fibrillation remains a treatment priority, for which anticoagulation therapy is essential. New Atrial Fibrillation treatment guidelines issued by the European Society of Cardiology in 2012 reinforce the importance of anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with Atrial Fibrillation. The guidelines state that all Atrial Fibrillation patients at risk of stroke as defined should be considered for oral anticoagulant treatment. Large Scale Real World Data is also crucial in choosing a new oral anti-coagulant as both physician and patient can ensure higher drug safety profile.

Developing dedicated care units In an ideal scenario, the patient arrives at the emergency room, is sent to the triage nurse who examines the patient and, upon confirmation, and provides the treatment. The patient is taken for a laboratory test, the core team begins action, performs a CT scan and finally, the life-saving injection is administered.

Dr. Dr. Suhail Abdulla Al Rukn President of Emirates Neurology Society Consultant and Stroke Specialist

The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater is the chance of stroke related brain damage. Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and effective rehabilitation. Establishing more stroke units will directly lead to faster and better patient outcomes and aims to provide superior technology with multidisciplinary teams that exclusively manage stroke patients in a ward. Having such centers will decrease the mortality rates, the complications and outcomes of stroke. Incorporating telemedicine and e-health tools into healthcare system, will help streamline the handling of cases and help improve overall healthcare. A unified standard such as accreditation from an independent international body for example can create a model that can be replicated across the region taking into account the sensitivities and cultural habits of the region. Saving lives remains our top priority. The most important objective is to raise and drive more awareness of good stroke management among community and healthcare professionals followed by establishing a stroke unit across hospitals in different districts in the region.

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There is no doubt that majority of cervical cancers are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The good news is that if we detect the infection early, then we can monitor it to stop and prevent the progression to cancer. One of the best and proven steps that the women can take to prevent cervical cancer is to get regular testing for cervical cancer that is Pap smear and HPV testing.

Can Pap test tell if there is HPV infection? The answer is NO, But Pap test will tell if there are any changes in cervical cells. But no test is perfect, that is why Pap test should be repeated regularly and that is why there is now another test that should be done with Pap test which is the HPV test. The HPV test can tell if you are infected with the high-risk group HPV or not, but it cannot tell what the

changes are in the cervical cells. That is why Pap test and HPV test complement each other. So the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to do both tests (HPV and Pap smear) regularly.

Dr. Rafif Al Saady Consultant Histopathologic and cytologist Al Ahli Hospital

Do all HPV viruses cause cancer? The answer is NO. There are certain types that we call high-risk viruses that can cause cancer.

Do all women infected by high-risk HPV viruses progress to cancer? The answer is also NO. Actually, very few HPV infections lead to cervical cancer. HPV cause changes to the cervical cells, but in the early phase, it can go back to normal by their own. Few are not and if left untreated, it may progress to cancer.

Who can get HPV or cervical cancer? Any woman who has ever had sex can get HPV and hence cervical cancer. Some women have a greater chance of getting cervical cancer if they: - Have persistent HPV infection. - Have AIDS - Smoker Usually, there are no symptoms for HPV infection and most people will never know they have or had HPV infection and there is no treatment i.e. no medicine for HPV infection, as most will go away without treatment. But there is a treatment for the cell changes that can be caused by HPV.

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What is organic agriculture? Is organic food better for human cell health and does it lower cancer risk?

Organic Agriculture is an integrated farming system between plant & animal production for optimal use of biological resources from natural fertilizers, natural pesticides, (& crop rotation) to (control pests, )promote soil fertility (& sustainability of agricultural production) according to the regulations of the country without the use of synthetic pesticides, Bioengineered genes(GMOs), petroleum based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers for better human health, animal-health, environment and biodiversity.

natural manure for crops, crop rotation to control weeds, predators & biological diversity to control pests, & Legumes in soil for Nitrogen fixation. Organic livestock must have access to outdoors, given organic feed such as corn or linseed (GMO free), and no growth hormones or animal by-product. Disease is prevented with natural methods such as clean housing, rotational grazing and no antibiotics.

This organic farming is considered difficult and expensive as it uses agricultural organic seeds, organic fertilizers, organic feed for animals that may cost twice, organic soil that has not been treated with chemicals, & regular irrigation of crops with non-salty water in addition to the certification of each product and therefore higher prices.

(fungicides, herbicides, insecticides) that accumulate in food • Lessen symptoms of allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives • Fresher produce with no preservatives (& less toxicity) • Better for environment, nearby birds, animals and people (reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility

United States, Europe, Austria and many other Arabic and Gulf countries succeeded in this difficult agriculture and this is considered civilization as it protects human health and environment. Organic agriculture farmers use

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Benefits of Organic food: • Usually have more antioxidants • Less precipitates from pesticides

Animal studies showed GMOs may cause internal cell & organ damage, whole accumulation of pesticides in body especially in fetuses, children, and pregnant may increase risk of cancers

Hania Kreidieh Clinical Dietician Al Ahli Hospital

as (they are more vulnerable to toxic effects of pesticides) pesticides weaken their immune system. On the other hand animal studies showed that organic food with more antioxidants and lower level of pesticides have promoted cell health and less risk of cancer. According to studies: Some fruits and vegetables have higher pesticide level (tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, carrots, apricots, prunes) and recommended to be organic while others have lower pesticide level and could be consumed non-organic. In Qatar, there are corn-fed chicken, organic beef, deer, milk and dairy products free of antibiotics & hormones but with higher prices than the conventionally raised livestock & dairy. For more information about fruits and vegetables that accumulate pesticides, other options of fish, camel, nuts and in order to make a balance between organic and non-organic your dietitian can be contacted for assistance.

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Dr Michail Nomikos

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Qatar University College of Medicine (QU-CMED)

nfertility is defined as the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve pregnancy in one year. The World Health Association (WHO) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recognize infertility as a disease. It is difficult to address infertility prevalence worldwide, due to problems with diagnosis, management and reporting of infertile individuals and couples. However, in developed countries it is estimated that one in four couples are affected by infertility. Male infertility refers to a male’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. Historically, people perceived infertility as a “woman’s problem” although male infertility in humans accounts for 40-50% of cases. Approximately 7% of all men are affected by male infertility. Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, anabolic steroid use, obesity, poor nutrition as well as genetic reasons can affect the reproductive system of a male, causing male infertility. Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen. Such deficiencies include azoospermia (sperm are not produced or not present in the semen), oligospermia (only few sperm are produced), sperm motility problems (sperm do not move normally, therefore cannot reach and fertilize the egg), and problems with sperm structure and morphology. Recent clinical studies have reported a number of infertile males with normal sperm parameters (morphology and motility), however their sperm failed to initiate fertilization. Even though

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their sperm is able to fuse with the egg, after this event nothing happens. It was discovered that sperm from these infertile patients lack a proper functioning version of a sperm protein, called Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Sperm PLCζ is essential to trigger the first stage of fertilization by initiating a process called ‘egg activation’, which sets off all the biological processes necessary for the development of an embryo. Before fertilization, the egg is in a dormant (“sleeping”) state and

all the biological processes required for the growth and development of an embryo are on pause. At the moment of fertilization, when a sperm fuses with the egg, the sperm PLCζ protein is delivered into the egg and stimulates all the critical events of egg activation that trigger early embryo development. This sperm protein, which has been called the “spark of life” was discovered in 2002 by Professor F Anthony Lai and his team in Cardiff University (UK).

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My research in collaboration with Professor F Anthony Lai (Cardiff University), aims to address and understand the complex mechanism of how such a small molecule like PLCζ, is able to “kick-start” the generation of a new life. The research promises to diagnose and treat cases of male factor infertility where a patient’s sperm is unable to induce egg activation. In 2013, I received the “Fertility and Sterility Investigator Achievement Award” at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), as the lead and corresponding author of the article “Phospholipase C ζ rescues failed oocyte activation in a prototype of male factor infertility” published in the journal “Fertility and Sterility”.

The technical innovation of human in vitro fertilization (IVF) developed by Nobel Prize-winner, Robert Edwards, has helped millions of couples worldwide with infertility problems to achieve successful pregnancies, giving birth to healthy babies. However, there is still a large number of male infertility cases that even the most recently developed IVF techniques are unable to help. Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), is a powerful IVF technique, which is used extensively

by IVF clinics to overcome many conditions of male infertility, such as oligospermia, asthenospermia and teratospermia. In ICSI, sperm is directly injected into the eggs, overcoming any defects related to sperm morphology or motility. However, even ICSI is unable to help cases of infertile males whose sperm fail to fertilize after ICSI, due to defects in the PLCζ protein, leading to egg activation failure.

This study discovered that recombinant PLCζ protein can successfully replace sperm and trigger development of the egg, up to the blastocyst embryo stage. This research has given hope to many couples facing problems of male infertility. We are currently developing the use of recombinant PLCζ protein as a therapeutic agent to treat such cases of male infertility. The research also focuses on the production of PLCζ monoclonal antibodies, which could be used for potential clinical diagnosis of such cases of male infertility. As the Nobel Prize-winner Robert Edwards said: “The most important thing in life is to have a child” and to that I add: ‘We will work very hard to make this possible for many couples with such infertility problems.”

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and balanced diet to prevent the disease, and a campus walk activity to support individuals with diabetes and raise community awareness on the importance of exercise in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Commenting on the event, QU College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean and Biomedical Research Center (BRC) Director Dr Asmaa Al Thani said: “Type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease and health science advocates should try to raise awareness on how to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. This event aligns with our commitment to the healthcare objectives expressed in the National Health Strategy 2011-2016. It also demonstrates QU’s continuous efforts to raise awareness on important health issues and to improve the overall health of Qatari society.”

Qatar University College of Health Sciences faculty Participated in World Diabetes Day

atar University College of Health Sciences (QU-CHS) faculty and students organized and participated in a community outreach event as part of activities to mark World Diabetes Day. Themed “Eyes on Diabetes,” the event was organized in collaboration with Qatar Diabetic Association (QDA). It aimed to highlight the importance of screening to guarantee an early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and management to reduce the hazard of serious complications. Four booths by QU Health Clinic, QDA, Khulud Pharmacy, and Abbot pharmaceutical company were set up at the Women’s Science Building (C01) – Atrium. At QDA booth, students and visitors were provided with one-onone counseling, blood glucose testing, brochures about type 2 diabetes and

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screening program and treatment, and nutritional counseling. The event also included a lecture on “Do we know enough about Diabetes?” by Dr Buthaina Ibrahim Alowinati, Consultant in Diabetes at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). It also featured a “blue for breakfast” to highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy

CHS Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences Dr Nasser Rizk, who is also leading the event, said: “According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) surveys, one in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed because the disease’s symptoms seem harmless. They include frequent urination, unusual thirst, hunger, and weight loss with frequent and recurrent infections, blurred vision, and tingling and numbness in hands and feet. Therefore, knowing the signs and symptoms

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of type 2 diabetes can help with early detection and treatment. Screening for diabetes and its important part of effective management of the disease to ensure optimal health. The complications of diabetes include blindness, kidney disease, and amputations. Additionally, diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke.â&#x20AC;? 2nd-year Biomedical Sciences student Naila Kitaz noted that her participation in such an event has contributed to developing her teamwork and communication skills, and to enhancing her knowledge on diabetes and how to prevent complication.

3rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition First of its Kind in the Region

atar University launched the 3rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition 2016 with an opening ceremony attended by QU officials, faculty, students and staff, and a number of experts and researchers in the field of molecular biology. The event, the first of its kind in the region, is a collaboration between QU and Middle East Molecular Biology Sources (MEMBS), and is sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), Sidra Medical and Research Center, and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q). Its aim is to provide a platform for representatives of the academic and industrial communities to interact and promote the translation of research into therapy. The forum brings together around 500 leading biologists and biomedical engineers, including

professors and their trainees from the academic, clinical and pharmaceutical fields to showcase their latest research, highlight the use of innovative and emerging technologies, and encourage interactions and new interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of molecular biology. Keynote speakers were Associate Dean for Research, Laura H Carnell Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of the Moulder Center for

Drug Discovery Research (MCDDR) at Temple University School of Pharmacy Prof Magid Abou-Gharbia, Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Harvard Stem Cell Institute Principal Investigator Dr Chad Cowan, WCMC Department of Genetic Medicine Chairman Dr Ronald Crystal, The Rockfeller University Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and St Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases,

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Attending Physician Prof Jean-Laurent Casanova, University of California Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology Prof Alexandra Butler, Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Biomedical Optics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Prof Theo Lasser, University of Zurich Institute of Experimental Immunology Group Leader Prof Maries van den Broek, Professor of Medicine at University of Manchester Prof Rayaz Malik, and Professor of Biotechnology at American University of Ras Al Kaimah Prof Muhammed Mukhtar. The event’s program comprises sessions in the form of presentations, discussion panels and workshops that address a wide range of topics related to “Genomics and Personalized Medicine”, “Stem Cells and Cellular Therapy”, “Metabolism and Endocrinology”, “Diabetes”, “Cancer Epigenetic”, “Neurosciences: Synaptic function in health and disease”, “Signaling and Systems Biology”, “Neurosciences: Neurodegenerative Diseases”, “Infectious Diseases”, “Neurosciences: Therapeutic”, “Cancer Immunology”, “Biotechnology”, “Structural Biology and Molecular Imaging”, and more. It also features an exhibition

including a number of booths offering equipment, services and publications related to molecular biology. Commenting on the forum, QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “QU is proud to host the 3rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition 2016, which brings together leading experts to showcase the latest technologies in molecular biology. During the past years, molecular biology has made a progress in key areas such as genome sciences, cell therapy, cancer treatment, and diabetes, which has a positive impact on human life and health. QU continues in its efforts to advance exact sciences under the umbrella of ethical values to serve the needs of the society.” QU VP for Medical Education and CMED Dean Dr Egon Toft said: “In hosting such an event, QU is demonstrating its ongoing efforts to raise awareness on molecular biology in the Middle East and to promote research in key medical areas such as genetic diseases and stem cells to provide efficient solutions to medical issues that impact the wider community and to ensure that research efforts align with the needs of

the healthcare sector in Qatar and the region. We are delighted to collaborate with MEMBS in organizing this congress that serves as a platform for experts and researchers from academia and industry to share their experiences and pave way for future interdisciplinary collaborations in molecular biology.” Qatar Biobank for Medical Research Vice-Chairperson, Qatar Genome Programme Committee Chairperson and QU College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean Dr Asma Al-Thani said: “We, at Qatar Biobank for Medical Research and Qatar Genome Programme, are pleased to be sponsoring and participating in MEMBS annual congress and exhibition. Qatar Biobank for Medical Research and Qatar Genome Programme are committed to promoting the understanding of local and regional health and diseases by advancing new research that moves towards breakthroughs in health and medicine, and by organizing events that create an excellent platform for experts to exchange their ideas in the field of health and medicine.”

Qatar University has recently appointed 20 physicians and healthcare experts

atar University (QU) has recently appointed 20 physicians and healthcare experts from leading healthcare organizations in Qatar as clinical faculty and clerkship directors at its College of Medicine (CMED). 20 appointees, 5 of whom are Qatari, will join the college from organizations in Qatar such as Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Ministry of Public

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Health, and Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra), as well as Charles Clinic and Institute of Dermatology at University College Dublin, Ireland. In their respective roles as full professor, associate professor, assistant professor and lecturer, the new recruits will bring their expertise in internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, public health and radiology as well as contribute in the future

to the planned PhD program. Clinical faculty are academic appointments made to practicing health professionals with a track record of outstanding teaching, innovative program development, and patient-oriented research. Among these appointees are clerkship directors, key to the quality of education for the students particularly during the clerkship (clinical training) phase. They are also instrumental in providing

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a clinical perspective to the pre-clinical years. The clerkship directors also play a key role in setting the policies and standards for clinical experience. Commenting on the appointments, QU VP for Medical Education and CMED dean Prof Egon Toft said: “I am very pleased that we have secured such an impressive list of experts from leading healthcare organizations in Qatar which will serve to further cement our partnerships. Faculty in clinical instruction and clerkship roles are crucial to the college’s vision to be a driving force for innovation across the national healthcare sector and as strong role models and inspirational mentors for Qatar’s future doctors. We look forward to the contributions they will make in the areas of clinical learning, management and leadership, professional development, clinical and translational research, as well as in graduating high-quality, trusted physicians for the country.”

He added: “Strong support from the family physicians has enabled our students to see for themselves, early in their course of study, how clinical care is delivered to patients in Qatar. Students attend 6 primary health centers regularly from year 2 to familiarize themselves with population health and primary care. In addition, these clinical placements will be extremely useful to students allowing them to develop their clinical and communication skills from an early stage of their program in the clinical environment.” Prof Alison Carr, Head of Clinical Education and Professor at CMED who is leading the clinical education program, said: “Clinical faculty bring their extensive experience in clinical medicine to our MD program allowing our students to benefit from their knowledge and approach to patient care. In year 2 of the MD program we are already introducing our students to

clinical medicine in the primary health centers. This early exposure to clinical medicine is an initiative new to the Gulf Region. We are delighted to collaborate with family physicians in Doha to provide our students the opportunity to learn from patient care from the grassroots in the health centers. I am sure the opportunity to interact in clinical settings from such an early stage in the program will inspire our students and provide them optimal circumstances to learn excellent clinical and communication skills from role models in primary healthcare.” Dr Noora Al Mutawa, PHCC Acting Clerkship Director for Family Medicine and leading the collaboration, said: “It is our pleasure to be part of the collaboration with QU CMED for curriculum development as we believe that it will add value to the health sector in the state of Qatar. PHCC is the leading organization for primary healthcare

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services in the country. Education and professional development are essential elements in our strategy. During the rotation in primary care, medical students will have the opportunity to be trained by highly skilled and experienced family physicians.

in the internal medicine program, Dr Nora Al Mutawa in family medicine, Dr Khalid Bashir in emergency, Dr Madeeha Kamal in pediatrics, Dr Sherif Abdel Azzim in surgery, Dr Nael Kilzieh in psychiatry, and Dr Salwa Abuyaqoub in obstetrics and gynecology.

They will learn about the principles of patient-centered care, biopsychosocial approach and they will have a great chance to learn the fundamentals of history taking and physical examination. Care is not just for the diseased; they will be also exposed to preventive and health promotion services such as screening and vaccination.

In addition to Clerkship Directors, the College of Medicine appointed Associate Interim Clerkship Directors including Dr Mariam Al Nesf for internal medicine, Dr Fawzia Al Hor for family medicine, Dr Amr El Moheen in emergency, Dr Mohammed Al Kuwari and Dr Muna Maarafiya in pediatrics, Dr Mohammed Ali Kurer in surgery, Dr Nur Runnazha in psychiatry and Dr Huda Abdullah in obstetrics and gynecology.

We are looking forward to helping in training and development of our ambitious future physicians.” The clinical faculty to date have been appointed under several categories: Interim Clerkship Directors, Associate Interim Clerkship Directors, Special Interim Clerkship Directors and Clinical Appointments. Interim Clerkship Directors include Prof Abdel Nasser Elzouki

Other important clinical appointments are Dr Abdullatif Al Khal (who is also the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the College) for infectious diseases, Dr Ibrahim Janahi in pediatric pulmonology, Dr Martin Steinhoff for dermatology, Dr Alexander Knuth who will be leading the PhD program, Dr Graham Buirski in anatomy, Dr Al-Hareth M

Al-Khater to support curriculum development, and Dr Mohammed Al Otaibi for family medicine Clinical Faculty members are an integral part of the MD program at the College of Medicine. They teach and inspire students and are the role models for the next generation of Qatar’s doctors. They often also make important contributions in administration, professional development, and research. They are helping the College design its clinical program throughout the course: the preclinical phase and the clerkships. Prof Carr also clarified that for clinicians, appointment as a faculty member provides many exciting opportunities not least of which is interaction with enthusiastic students and the opportunity to make an impact on their education. In addition to this, the appointment facilitates collaboration with other faculty members at the College of Medicine, access to our continuing professional development programs and access to the infrastructure and resources to facilitate research.

Qatar University Research reveals calcium signaling within the manifestation of hereditary leukonychia

research breakthrough conducted by a faculty member at Qatar University College of Medicine (QU-CMED) in collaboration with a team from Cardiff University and the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” has discovered the functional association between hereditary leukonychia and mutations in the gene encoding phospholipase C delta-1 (PLCδ1). Led by CMED Assistant Professor of Biochemistry Dr Michail Nomikos, the study is entitled “Mutations in PLCδ1

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associated with hereditary leukonychia display divergent PIP2 hydrolytic function”. It examined the hereditary leukonychia, a rare genetic nail disorder characterized by distinctive whitening of the nail plate of all twenty nails. Hereditary leukonychia may exist as an isolated feature, or in simultaneous occurrence with other cutaneous or systemic pathologies, said Dr Nomikos, adding, “However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PLCδ1-mutations

and hereditary leukonychia remain uncharacterized.” The team introduced hereditary leukonychia-linked human PLCδ1 mutations (C209R, A574T and S740R) into equivalent residues of rat PLCδ1 (C188R, A553T and S719R), and investigated the biophysical and biochemical properties of mutants versus normal PLCδ1 protein. The data reveals that PLCδ1 mutations associated with hereditary leukonychia do not uniformly

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Prof F Anthony Lai

Dr Michail Nomikos

Chair of Calcium Signaling Laboratory at Cardiff University College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Qatar University College of Medicine

alter the enzymatic ability of this protein leading to loss/gain of function, but result in significantly divergent enzymatic properties. The study demonstrates the importance of PLC-mediated calcium (Ca2+) signaling within the manifestation of hereditary leukonychia. PLCδ1 is almost ubiquitous in mammalian cells, which may explain why hereditary leukonychia manifests in association with other systemic pathologies relating to keratin expression.

in-depth structural characterization of PLCδ1, the specific physiological role of this enzyme has only recently become more evident through the identification of its contribution to human disease.”

Commenting on the study Dr Nomikos said: “Hereditary leukonychia is a rare nail pathology in which patients present with a partial or totally white nail plate. Recent studies provided the first genetic links between PLCδ1 and hereditary leukonychia by identifying mutations in the PLCδ1 protein sequence of family members exhibiting characteristic features of hereditary leukonychia. Both dominant and recessive inheritance is known to underlie manifestation of this nail disorder. Despite the

He added: “This study underlines the level of research being conducted at Qatar University College of Medicine to serve the Qatari society and beyond. The College focuses on research, especially in areas of national priority, covering the full translational pathway from basic science to applied health research with the aim to advance the healthcare sector in Qatar, and in line with QU 5-year research roadmap and the National Health Strategy.” Chair of Calcium Signaling Laboratory at Cardiff University College of Biomedical and Life Sciences Prof F Anthony Lai said: “The major discovery of structural and functional changes in the mutant protein (phospholipase delta-1) causing hereditary leukonychia represents an excellent research study that was conducted with Dr

Michail Nomikos at Qatar University in collaboration with Cardiff University. The very important report on this work published in the

Hereditary leukonychia is a rare nail pathology in which patients present with a partial or totally white nail plate. Recent studies provided the first genetic links between PLCδ1 and hereditary leukonychia by identifying mutations in the PLCδ1 protein sequence of family members exhibiting characteristic features of hereditary leukonychia

Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) Journal demonstrates the significance of productive international cooperation in advancing our understanding of the processes that cause human diseases. I anticipate that continued rapid progress in the collaborative research studies between Qatar University and Cardiff University should help to unravel the causes of many other diseases that involve the fundamental calcium signaling process such as male infertility and cardiac dysfunction.”

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Vitamin D

When talking about vitamin D, we usually focus on bone health; however, this vitamin plays a fundamental role in maintaining body health and functions in general as well as its anti-aging role. Scientific studies around the world prove day after day the numerous benefits of vitamin D that affect the vital functions in the body; some studies have also suggested a link between low vitamin D levels and cancer risk and progression. A meta-analysis shows that women with high serum vitamin D levels have less mortality from breast cancer than women with low serum vitamin D.

Before talking about the role of this vitamin in protecting the person from some diseases, we should shed light on the importance of vitamin D and its vital role in building strong bones and bone density. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteomalacia in adults as well as chronic pain in the bones and muscles leading to osteoporosis. Its major function is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

bones. It is used alone or together with calcium to improve bone health and decrease fractures. New research suggests that vitamin D also has another important role in regulating cell growth process and helping suppress cancer cell proliferation and increas ing the activity of the immune system. Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you have a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which forms and maintains strong

However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without

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symptoms, too little vi tamin D can pose health risks. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, severe asthma in children and cancer. Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Vitamin D

Vitamin D and cancer

Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease

Vitamin D plays a role in muscle function and the immune system. The immune system is your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense system. It helps protect it against infections and other illnesses. Taking vitamin D every day has been shown to reduce the risk of falling in older individuals. Other ways vitamin D is thought to help us, and how much we would need to take, is an area of active research.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been recently identified as a potential risk factor for many diseases not traditionally associated with vitamin D, such as cancer and CVD.

There have been studies to suggest that it might help prevent colon, prostate, and breast cancers. There is also some research that it might help prevent and treat diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis. However, the results of many of these studies are either preliminary or under debate. Without other long-term research, even many of the researchers who conducted these initial studies are cautious about recommending vitamin D for the prevention of these diseases. Some studies have been conducted which have found that women with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop breast cancer. A recent review of many studies found that post-menopausal women with low levels of vitamin D had a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to post-menopausal women with high levels of vitamin D. Many studies have shown that there is a link between vitamin D and breast cancer. Women who have breast cancer tend to have low levels of vitamin D. Researchers have found a potential mechanism to explain the relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer. Vitamin D receptors are found on the surface of a cell where they receive chemical signals. By attaching themselves to a receptor, these chemical signals direct a cell to do something, for example to act in a certain way, divide or die. There are vitamin D receptors in breast tissue, and vitamin D can bind to these receptors. This can cause cells like oncogenes to die or stop growing, and can stop the cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is thought that vitamin D may help in protecting against breast cancer, by making cells in the breast smarter.

The cells responsible for the absorption of this vitamin are also responsible for muscle movement in the body including the heart muscles. Thus, studies have shown that the cells in the heart do not work properly in case of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, the person should have enough vitamin D in order to have less risk to develop cardiovascular disease.

The immune system is your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense system. It helps protect it against infections and other illnesses. Taking vitamin D every day has been shown to reduce the risk of falling in older individuals

Blood Sugar Levels Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and with metabolic syndrome. While it is yet to be fully understood how vitamin D helps the body regulate blood glucose, there seem to be several ways. Because vitamin D is present in the insulin-producing beta cells, and insulin secretion is calcium dependent (and therefore indirectly vitamin D dependent), it is theorized that vitamin D has a direct effect on how much insulin the body makes. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency impairs insulin secretion and that correcting vitamin D status with proper vitamin D supplements intake restores the function.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Vitamin D

Multiple Sclerosis

Depression

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disorder, is a condition that affects the nerves. The bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Some researchers think vitamin D may have potential to prevent MS or reduce the number and severity of relapses. Vitamin D plays an important role in developing healthy bones as well as in the immune and nervous systems, although the mechanism of action is still being studied.

Studies have proven that vitamin D deficiency causes depression and the person will feel tired, suffer from fatigue and muscle pain which can lead to trouble sleeping, low energy, impairments in memory and concentration. Thus, taking vitamin D supplements contributes to treating people with depression. There is a relationship between low levels of vitamin D in the blood and depression and the solution is to have normal vitamin D levels.

Exposing the skin to sunlight could affect the immune system in other ways apart from producing vitamin D. However, research does show that people with higher vitamin D levels are less likely to develop MS or have a relapse if they already have it.

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life sciences exhibitions

ARTICLE FEATURES . Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic wounds

are among the most dangerous and common complications of diabetes

People with diabetes might notice that they develop wounds easily and these wounds do not easily heal properly, following the common timeline for wound healing. In diabetic person, a tiny wound which is not noticed immediately can be a serious injury eventually. Cuts or blisters develop in diabetic person’s body may not heal within days as it would in non-diabetic person’s one. Diabetes is an illness which causes major changes in the body’s function. Untreated wounds are infected more easily, and diabetic people have a lower immune system, so their wounds are more prone to infection. Another reason for a slower wound healing is that diabetic people have inhibited blood vessels, which cause poorer blood circulation to the wound site. Poor blood circulation, which results in fewer nutrients brought into the wound site. Diabetic patients might have certain substances deficit, which are required in proper wound healing. Although everyone is aware of this, why diabetes causes a delay in wound healing? What are the complications and consequences that affect diabetic patients

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in this case? Is there any way to speed up wound healing in these patients? Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. Diabetes is a set of diseases where the person’s body is unable to regulate the amount of sugar in their blood. The particular form of sugar that the person with diabetes is unable to regulate is called, ‘glucose,’ and is used in the body to give the person energy in order to do things in daily life such as walking, running, riding a bike, exercising, or other tasks. From food that people eat, the liver produces glucose and puts it into their blood.

Several forms of diabetes involve the inability to produce or use insulin properly. Persons with diabetes are unable to move glucose from their blood into their cells. The result is that the glucose remains in their blood, and damage occurs to the cells that need glucose for energy to perform activities, as well as harming tissues and organs that are exposed to increased amounts of glucose that has not been sent to the cells it should have gone to. One of the well-known effects of diabetes is delayed wound healing. Some diabetic patients are reported to have the feet amputated because of small wound which appeared as blisters initially.

ARTICLE FEATURES . Diabetic Wounds

Diabetes can cause a number of complications, including some that make it harder for wounds to heal. These include: • Nerve damage (neuropathy): When you have neuropathy, you may not feel the pain of a cut or blister until it has grown worse or become infected. • Weakened immune system: When the body’s natural defenses are down, even a minor wound may become infected. • Narrow arteries: People with clogged arteries in their legs are more likely to develop wounds, have severe wound infections, and have problems healing. Narrowed arteries make it harder for blood to get to the wound. Blood flow promotes healing, so anything that blocks it can make wounds more likely to become infected.

Types of Infection A diabetic patient can suffer from many types of inflammation, but neuropathy is the most common among patients with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. Over time, people with diabetes can develop nerve damage throughout the body. Some people with nerve damage have no symptoms while others may experience pain, tingling, or numbness—loss of feeling—in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

central neuropathy when the patient cannot maintain a healthy blood pressure. The patient has a high blood pressure when lying in a horizontal position and it decreases significantly when in vertical position causing lack of blood flow to the brain and the patient suffers from dizziness or may fall down and can even suffer from stroke. It may also lead to constipation or diabetic diarrhea.

Importance of wound care Over time, diabetes can cause a lack of sensitivity in the feet. That loss of sensation can lead to cuts and sores going undetected. Diabetes can also diminish blood flow, preventing any foot wounds from properly healing. Taking care of your feet every day will lower the risk of amputation. If you have a wound, no matter how small, take the following steps to avoid infection and promote healing: Take care of the wound immediately. Even a minor

wound can become infected if bacteria are allowed to build up after injury. There are several things a patient can do to improve wound healing. The most important thing is to control the blood sugar level. Healing can be improved by eating a healthy diet and maintaining good nutrition that will help regulate blood glucose levels and also provide the essential vitamins and nutrients to enhance the healing process. Regularly check for open wounds or pressure points that could develop into a wound. Watch for signs of infection. Seek the medical attention of your primary care physician or other health care professional if you develop any areas of concern, keep pressure off of a wound to aid healing. Cardiovascular health is important to maintaining good circulation for both the healing of existing wounds and prevention of future wound development. Stop smoking to improve circulation and overall health.

About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. People with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any time, but risk rises with age and longer duration of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathies also appear to be more common in people who have problems controlling their blood glucose as well as those with high levels of blood fat and blood pressure and those who are overweight. Other types of inflammation include

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WCM-Q

symposium teaches assessment skills to boost learning outcomes the strengths and weaknesses of several different methods of learner assessment, how to determine the validity of assessment instruments, and how to apply frameworks for evaluation to judgments about learners. The skills and knowledge taught by the workshops were applicable to both classroom-based and clinic-based learning exercises.

eading Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) scholars presented a series of workshops explaining the most effective new methods for assessing learners in health professional education. The three-day symposium at WCM-Q, titled ‘Assessment in Health Professional Education’, was led by Dr Janice Hanson and Dr. Amal Khidir, Associate Professor of Pediatrics; other speakers were Dr. Mai Mahmoud, Assistant Professor of Medicine; and Dr. Ziyad Mahfoud, Associate Professor of Healthcare Policy and Research.The speakers used a series of interactive sessions to explain the latest assessment methods and instruments to faculty, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, interns, residents and allied health professionals. Effective assessment tools are essential learning aids for health professionals who rely on comprehensive feedback from tutors to ensure they have gained the advanced skills and knowledge they need to provide quality care to patients. Visiting expert Dr. Janice Hanson, Director of Educational Research and Development in the Department

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of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said: “Traditional methods of assessment have often been based upon awarding grades and have tended to provide little or no narrative feedback to learners. This might be effective at communicating whether someone has passed or failed an exercise, but it is extremely ineffective at explaining the reasons why someone passed or failed, what they did right and what they did wrong. Crucially, it does not give enough feedback about what they need to do to improve their performance and meet the learning aims of the exercise. “This is why assessment tools are so valuable. If we can provide learners with comprehensive feedback, whether narratively or using other methods, they can understand what they need to do to improve, which not only helps them target their learning but also boosts morale and motivation.” In addition to demonstrating how to write high-quality narrative evaluations, the learning activity explained

Dr. Khidir said: “It is really rewarding to see the level of engagement of the participants. On a separate note, this activity engaged the students in professional development, too. The organizing committee is thankful to the fourth-year medical students Ali Khairat, Tarek Barbar, Diala Steitieh and Saleha Abbasi, and to our alumnus and now associate professor of emergency medicine, Dr. Grigory Ostrovsky, who participated in the preparation of the videos that generated a lot of reflections and discussions that deep end the understanding of the concepts.” The symposium, organized as part the WCM-Q Division of Continuing Professional Development’s ‘Educators Across the Health Care Spectrum’ series, used workshops, small and large group discussions, role-play and handson activities to allow participants to gain a thorough practical understanding of assessment tools. The event was open to participants from WCM-Q and from other health professions educational institutions in Qatar. Deema Al-Sheikhly, Director of Continuing Professional Development, said: “Effective assessment is a vital part of any learning experience, but this has traditionally been somewhat overlooked and faculty often feel they require more

NEWS

formal training in this area. This seminar aimed to comprehensively answer that need.” This activity is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners - Accreditation Department. It is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Weill Cornell Medical College and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.

Improving patient care discussed at

WCM-Q Grand Rounds

trategies to translate rigorous research into decisive action in order to improve patient safety in hospitals were discussed at the latest installment of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s Grand Rounds series. Visiting expert Dr. Peter Kaboli, Chief of Medicine, Iowa City VA Hospital and Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, said that it was crucial for efforts to improve patient care to be grounded in very thorough research, and for the results of improvement strategies to be carefully monitored and analyzed. He said: “When I first became involved in quality improvement in hospitals, I felt there was a tension between those who demanded changes be made quickly – the ‘get it done by next Tuesday’ group – and those who favored a research-based approach that often took so long that the impetus for change had passed by the time the results were returned. “The key for making real improvements to the quality of care is to eliminate the disconnect between decisive action and rigorous research. Quality improvement measures need to be based on rigorous research that are translated into clear

recommendations and strategies, which are then implemented and followed-up with monitoring and evaluation to see if they actually lead to improved care and patient safety. This continuum, which is based on a very close working relationship between researchers and clinicians is therefore very important.” Dr. Kaboli, who was speaking at WCM-Q to an audience of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, medical educators, students and other healthcare providers, described a number of cases where quality improvement research had been used effectively. These included studies to determine the optimal length of stay in hospital for patients, to analyze the effectiveness of remote telemedicine consultations for HIV patients, and to assess several different protocols for coordinating multidisciplinary patient care. He said: “Multidisciplinary care is a very good target for research-based quality improvement because it often draws together large and diverse teams that comprise doctors, nurses, other health professionals, social workers and others, each of whom have very different schedules and workloads. Using quality improvement

research we have been able to test several different systems to see what works best for coordinating care.” The activity was an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department and was approved for a maximum of 1.00 hours. Dr. Amine Rakab, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Assistant Dean for Clinical Learning at WCM-Q, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Kaboli to Qatar to share with us his very important insights into quality improvement and patient care. As we all know, these are continuous processes that never end, so we can all learn a great deal from him to help ensure our patients receive the best quality care in the safest possible environment.” Photos Captions: Dr. Peter Kaboli visited Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar to speak about ways to drive quality improvements in patient care.

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Qatari high schoolers

complete WCM-Q summer scholarships in US Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, one the best academic medical centers in the United States.

atari high school students who were awarded research experience in some of the world’s top laboratories after winning Weill Cornell medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Healing Hands essay competition returned to the college to speak about their experiences. Back in May, four high school students were judged to have written the best essays out of a large number of submissions and were awarded the fully-funded, two-week Doctors of the Future Scholarships to spend time at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and Cornell University at Ithaca, upstate New York. This year’s winners were Aljohara Salem Al-Marri (Al-Eman Independent School for Girls), Fatima Mohammed Al-Naimi (International School of London-Qatar), Jassim Ahmed Al-Mansoori (The English Modern School) and ImanehQaedi (Al-Eman Independent School for Girls). Having completed their summer scholarships, Jassim, Aljohara and Imaneh returned to WCM-Q to give reports about their experiences. The Doctors of the Future Scholarship was launched in 2008 and is organized by WCM-Q’s Student Recruitment and Outreach office, part of the Division of Pre-medical Education, with the aim

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of giving promising Qatari high school students the chance to explore the possibilities of a career in medicine. This year’s program was the first to feature a week in Ithaca; previously, students spent the full two weeks at Weill Cornell Medicine-New York. Dr. Krystyna Golkowska, WCM-Q’s Associate Professor of English, designed the new Ithaca program to give the students an idea of what it is like to study for an undergraduate degree and to acquaint them with Cornell as an institution. During their stay at Ithaca, the students attended lectures on a wide range of subjects and enjoyed experiential learning sessions such as visits to Cornell’s veterinary hospital and to real, working laboratories. The students then travelled to Weill Cornell Medicine-New York where they spent a week in the labs of Randi Silver, Associate Dean of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Professor Of Physiology And Biophysics, and Stefan Worgall, Distinguished Professor Of Pediatric Pulmonology And Chief Of The Division Of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy And Immunology. At the end of the week, the students presented their results to the lab teams. While in New York the students also toured NewYork-

Imaneh said the scholarship had been “truly inspirational.” “It was a really great experience,” she said. “The most interesting thing for me was going on rounds in the clinic, getting to talk with patients and having the doctors explain the different cases to us. They showed us CT scans and explained the differences between healthy and abnormal physiology, so we got a real insight into what it’s like to be a practicing doctor. “I have always wanted to study medicine and become a doctor - the scholarship experience has helped show me the way. I’m so glad I had this chance. ” Jassim said: “I enjoyed the experience so much, especially the lectures, which were really interesting. Since I got back I have been inspired to read and learn as much as I can about a wide range of subjects, from DNA and how it replicates through to theories about addiction. The whole experience was very intellectually stimulating.” Each of the students was presented with a certificate of participation at a ceremony attended by Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, Dr. Marco Ameduri, Associate Dean for Pre-medical Education, Dr. Rachid Bendriss, Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment, Outreach and Foundation Programs, Noha Saleh, Director for Student Recruitment and Outreach, and Dr. Krystyna Golkowska, Associate Professor of English. Dr. Golkowska said: “We were extremely impressed by the aptitude and enthusiasm of the students. They worked extremely hard, were open to every new experience, and always had smiles on their faces. I am confident

NEWS

that if they applied and gained acceptance to WCM-Q, they would make excellent students.” She added: “We were also very pleased that the students were enriched by the newly created visit to Ithaca and we have plans to continue this next year.” Dr. Sheikh said: “We are extremely happy that our Qatari scholarship students responded so positively to the experiences they had in the US.

They were excellent ambassadors for their high schools, for WCM-Q and for Qatar. We hope that they will continue their journeys as scholars of science and we welcome them to apply to study here with us at WCM-Q so that they can become physician-scientists able to serve their community.” The topic of this year’s essay competition was Technol-ogy‘in Medicine: Promise and Peril’. Aside from the winners, six students

received honorable mentions. These were: Mohammed Khalid AlKuwari (Qatar Academy), Aisha Yousef AlJaber (Amna Bint Wahab Independent School for Girls), Bashayer Hmmaid Al Mansour (Al-Resala Independent School for Girls), Saad Salah Bahzad (Al Jazeera Academy), AlHanoof Hamad AlJ alahman (Qatar Academy), and Sheikha Mohammed Almannai (Al-Resala Independent School for Girls).

WCM-Q’s

Your Health First campaign and Qatar Green Building Council sign MoU Engineer Al Shamari continued: “Together with SahatakAwalan, we will have numerous activities across the country in the near future to spread awareness and help residents achieve healthier lifestyles and environments.”

our Health First, the public health campaign of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Green Life initiative of Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC). Your Health First and Green Life will work together to raise awareness of the impact that the built environment has on public health, promote sustainable health and environmental practices, and collaborate on joint research projects to improve understanding of the link between the environment and good health. The five-year Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Engineer Meshal Al Shamari, QGBC Director, and Nesreen Al-Rifai, WCM-Q’s Chief Communications officer, at the Qatar Green Buildings Conference, which was held at Qatar National Convention Center during Qatar Sustainability Week. Commenting on this collaboration, Engineer Al Shamari, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SahtakAwalan as it is fully in line with the objectives of our newly launched Green Life initiative. The Green Life is world’s first sustainability loyalty programme, which is designed to help people consider sustainability as a lifestyle and to show them that a few little changes can make a huge impact”

Mrs Al-Rifai said: “Your Health First and Green Life share a deep commitment to sustainable health that is intrinsically linked to respect for our environment. If we care for our environment, it will care for us by providing fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to nourish us and our young people. “With this MoU we will be able to work collaboratively to create projects that encourage appreciation of fresh, healthy produce while simultaneously underlining the importance of sustainability to safeguard the environment for future generations.” SahtakAwalan – Your Health First is an innovative, integrated public health campaign that aims to promote and facilitate healthy lifestyles across the whole of the community, with a special emphasis on young people. Your Health First initiatives emphasize the link between health and sustainability, such as Project: Greenhouse, which has so far gifted greenhouses and seeds to 82 elementary schools in Qatar, giving thousands of children the chance to grow and eat their own fresh and nutritious vegetables and herbs. Another initiative brought healthy menus to Qatar Foundation secondary schools and encouraged children to make healthy food choices by adapting the environment of the canteens with bright colors and strong branding promoting the benefits of good health. Additionally, the Your Health First Yalla Natural initiative uses a traveling roadshow to bring the benefits of eating fresh, natural produce and exercising regularly to the community at public events across Qatar.

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Visit the U.S International Pavilion at Arab Health 2017 A wide scope of U.S. science, technology and innovation for hospitals, clinics and practitioners will be on display in Dubai. More than 330 American exhibitors from more than 30 states are exhibiting at the show â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 270 in the U.S. International Pavilion in Halls 1, 2, 5 and Zaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;abeel 6. Highlights include new diagnostic, imaging and monitoring devices; hygiene and safety solutions; strategies for improving patient outcomes, professional skills and institutional performance

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ASK AMERICA

U.S. experts and expertise, deeply connected as valued partners year-round in the booming U.A.E. health and medical community, will be prominent on the exhibit floor at Arab Health 2017. More than 330 American companies, facilities and interests — including more than 10 state economic development groups — will be participating in this year’s show. From personal care and safety products to over-the-counter remedies, specialized medical devices, equipment and treatment strategies, U.S. exhibitors in Dubai represent a wide scope of America’s smartest science, technology and innovation. The centerpiece of the national effort is the U.S. International Pavilion, organized since 1996 by Kallman Worldwide, Inc., in coordination with numerous government agencies, including the departments of Commerce and State. Comprised of space in Halls 1,

2, 5 and Za’abeel 6, the Pavilion is a well-established destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet a critical mass of leading suppliers, an on-site business center for U.S. exhibitors looking to maximize their exposure and impact at the event, and a networking forum for all to share ideas and insights. The Pavilion will host 270 exhibitors, more than 85% of the total American contingent, 70 for the first time at the event. Ranging from publicly traded stalwarts to privately held small-andmedium-sized enterprises (SMEs), U.S. exhibitors know Arab Health is a premier event for initiating or strengthening business and professional relationships in the Middle East. “When U.S. companies commit to exhibit at Arab Health, they’re saying they believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers. The steady growth and diversification of

the event speaks for itself,” said Kallman Worldwide President and CEO, Tom Kallman. “As the organizer of the U.S International Pavilion for more than 20 years (before the launch of Dubai Healthcare City) our team is proud to help exhibitors capitalize on this influential international business opportunity and contribute to the extraordinary level of investment in medical infrastructure and innovation in the U.A.E.“ “Over the past 20 years, Kallman Worldwide has been invaluable in helping us develop and deliver an exceptional Arab Health experience,” said Simon Page, Managing Director of Informa Life Sciences Division. “America’s participation in the event is always highly anticipated by the health and medical community in the Middle East, and exhibitors in the U.S. International Pavilion consistently present the world-class partnerships, insights and professionalism our attendees are looking for.”

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In addition to organizing the national Pavilion, Kallman is inviting show visitors to “Ask America” at Arab Health. That exhibitor advocacy message will be placed prominently on site, integrated into hospitality and VIP events during the show, and promoted in social media (follow on Twitter @kallmanEWC). “The United States is among the big gest

international exhibitors at Arab Health because it’s the world’s biggest health and medical supplier, but that’s no guarantee buyers will look to work with U.S. companies over others,” said Kallman. “As the organizer of the U.S. International Pavilion, we have a responsibility to advocate not only for our exhibitors, but for our nation in this highly competitive global marketplace.

“We want every Arab Health visitor to ‘Ask America’ and be confident that we are listening,” he said. “Whether as manufacturers, suppliers, advisors or development partners, the United States of America supports the region’s health and medical professionals, and is dedicated to helping them improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.”

U.S. International Pavilion Exhibitor Highlights Booth H5.B63

Booth H1.E38

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) Prepares to Open First-Ever Translational Research Hospital

Chart BioMedical Announces New Respiratory Center-of-Excellence

The Shirley Ryan Abilitylab will open its doors on March 25, 2017. In March 2017, RIC will open its state-of-the-art hospital, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The 1.2-million-square-foot facility will be the first-ever “translational” research hospital in which clinicians, scientists and innovators work together in the same space, applying (“translating”) research real time.

Chart Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTLS) announced a realignment of the BioMedical Group to establish a Respiratory Center-of-Excellence in Canton, GA.

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Engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing will be centralized to jointly develop and deliver industry-leading products.

ASK AMERICA

Booth H1.F11-A

M3 Biotechnology has Novel Platform of Disease-Modifying Regenerative Small Molecules Relevant to Neurodegenerative Diseases, with Clinical Trials on Track to Begin in 2017. Neuroregenerative Therapy Capable of Reversing Memory and Motor Deficits in Animal Models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. A native of Jordan, CEO Leen Kawas, PharmD, PhD, conducted the research that led to the early creation of M3’s lead therapeutic compound. Booth H2.A19

America Medic & Science Introduces Six New Products Launches new website to better serve customers @ www.americamedic.com AMS is bringing six new arrivals to Arab Health: Bellagen for skin, hair and nails health; Neuro Booster for memory recall, mood & energy; Memo UP improves focus, memory; EyeCaps macular health & visual performance; Advanced Thyroid supports healthy thyroid, boosts energy and mood. Florabiotix promotes regularity and improves digestive system. Booth H1.B02

Waterproof Body Worn Holter! Records up to 15 Days, two channels and waterproof in two meters of water up to an hour. The myPatch®sl is the first body worn Holter monitor that is IP rated 68.

Booth H1.C14

NEMon opens HE/LX (helix)Analysis Software to All Qualified Holter Manufacturers Shunning historically proprietary data formats, NEMon’s ubiquitous and world-renowned Holter Analysis environment, HE/LX (helix), is now available to all qualified recorder vendors. NEMon effectively placed their ECG data format specification into the public domain. Any Holter manufacturer that can provide ECG data in this simple format has access to world-class analysis tools from NEMon. Booth H1.B59

Mediflex Introduces Patent Pending RELIEFTM Handle New ergonomic laparoscopic instrument handle addresses repetitive motion discomfort and injuries experienced by surgeons. RELIEFTM Handle reduces muscle, nerve and tendon stress associated with grasping motions. Booth H1.B36

Maxtec Launches the Next Generation MaxBlend 2 and MaxO2 ME These new products highlight Maxtec’s advanced air/O2 blending technology and their globally acclaimed oxygen monitoring technology. Maxtec is pleased to introduce the all-new MaxBlend 2 and MaxO2 ME, both designed with years of customer feedback in mind.

Booth H2.A30-A

Akervall Technologies, Inc. Announces Patent for NextGen Guard Akervall Technologies Inc. (ATI) announced the approval of their fifth mouth guard patent for the new SISU NextGen athletic mouth guard, released to the market in October 2016. Booth H1.C01

Booth H1.B59

FlexGuard(TM) Retractor Blade Cushion Released to Increase Patient Safety Against Injury Caused by Surgical Retractor Blades FlexGuard is a sterile, disposable accessory that adheres directly on standard retractor blades (manual or self-retaining) designed to increase patient safety

New Video Laryngoscope released from SakoMed U.S. Portable and durable Video Laryngoscope with capability to choose different languages, in four sizes with reusable and disposable blades.

Booth H1.C18

FEI Features Products for Hand Therapy at Arab Health Fabrication Enterprises (FEI) will feature its full range of products for hand therapy at Arab Health.

Booth H1.F11-C

MYCO Analytical Brings New Approach for Used Instruments and Equipment to Arab Health MYCO has been serving medical equipment industries for over 35 years. They have recently developed a new division that will be attending Arab Health, for the first time, to promote the Analytical field.

Booth H1.C17

PerkinElmer to Showcase World’s First Dynamic Imaging Cassette Detectors and Fastest R&F Detector Also introducing innovative CMOS detectors for surgical X-ray systems. PerkinElmer, is showcasing three new medical imaging products at Arab Health 2017.

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Booth H1.E12

Centurion Medical Products Launches IRIG-8 Wound Irrigation System and smART Kit for Radial Arterial Catheterization Centurion to share its medical product innovations for first time at Arab Health Centurion Medical Products, a leader in medical product innovation and global patient care for more than 50 years, is introducing two new products to its dynamic portfolio. Booth H1.E01

Mueller Sports Medicine(R) to debut new line of OmniforceTM knit support products. Mueller Sports Medicine(R) will showcase the Omniforce line of products which are more comfortable, more breathable, and yet just as supportive as traditional products in the category. Booth H1.F39

Mercury’s ONLY ONE Resusa-Tee™ Adult/Pediatric T-Piece Resuscitator is a Gas-Powered Emergency Resuscitator Intended to Provide Emergency Respiratory Support Mercury’s new ONLY ONE Resusa-Tee™ disposable adult/ pediatric T-Piece resuscitator w/built-in manometer provides more consistent Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) and Peak End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) than alternative methods such as hyperinflation or self-inflating resuscitators. Booth H2.A11-D

Taking the Scare Out of the Chair Clinton Industries introduces functional and fun pediatric phlebotomy seat In order to ease the stress on young patients, Clinton Industries has developed a proprietary line of pediatric blood drawing chairs that combine fun and function.

Booth H1.B58

Essex Expands Line of Premium Medical Oxygen Regulators Essex Industries is expanding its line of Premium Medical Oxygen Regulators to include three new connection ports: the BS 341, DIN 477#6 and DIN 477#9. Booth H1.B12

DILON Diagnostics and GE Healthcare Enter into a Middle East Distribution Agreement for the Discovery NM750b Molecular Breast Imaging System DILON Diagnostics and GE Healthcare are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement for DILON to be the distributor of GE’s Discovery NM750b Molecular Breast Imaging system for Middle Eastern and GCC countries. Booth Z6.F48

Case Medical Products Introducing Case Soil Wash Indicator for Monitoring Cleaning Effectiveness Selected a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year Case Medical has been selected a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year (2016) for the second year in a row. Booth H1.B19-A

BC Group International Releases the Latest Infusion Pump Analyzer IPA-3400 The IPA-3400 is the most compact, full-featured four-channel analyzer on the market. It is a high accuracy, easy to use system that incorporates full touch screen control. Booth H1.D10-E

Thinfastmd Franchises Growth Tremendous Obesity and overweight problems increase in Arab world Diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other weight related problems are on the rise in Arab countries. This requires a multifaceted approach to treat obesity.

Booth H1.E30

Ferno Wins EMS World Top Innovation Award MiN∫TRAXX™ Integrated Vehicle Component System and iN∫Line™ Fastening System built with medics in mind Ferno, the global leader in emergency pre-hospital patient handling equipment, is pleased to announce the iN∫TRAXX™ Integrated Vehicle Component System and iN∫Line™ Fastening System won the EMS World Top Innovation Award.

Booth H1.C57

BOSCOGEN® Recognized for Export Excellence Irvine based company receives Presidential “E-Star Award” BOSCOGEN®, a manufacturer of dietary supplements based in Irvine, California, has been awarded the President’s “E Star” Award for Exports by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Booth H1.E54

GreenSleeve Surgical Presents New Range of Laparoscopic Access Systems GreenSleeve products enable hospitals to curtail soaring costs with absolutely no compromise in quality.

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Booth H1.G55

QT Medical Inc. Named One of 12 finalists for Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2016 Patrick Soon-Shiong Innovation Award

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QT Medical Inc. is honored to be selected as one of the 12 finalists for the 2016 Patrick Soon-Shiong Innovation Awards! With the wide acceptance of mobile and wearable technologies, the ECG industry is at a critical point of transformation. QT Medical is making hospital quality 12-lead ECG available to patients at home, which is a game-changer for the industry and the process. Booth H1.E51-F

Better Life Biomed Presents safeHands Leading Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Foam To be manufactured also by U.S. Disinfectants, Inc. The safeHands alcohol-free hand sanitizer kills 99.99% of all germs, bacteria, and microbes that cause many illnesses.

Booth H1.A12

AHIMA Announces Formation of AHIMA World Congress (AWC) to Support International Members and Healthcare Professionals. AWC to provide HIM best practices and standards, certifications, and other resources for workforce development. The premier association for HIM, AHIMA, has created the AHIMA World Congress (AWC) to leads its efforts to support members, credential holders, customers (currently located in 66 countries), and health information professionals internationally to ensure the quality of health information worldwide. Booth H1.C15

safeHands foam moisturizes the hands as it cleans and protects at the same time. Booth H1.A60

Launch Innovative Medical Equipment into Emerging Markets Sanrai International is a young start-up looking to bring new technology to markets. Sanrai International was founded to bring a fresh approach to how innovative medical technology enters the emerging markets.

Humanscale Healthcare Launches MedLinkâ&#x201E;˘ Innovative medication delivery solution increases medication administration and workflow efficiency and improves outcomes. Humanscale Healthcare, the leader in next generation pointof-care solutions that advance caregiver and patient safety, engagement and satisfaction, launches MedLinkâ&#x201E;˘, an innovative medication delivery solution that streamlines complex nursing workflows and complements bedside medication administration to reduce errors and improve outcomes.

Booth H1.E51-G

Wireless Environmental Monitoring Made Easy

Booth H1.C38

Radiant Sensors is pleased to announce the release of its revolutionary wireless environmental monitoring system for the healthcare industry. The system provides end-to-end visibility of your environment, utilizing the latest sensor technology coupled with an advanced IoT platform.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 4% of patients acquire infections in USA, resulting in $35-45 billion in annual direct medical costs.

UV Self-Sanitization of Computer Keyboards in Healthcare is the Only Efficient Remedy to Bacteria Contamination

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Renal Failure

Patients will undergo dialysis all their life The kidneys play a fundamental role in the daily workings of our body and in maintaining the general health and wellbeing. They also play a role in the production and regulation of several important hormones and enzymes, which help to control blood pressure, make red blood cells and maintain strong and healthy bones. All this makes the kidneys a vital player in the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mechanism and overall health. There are many risk factors that can contribute to kidney disease, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to be aware of these risks and take the right steps to prevent kidney damage. An unhealthy lifestyle, dehydration, excessive alcohol intake and taking medications without a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prescription can all contribute to the risk of renal failure.

Chronic kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine

Kidney failure cases have steadily increased in recent years due to the high incidence of diabetes and hypertension in society, which led to many complications, both at the health level and psychological or social level, in addition to the high cost of treatments that include dialysis or transplantation. Aside from an unhealthy lifestyle, there are also some diseases that cause renal failure such as diabetes, hypertension and urinary tract obstruction.

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Renal Failure . ARTICLE FEATURES

Acute and chronic renal failure Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste products from your blood. When your kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate, and your blood’s chemical makeup may get out of balance. Acute kidney failure can be fatal and requires intensive treatment. However, acute kidney failure may be reversible. If you’re otherwise in good health, you may recover normal or nearly normal kidney function. Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal, fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet, drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, nausea, seizures or coma in severe cases, chest pain or pressure. Chronic kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body. Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly. They may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, sleep problems, changes in urine output, decreased mental sharpness, muscle twitches and cramps, swelling of feet and ankles, hypertension, chest pain and shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs.

Diagnosis To determine whether you have chronic kidney disease, you may need tests and procedures such as blood tests. Kidney function tests look for the level of waste products, such as creatinine and urea, in your blood. Analyzing a sample of your urine may reveal abnormalities that point to chronic kidney failure and help identify the cause of chronic kidney disease. Your doctor may use ultrasound to assess your kidneys’ structure and size. Other imaging tests may be used in some cases. Your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy to remove a sample of kidney tissue. Kidney biopsy is often done with local anesthesia using a long, thin needle that’s inserted through your skin and into your kidney. The biopsy sample is sent to a lab for testing to help determine what’s causing your kidney problem.

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ARTICLE FEATURES . Renal Failure

Life on Dialysis The kidney dialysis treatment itself usually does not cause any pain or discomfort. However, some patients may develop low blood pressure, which can lead to headache, cramping, nausea and vomiting. This usually goes away after a few treatments. If you are on dialysis, you may also feel like you have less energy; dialysis can cause you to feel tired. Depression is also a common problem among many patients on dialysis, but it can often be treated. Talk to your health care provider if you are feeling depressed. You may also feel like you have less time to get things done. Kidney dialysis requires strict scheduling and adjustments to lifestyle, which can disrupt

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your ability to work or enjoy everyday activities. This may be frustrating for you or your family. Counselors may be able to help you cope. Healthy kidneys remove excess phosphorus, a mineral that is present in many foods. Dialysis is not very efficient at removing phosphorus and too much in your system is harmful. High phosphorus stimulates overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which contributes to bone disease and can also cause itching.

Tips to keep your kidneys healthy • Keep your blood pressure at the target set by your health care provider. For most people, the blood pressure

target is less than 140/90 mm Hg. This can delay or prevent kidney failure. • If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose level. • Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range. • Take medicines the way your provider tells you to. • Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. • Choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. • Limit your alcohol intake. • Be more physically active. • Lose weight if you are overweight. • If you smoke, take steps to quit. Cigarette smoking can make kidney damage worse.

Renal Failure . ARTICLE FEATURES

Dialysis Kidney dialysis is a necessary treatment for people with end-stage kidney disease or permanent kidney failure. You need dialysis if you’ve lost about 85% to 90% of your kidney function. Temporary dialysis may be needed in some cases. Hemodialysis is most commonly used to treat people with end-stage kidney disease. However, children who need dialysis often receive peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that removes the blood from the body so it can be filtered through a dialzyer (artificial kidney) and then returned to the body. The blood is removed from and returned to the body through an access — either a catheter or vascular access, such as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or AV graft. The blood is filtered many times during a four-hour treatment to remove wastes and extra fluid. Hemodialysis can be performed in a dialysis center or at home. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) removes wastes and extra fluid; however, it is performed within the body. The peritoneal cavity in the abdomen holds dialysis solution called dialysate, and the peritoneum, the membrane around the cavity, acts as a filter. A PD catheter, which is a small, flexible tube, is placed in the abdomen so the peritoneal cavity can be filled with dialysate. Waste passes through the peritoneum into the dialysate, which is then drained and replaced after an amount of time prescribed by the doctor. PD is performed at home, but can also be performed at work or in any other clean environment. The types of PD include: automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), which consists of continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) performed with a machine called a cycler, and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which is performed manually. PD is a dialysis option wherever home dialysis is offered.

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Managing personal health like personal finances By Eric Engman, Sr. Director & General Manager, Cerner Middle East

oday many of us have greater visibility into our financial health than our own personal health, as well as tools and services to help us manag our finances and keep us “financially healthy.” In this article I explore how many of those advancements have come from technology, and how the gap between how we understand, engage and manage in our financial and personal health is narrowing with the help of government, public & private hospitals and care providers and healthcare information technology companies here in the Middle East. Every day I receive notifications and alerts, typically an SMS, whenever a transaction occurs on my debit or credit card. I receive emails letting me know that I have bills due in the near future, and I receive a reminder if those bills weren’t paid 2-3 days before the due date, helping me avoid late charges or services and subscriptions being shut off. On occasion I also receive emails stating that over the past year I have paid significant annual fees for two of my credit cards when there are other cards offering similar rewards and benefits available for no annual fee. At the end of each month I receive an email summarizing where and how I spent my money, how that compares to previous months, as well as how my monthly spend relates to any budgets I have set. All of this information and communication is proactive and pushed to me at the right time to make it relevant and actionable. These systems and tools help me save money, save time, and reduce the stress of trying to manage a complex world of personal and family finances that may otherwise be ignored or require me to visit various websites, review paper or electronic statements, keep and reconcile paper receipts, spending significant time manually tracking, comparing, consolidating and trying to understand disparate sources of information. The picture I describe above will look familiar to many readers. The tools I use, online banking, mobile apps and sites like Mint.com which aggregate & analyze my data, are readily available as online services. Because of this I have better engagement, understanding and control of my financial health than I did 10 or 15 years ago before these tools and services existed. As someone who works in the healthcare industry, but is also a patient and regular visitor to clinics and sometimes hospitals to receive care I often wonder not if, but when, I will be able to manage my personal health in a similar way I manage my financial health. Any of us that have visited clinics or hospitals have experienced the anxiety of wondering what the cost may be, what our insurance will

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or won’t cover, wondering if our test results will be good or bad, if we are getting healthier or not, and what we can do in our day to day lives to avoid becoming ill. In the future, I believe that we will have greater visibility, ownership, incentives and capability to better manage our personal health. Similar to how many of us manage our financial health today. What might this look like in the future? As I wake up in the morning, the devices I own will begin to collect and send health related data to my personal health record, this may be a sleep tracker on my phone, a scale that I step onto each morning, a heart rate or blood pressure monitor that my doctor has prescribed and sent home with me. I will have alerts & messages pushed to me encouraging me to eat certain foods, or take certain medications, based on guidance from my medical team & health coach. Throughout the day a pedometer embedded in my phone will track my steps and remind me to stand up, take a short break and walk around the office to keep my physical activity at desired levels. Later in the day

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in healthcare today. In the GCC today nearly all hospitals have implemented electronic medical records, many more are introducing online patient portals allowing their patients to communicate with their care team, view test results and download education related to a disease or condition, as well as schedule follow up visits. This is increasing engagement, awareness & a sense of ownership over our health and making it easier to do so. While these are positive steps, it is only the beginning of the journey, similar to the introduction on online banking it is allowing me as a patient to view data, often across multiple sites, or patient portals, if I visit multiple clinics and hospitals over time but in a reactive way. While the US, Europe and other parts of the world are looking to connect hospitals, clinics and other places of care together with Health Information Exchanges (HIE’s) the Middle East is in a unique position to leapfrog their peers and move quickly to proactive care by healthcare organizations and the members of the community they serve. Long term vision, and investment, by the Leadership in various GCC countries and their respective Ministries of Health and regulatory bodies mean most GCC countries use one enterprise EMR to deliver over 80-90% of the care in their respective countries. HIE’s would add value by connecting the private hospitals & clinics that sit outside of the Ministry/Country level EMR, but governments in the region are now looking to invest in the framework and platform that will allow data aggregation, analytics, research and population health capabilities for their citizens and create the picture I have laid out above. as I move around town location based data may alert me to specials or offers for groceries that fit my prescribed diet, or even a sale on new gym clothes. When I book my summer holiday I will be reminded and scheduled to the traveler’s clinic to get any vaccinations and medications for the country I am visiting. For the young, old and those require care givers this data will be analyzed and push alerts when there are changes that need attention. I may receive an email saying that a family member I care for has significantly decreased their physical activity and is gaining weight (tracked through their connected pedometer and scales in their house). All of this information and communication will be proactive and pushed to us at the right time to make it relevant and actionable in managing our health & wellness. Similar to the evolution of how we manage our financial health, from paper to siloed online access and thento open and connected, a similar evolution is already happening

In United Arab Emirates, the Cabinet has endorsed and supported plans for a country wide platform, the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR) that will connect all healthcare organizations in the country as well as their respective medical records to improve care delivery to patients as well as improve the health of the citizens and their communities. In Qatar the National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy has established goals and structure to improve the health of their citizens, not only focused on treating patients but focused on prevention and curing as well as crating a culture of wellness. These countries, their Leadership, the respective Ministries and regulatory bodies along with other members of the public and private sector are quickly advancing the way healthcare is delivered in the GCC and how we as citizens will be able to move from a reactive to proactive managers of our health & wellness. This day is not far away and I can’t wait for it to be as easy as checking my bank balance.

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Arab Health Exhibition seeks to bridge the specialist skills gap to improve patient care in the GCC

ecent findings indicate that limited super-specialised care in areas such as oncology and cardiology are driving outbound medical tourism in the GCC. In Dubai alone, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) spent AED 307 million towards overseas treatment for its citizens. Around 14% of this expense was incurred on neurosurgery treatments, followed by 12% on oncology treatments, 11% on orthopaedics, and around 7% on cardiology surgeries due to the existing gap in specialised care currently available in the country. These statistics show that there is an evident need for increased investment

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in specialised care in the region. A number of new, advanced medical hands-on-training courses, which will take place during the upcoming Arab Health Exhibition & Congress on the 30 January - 2 February 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, have been added to train more than 900 healthcare specialists in advanced medical techniques and help bridge the current specialist skills gap in the region. The training will allow physicians, surgeons and technicians from the region to learn and practice new techniques utilising pioneering equipment. Training will focus on specialised treatments

in cardiology, neurology, surgery, gastroenterology, urology, oncology, 3D medical printing, bariatric surgery, ultrasound, haematology, neonatal respiratory and radiology using state-ofthe-art equipment. More than 900 high-level healthcare professionals have registered to benefit from these niche and practical learning experiences at the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest healthcare exhibition

With oncology, cardiology and orthopaedic treatments accounting for 45% of the cases of GCC patients travelling abroad for treatment, Simon Page,

NEWS

Managing Director at Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, commented that advancing healthcare education and access to specialised training in this region is paramount. “Investment in specialised training will not only improve a healthcare professional’s own learning and development, but it will help improve access and outcomes for patients in this region, and attract and retain talent from across the globe. In the long run, by improving access to training sessions for specialists in this region, we are improving patient access to these innovative techniques. We believe offering handson-training sessions to local physicians plays a vital role in improving the level of specialised care in the UAE and puts us one step closer to achieving a worldclass healthcare system in the UAE - in line with the Dubai Clinical Services Capacity Plan and the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Strategic Plan.” David Mezher, General Manager of GE Healthcare Middle East, strongly agrees that the upskilling of doctors should be a priority for the Middle East: “Providing local physicians with access to practical training in the latest innovation technologies is crucial. These hands-on training sessions at Arab Health will ensure physicians from this region are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to help enhance their skills and, ultimately, it will provide better outcomes for patients too.” One of the sessions led by GE Healthcare at the upcoming Arab Health Exhibition is an innovative practical session on new digitalised detector technology available in oncology. “This training will give healthcare professionals hands-on training in tumour image acquisition using state-of-theart diagnostic technologies which will

play a crucial role in improving survival rates for patients with cancer in the future. The new detector supersedes the diagnostic capabilities of current technology, and will help improve earlier tumour diagnosis”, David continued. SAH Global’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Allan F Thornton, who is also the world’s longest treating proton therapy radiation oncologist and, SAH Global’s Chief of Pediatric Radiation Oncology, Dr Andrew Chang, will be at Arab Health to offer a hands-on experience in the clinical practice and application of proton therapy; a treatment currently not available in the MENA Region. Feroz Agad, Chairman of SAH Global said, “This hands-on training in Proton Therapy, which we are offering at Arab Health Exhibition, will be the first of its kind in the MENA region. It will be a vital platform to equip doctors from across this region with specialised skills in a wide range of techniques for the

delivery of Proton Therapy, including treatment planning (physics and dosimetry) and target volume drawing, without them having to travel internationally. By offering this practical learning experience in proton therapy locally, we are helping to narrow the specialised capacity gap and prepare them for what the future of healthcare in the field of radiation oncology will look like in the Middle East.” Limited regional skills in treatment areas such as oncology and cardiology drive Arab Health to offer local physicians 28 hands-on training sessions in specialised techniques

Courses will be delivered by world-renowned experts from institutions including GE Healthcare, 3D Lifeprints, Alder Hey Hospital in the UK, SAH Global Hampton Proton Therapy Institute in the U.S.A., GSD University and Research Hospitals, Carestream, Houston Methodist, Emirates Urology Society, Nihon Kohden and Philips.

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Burjeel Hospital successfully performs complicated surgery on a patient with a life-threatening

Surgeons at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading and most advanced private healthcare facilities, recently performed a life-saving surgery on a patient with advanced kidney cancer.Â After he completed his initial tests, Mr. LM, a 52-year-old Egyptian national, was told that his life-threatening condition requires anadvanced surgery which could not be performed at the previous hospital. He then visited another private healthcare facility, where he was told that the operation would cost him a huge amount of money which he cannot afford. Mr. LMwas under a great deal of stress since his health insurance does not cover the fees for surgery.

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ARTICLE

Dr. Hamdy Aboutaleb Consultant – Urology at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi

When Mr. LMconsulted Dr. Hamdy Abdel Mawla Abou taleb, Consultant – Urology at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, he was immediately recommended for series of diagnostic tests to check the latest status of his kidneys and the extent of damage to the organ and nearby tissues. Upon receiving the results, Dr. Aboutaleb decided to perform a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy to remove the diseased kidney with cancer. “This was an extremely challenging case because there were some abnormalitieswith the blood supply network of renal blood vessels. If not done with extreme skill and care, the surgery could have led to excessive bleeding, which could be fatal,” explained Dr. Aboutaleb. In traditional open surgery, the surgeon uses a long midline or flank incision to enter into the abdomen and remove the kidney with the tumor. With the significant advancements in technology,minimally invasive surgery (also known as laparoscopic or keyhole surgery)is whereby operative procedures are performed through small openings such as windows. The technique brings many benefits to patients because it decreases the possibility of post-surgery complications such as blood loss or transfusion requirements, respiratory complications, wound infections and hernia formation. Since there is lesser incision involved, patients can expect lesser pain after the surgery and can leave the hospital faster to go back to their regular activities. “We decided to operate on Mr.LMas soon as possible considering the danger to his life,“ the doctor added. During the procedure, theinternational team of medical experts at Burjeel Hospitallead by Dr. Aboutaleb,with Dr. Amr Ahmed Massoud, Specialist – Urology and Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Ahmed, Consultant - Anesthesia / Critical Care Medicine,successfully removed the entire kidney with its malignant tumor, fatty tissues surrounding the organ and a portion of the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder (ureter).Due to Dr. Aboutaleb and team’s skillful handling of the case, no blood loss, hence avoided transfusion during the surgery. Moreover, Mr. LMwas able to eat on the same day and was discharged on the third day after the surgery. ”I am very grateful for the efforts taken by the medical team at Burjeel Hospital.I had almost given up hope after receiving disappointing news from the previous hospitals I approached to treat my kidney cancer. Dr. Aboutaleb and his clinical teamwere very supportive and caring at every point of the journey. Words cannot express my appreciation for this second chance at life,” said Mr. LM. “He is doing very well,” said Dr. Aboutaleb.“We are very happy to see his health improving with each passing day. Saving a man’s life and ensuring a healthier future for him and his family is truly rewarding. This has been an important commitment for all of us.” Dr. Aboutalebexplained further thatthis casemarks a milestone for the medical team. “Cancer is a life-threatening condition. And laparoscopic radical nephrectomyhas, in fact, become the preferred method to treatmany kidney cancer cases because it is minimally invasive, less painful, and offers rapid recovery and results compared to the more traditionally used surgical procedures.It is an honor to be able to offer this and help save more lives, especially cancer patients.”

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Leading Qatari doctor discusses severe respiratory failure at WCM-Q Grand Rounds

ne of Qatar’s leading doctors explained the latest therapies for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the most recent installment of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s Grand Rounds series.

Dr. Ibrahim Fawzy Hassan, Corporate Director of Critical Care at Hamad Medical Corporation and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), gave a detailed exposition of ARDS, which is a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by widespread inflammation of the lungs and fluid build-up in the air sacs (alveoli). This fluid in the alveoli inhibits gas exchange, preventing the lungs from taking up oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide and causing severe breathing difficulties. ARDS can have many different causes, such as sepsis (serious blood infection), trauma, inhalation of harmful substances, or severe pneumonia. ARDS can be caused by H1N1 influenza-induced pneumonia. Dr. Hassan said: “To treat ARDS you cannot just give oxygen therapy because alveoli that are filled with fluid are not going to respond. This will lead to severe hypoxemia (abnormally low oxygen concentration in the blood) so clearly a different rescue therapy is needed. The response should not be to give more and more oxygen but instead we need to open the alveoli and increase lung recruitment.” Dr. Hassan also warned that giving too much oxygen to a patient with ARDS can cause oxygen toxicity, which in turn causes widespread organ damage. A number of treatment protocols for ARDS exist, explained Dr. Hassan, including a technique called extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO involves the use of a machine to extract blood from a large vein near the heart and artificially oxygenate the blood before returning it to the body. Essentially, the ECMO machine acts as an artificial lung. ECMO was previously considered ineffective and was often used only as a last resort when all other treatments had failed. However, recent improvements in technology and enhanced understanding of the best way to administer the treatment have made ECMO far more effective, with recent research showing survival rates upwards of 70 percent in patients with ARDS, explained Dr. Hassan. Another method for increasing lung recruitment that is often highly effective is far more low-tech, said Dr. Hassan, and simply involves careful positioning of the patient in the prone position with strategic placement of pillows. He said: “Placing a patient with ARDS in the prone position can relieve the weight of heart and abdomen from the lungs, allowing for increased lung recruitment. It is a very cost-effective procedure that can sometimes remove the need for ECMO completely. However, it is important to have the facility to be able to use ECMO when necessary as it can be very effective indeed. We are fortunate that in Qatar we now have one of only two ECMO centers in the region.” Dr. Hassan received his MD degree in Kiev, Ukraine, and completed his residency training at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Fawzy has won several awards, including the Alpha Omega Alpha award from Weill Cornell Medical College and The Young Clinician of the Year award for the Middle East region from Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. In the light of the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Dr. Hassan was instrumental in the development of the Severe Respiratory Failure ECMO Program at HMC. The activity was an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department and was approved for a maximum of 1.00 hours. Dr. Stephen Atkin, WCM-Q Professor of Medicine, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome such a distinguished professional as Dr. Hassan to WCM-Q and to hear about these important developments in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. His work has been extremely important in bringing world-class treatment for ARDS patients to patients in Qatar.”

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