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In the United Arab Emirates, the use of telemedicine has increased rapidly over recent years.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the UAE was one of the most prepared countries in the region, thanks to strategic investment in high-tech medical applications and digital services. Existing telemedicine services were quickly expanded to safely continue providing clinical care while minimising the risk of viral transmission.
What is the current telemedicine scenario in the UAE?
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technologies to remotely provide healthcare services. This includes video consultations, live messaging, medication management and e-prescribing, remote monitoring of patients using tech devices, and storage and forwarding of clinical images and data.
In September 2020, it was reported that approximately 90 percent of doctors in the UAE were using smartphones and telemedicine software to provide healthcare. In one survey, 54 percent of UAE expats reported that they were ‘highly likely to use virtual healthcare services to access primary care; 14% higher than the global average.’ Research in the UAE and Saudi Arabia on the use of telemedicine for diabetes management found that both doctors and patients were keen to continue using telemedicine service, based on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the UAE, telemedicine services are offered by public and private healthcare providers, as well as health insurance companies. These may be facility-based, enabling remote consultation with a specialist or other healthcare provider in another hospital or clinic, or accessed from home.
A variety of platforms are used for telemedicine consultations in the UAE, including web portals and mobile applications. However, they vary in their features and capabilities.
How to choose the best telemedicine software?
As a healthcare provider, it is worth investing the time and effort required to find the best telemedicine software. A full demonstration is required to understand a system’s features and capabilities. Choosing wisely when upgrading your technology will enable you to provide a safe, secure and efficient telemedicine practice.
Here are the essential features to look for:
1. Compatibility with existing workflows – telemedicine software should reduce your administrative workload, not increase it. Seamless integration and compatibility with your existing IT systems, such as electronic health record (EHR) and other databases, avoids the need to manually re-enter information.
2. Data protection and security compliance – to store and share data securely. End-to-end encryption is required to prevent third parties accessing private communications or sensitive data. It is important to choose telemedicine software which is fully compliant with local data protection regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR.
3. User-friendly interface – easy and intuitive to use for both staff and clients, even those with limited technical knowledge. Software should operate effectively on all devices, such as PC, tablet or smartphones. This is best achieved with both web-based and cloud-based platforms.
4. Efficient appointment scheduling – allowing patients and staff to easily schedule, cancel, or reschedule appointments. In-patient or virtual consultation options within the same system enables effective scheduling of a clinician’s time, avoiding double-booking. Automatic notifications and reminders of upcoming appointments can reduce no-shows.
5. Group consultation option – to allow family members, carers, specialists or other health professionals to join a video consultation. This enables collaboration over a geographical distance, for the benefit of patients.
6. Integrated features – optimising all aspects of care before, during and after consultations, such as:
● Secure document upload and sharing
● Virtual check-in and virtual waiting room
● Online consent management
● Ability to record notes on the same screen during a call
● Secure billing and payment system
● Schedule future visits
● Secure messaging for follow-up
● Feedback management
7. Training and technical support – for staff and patients should be easily accessible and ongoing.
8. Comprehensive and scalable platform – securely connecting all aspects of patient management, scalable and adaptable as your practice grows.
Are you equipped to make the best use of telemedicine in your practice?
Not all telemedicine and practice management software is created equal. Medoment is designed by experts in healthcare informatics. It offers a complete engagement solution, with online consultation booking and management, teleconsultation, and a patient engagement portal within a single platform.
Why choose Medoment?
Not all telemedicine and practice management solutions are created equal. Medoment is designed by experts in healthcare informatics. It offers a complete engagement solution, with online consultation booking and management, teleconsultation, and a patient engagement portal within a single platform.
Key features of Medoment:
- Smart physician search and filter features, helps to find a doctor efficiently
- List & connects all your facilities on one platform
- Accessible on all devices through easy to use website or mobile app
- Both web-based and cloud-based
- Enhanced patient and clinician experience with intuitive and intelligent design features
- Direct appointment scheduling and management
- Automated appointment reminder service
- Seamless integration of teleconsultations
- Group video consultations
- Online consent management and virtual waiting room
- Fully integrates with your existing EMR and health information systems
- Improved engagement via secure direct messaging
- Uploading and sharing of clinical documents and test results
- Secure payment gateway option
- Expert advice and professional implementation services
- Initial orientation training and ongoing IT support
- Industry Standard Security and Data Protection Compliance (HIPAA and GDPR compliant)
To find out more, or book a demonstration, contact us today:
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