Emirates Health Services (EHS) revealed its latest service in virtual reality-based psychological therapy, as part of its ongoing commitment to revolutionize mental healthcare and contribute to human development and enhanced quality of life. Aligned with the vision of "We Are the UAE 2031" and the nation's focus on prioritizing human welfare, this initiative aims to create a significant advancement in patient care.
In tandem with the start of Arab Health 2024, Emirates Health Services (EHS) unveils a host of cutting-edge healthcare initiatives under the theme of "Innovating for Your Health... Excelling with You." EHS is actively participating in the event through showcasing a diverse array of quality healthcare projects. Among these projects are the AVEIR™ DR Leadless Pacemaker, pioneering advancements in Arrhythmia treatment, the Stroke Recognition Application Using AI “Tele stroke”, and the AI-based Application for EEG.
H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Financial Sector and Support Services and Chairman of the Arab Health 2024 Committee at Emirates Health Services, stated that EHS continues its active and impactful participation in the healthcare sector through annual announcements of innovative projects. This year, EHS is showcasing 27 projects and smart healthcare technologies, all of which contribute to achieving its objectives of providing sustainable and comprehensive healthcare for the entire Emirati community. Al Zarooni emphasized that EHS remains committed to its developmental journey and endeavors to enhance the competitiveness of the healthcare sector at local, regional, and global levels.
First of its kind in the Middle East, The Immersive Reality Laboratory for Mental Health
H.E. Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of Clinical Services at EHS, emphasized EHS’ commitment to enhancing mental health among individuals in the community and addressing their prominent psychological challenges. H.E. highlighted the announcement of their latest psychological service, which involves psychological therapy using virtual reality technology. This therapy will be implemented in the second half of 2024 at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, an EHS facility. The Immersive Reality Laboratory is one of the modern smart technological tools being implemented by EHS, making it the first in the Middle East to introduce this form of therapy.
H.E. further stated that the successive variables and rapid technological advancements have created numerous psychological challenges that require scientific approaches and modern techniques to address them. He explained that immersive reality psychological therapy will contribute to providing treatment for various psychological issues such as internet addiction and others that affect many children, adolescents, and young adults. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the quality of mental health in societies to enhance their presence and active participation in driving sustainable growth.
Developing Innovative Psychological Treatments for Anxiety, Internet Addiction, and Some Behavioral Challenges Associated with Autism
Immersive reality psychological therapy technology works towards creating an innovative and interactive therapeutic environment that contributes to the development of advanced and personalized treatment plans for a larger segment of society compared to traditional methods. This technology can develop treatments for seniors, children, and individuals with sensory and cognitive difficulties such as anxiety, internet addiction, and some behavioral challenges associated with autism. This technology allows for the development and improvement of therapeutic outcomes by adopting immersive reality technology, which relies on artificial environments to provide simulated scenarios that can be used to treat psychological difficulties, helping patients address their fears. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy using augmented reality is employed to correct thoughts and behaviors. The technology also aims to train and educate individuals with autism spectrum disorders in social skills through interactive environments.
This technology holds significant importance as it is based on creating a high-fidelity virtual environment. Furthermore, it can gather and integrate biometric data during therapy sessions to measure stress levels and social interaction with scientific precision. Moreover, being the first of its kind in the Middle East, it solidifies the position of Emirates Health Services as a global innovator in the field of psychological innovation.
The QDOT cardiac Catheter First of its Kind in The Middle East
The projects showcased by EHS include heart-related services implemented at Al Qassimi Hospital, an EHS facility. These projects include the first-of-its-kind wireless cardiac pacing system, AVEIR, as a dual-chamber heart rhythm regulation system. In partnership with Johnson & Johnson, EHS is executing two projects focused on atrial fibrillation treatment: Advancement of Arrhythmia treatment Journey - Smart Kiosk, Kardia device, an educational campaign in Arabic to support atrial fibrillation, and the QDOT Cardiac Catheterization for Ablation device, introduced for the first time in the Middle East. The QDOT device utilizes advanced high-energy ultrasound waves to reorganize heartbeats and has demonstrated improved success rates and reduced procedure duration of less than 60 minutes.
The Stroke Recognition Application Using AI “Tele stroke”
EHS has also announced its Stroke Recognition Application Using AI “Tele stroke” project in collaboration with the University of Chicago's neuroscience department. This project aims to utilize a centralized healthcare network comprising several EHS hospitals across the Emirates to identify and treat strokes using artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Artificial Intelligence Brain Electroencephalography Application “AI-based Application for EEG” has been implemented as a diagnostic solution for EEG brain mapping in epilepsy patients without the need for an on-site neurologist or EEG technician. The device features remote diagnostic capabilities through an application that connects the neurologist with the results.