IBM brings new healthcare strategies to Arab Health 2007

IBM is showcasing advanced solutions that help healthcare institutions raise the level of patient care and drive breakthroughs in operational efficiency. The company is also briefing healthcare management from around the region on how to ensure that institutions gain the full business value from healthcare IT investments.

'Like the paperless office, the concept of a full digital hospital has been a goal of many healthcare providers as they strive to enhance patient care and drive higher business efficiencies,' said Takreem El-Tohamy, general manager IBM Middle East, Egypt, and Pakistan.

'Today's healthcare institutions realise that implementing IT systems without taking into account human factors is counterproductive and this is why IBM believes that a people-centric approach to IT implementation is required, to ensure real-world clinical and business process optimization takes place.'

IBM has a proven record in healthcare information technology as it continually provides new advances in healthcare information management allowing institutions across the world to offer innovative services that enhance the quality of healthcare at lower costs. The company is holding a seminar on the first day of Arab Health to brief delegates on two important strategies for healthcare institutions:

'Patient Centric E-health', Monday 29 January, 15:00-15:45 hours

'Clinical and business process optimization', Monday 29 January, 15:45-16:30

'Patient Centric E-health' focuses on, an innovative approach to healthcare systems that puts patients in charge of their well being by defining treatments specifically and placing strategies that can help them take preventive measures to stay healthy. This approach is also cost effective and it can drastically improve the exchange of digital information in the healthcare chain.

The transition to patient-centric healthcare is made possible today by advances in technology but requires the buy-in and involvement of every stakeholder in the healthcare chain-patients, providers and payers. By transferring the responsibility for his or her own health to the patient, they can optimize treatment at a reasonable cost.

'Clinical and Business Process Optimization', outlines the strategies for empowering healthcare organizations with the use of IT in redesigning their business processes. This approach allows organizations to transform into a more effective and efficient patient care delivery system. IBM offers the business and clinical expertise along with the tools to monitor, manage and optimize clinical and business processes.

Healthcare organizations typically make an investment to implement new systems with the understanding that a new system will contribute to overall business objectives, such as lowered costs, increased revenue or improved quality of care. Yet all too often achieving those business goals is overlooked when implementing the new system, frequently due to time-pressures.

Healthlink, a leader in global business services healthcare which was acquired by IBM last year, specializes in helping healthcare institutions define strategies, implement new systems, whilst ensuring that the organization derives business value. IBM Healthlink has completed more than 2500 hospital projects and was recently ranked number one in clinical implementations independent survey of Healthcare IT (HIT) vendors conducted by KLAS, a research and consulting firm that specializes in monitoring and measuring the performance of HIT vendors and professional service firms.

'Healthcare quality is a constant challenge and since all modern healthcare systems are underpinned by technology, technology play a pivotal role in helping to raise the level of patient care,' added Takreem El-Tohamy. 'IBM is a pioneer in healthcare information technology as it helps healthcare organizations across the world address key business issues and contribute to higher levels of care.'

IBM is exhibiting at Arab Health 2007 at booth CE09 outside exhibition hall 5.