Mobile apps are the future of digital services in the healthcare industry, an effective tool for engaging and educating patients about their patient journey. This is because patients constantly seek simple and user-friendly tools from their health providers.  

Widespread integration of mobile apps in healthcare could potentially increase patients’ access to their health information and facilitate future goals of advancing patient-centred care. It also has the potential to contribute valuable real-world data that are not captured by other sources and could provide more cost-effective and generalisable data compared to randomised controlled trials.  

Related: Empowering patients through health apps

Despite having increased access to their health data, patients do not always understand this information or its implications, and digital health data can be difficult to navigate when displayed in a less user-friendly design or interface. 

However, having observed multiple surveys by McKinsey and other research, we have compiled the below features that determine the intention of the patient to trust a mobile app and what makes them continue using the service, disclose information, and follow medical advice: 

• User-friendly interface: A user-friendly interface is essential in creating trust with patients. Your app should be easy to navigate and have clear instructions. 
• Security: This is a major concern for patients when it comes to healthcare apps. Patients trust apps that have strong security features, such as encryption, authentication, and data backup. 
• Privacy: Patients want to feel secure knowing their information is kept confidential. Your app should have a clear privacy policy that outlines what information is collected, how it's used, and who has access to it. 
• Reputation: A strong reputation in the healthcare industry is important for gaining patients' trust. Patients are more likely to trust apps backed by reputable organisations or have positive reviews and ratings. 
• Personalisation: Personalisation is a key feature that can help build trust with patients. Your app should offer personalised recommendations, treatment plans, or resources based on the patient's individual needs and preferences. 
• Support: Patients want to feel supported throughout their healthcare journey. Your app should offer reliable support, such as 24/7 customer service, online chat, or a dedicated support team. 
• Accessibility: Patients trust apps that are accessible and available to them whenever needed. Your app should be compatible with different devices, operating systems, and internet speeds to ensure it is accessible to all patients. 
• Data accuracy: Providing accurate and up-to-date information is essential to building patient trust. Your app should be regularly updated with the latest medical research, treatment options, and other relevant information. 
• Transparency: Patients trust apps that are transparent about their practices and policies. Your app should be upfront about how it operates, makes money, and uses patient data. 
• Patient empowerment: Patients want to feel empowered and in control of their healthcare decisions. Your app should offer resources and tools that enable patients to make informed decisions about their health and treatment options. 
• Professionalism: Patients want an app that is professional and trustworthy. You should have a professional design, use appropriate language, and provide references or citations for medical information. 
• Feedback and reviews: Patients want an app that has positive reviews and feedback from other users. Encourage patients to leave reviews and feedback and respond to any concerns or criticisms promptly and professionally. 

Related: Medical apps record a rise in investments

By incorporating these features, healthcare apps can build trust with patients and become valuable tools for managing their health. 

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Recently, a number of well-known personalities shared their journey of significant weight loss after taking Ozempic on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. This sparked a worldwide interest in the drug, which led to an increase in popularity. However, medical experts advise consumers to consult their healthcare providers before using any medication for off-label purposes, as doing so can be dangerous and may lead to unintended side effects.  

“Studies have shown that patients who stop using Ozempic without the behaviour change journey gained more weight than they began with,” said Ali Hashemi, Co-Founder of meta[bolic] and Zone.Health. 

Related: AI-powered platform to support diabetic care in GCC

Celebrities have the potential to raise awareness about the medication and its benefits, leading to increased interest and demand from the public. While this surge in demand can positively impact production and logistics, it can also have negative consequences as seen in the case of Ozempic. 

According to Dr. Ahmed AK Hassoun, Consultant of Endocrinology at Fakeeh University Hospital, increased demand encourages pharmaceutical companies to invest in production and availability, leading to greater accessibility for those who need it. However, a sudden surge in demand, driven by celebrities and social media, can strain the supply chain leading to a potential imbalance between demand and supply for actual patients. This can be challenging for those who rely on the medication for medical purposes rather than just losing weight. 

Related: Diabetes prevention remains UAE’s top priority

Dr. Ahmed AK Hassoun, Consultant of Endocrinology at Fakeeh University Hospital

Ozempic is a drug that has only been approved for the treatment of diabetes.  A version of the same molecule (semaglutide), re-branded as Wegovy, has been approved as a weight loss medication. “That said, the off-label use of Ozempic as an aide to a weight loss journey has been common for some time now, but only under the direct supervision of a physician,” explained Dr. Ihsan Al Marzooqi, Co-Founder of meta[bolic] and Zone.Health. 

The broad shortage of Ozempic seen currently, and GLP-1s in general, has been attributed to the misuse and self-administering of the drug by celebrities and social media influencers who are seeking rapid weight loss. This inappropriate off-label use of Ozempic has led to an unprecedented surge in demand among the general population, resulting in difficulties for diabetics accessing the medication. 

Can Ozempic be used safely as a weight loss drug? 

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription drug meant for the management of Type 2 diabetes, but it has also been studied for its weight loss effect. Without proper medical consultation, taking Ozempic may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea¹. Furthermore, there are serious risks associated with off-label use ranging from pancreatitis to gallbladder and kidney problems². 

“The only safe way to use Ozempic as a weight loss drug is to consult a doctor who will assess the different comorbidities that need to be considered,” said Dr. Hassoun. 

Ozempic’s effect on patients with pre-existing conditions 

Stopping the medication abruptly may lead to serious health implications for those using it to manage a health condition. It may cause the glucose in the body to spike, potentially putting the lives of those with uncontrolled diabetes at risk. 

“It is crucial for patients to communicate their requirements with their doctor and then make any changes to their regimen to avoid serious medical consequences,” Dr. Hassoun advised.           

The role of healthcare providers and regulators  

On the regulatory front, more could be done. According to Hashemi, pharmacists need to stop providing medications without prescriptions and prescribe dosages to patients that do not meet the eligibility criteria.  

Co-Founders Dr. Ihsan Al Marzooqi & Ali Hashemi of meta[bolic] and Zone.Health 

“Many physicians that prescribe Ozempic do not actively track their patient’s data, titrate correctly, or run necessary blood tests beforehand. Hence, both regulators and providers need to play an active role to address the shortage,” he said. 

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, is working on increasing the availability of the drug. As per a statement by the company, their 0.25 and 0.5 pens had the most supply disruptions “due to the combination of tremendous demand coupled with overall global supply limitations”.  

Consequently, various healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies are looking to collaborate to seek the most effective solution to address the shortage. “The healthcare world may witness new partnerships, increased production, and recommendations for alternative medications,” said Dr. Hassoun. 

Alternative medications for patients unable to access Ozempic 

There are alternative medications available for patients who are unable to access Ozempic. As Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor antagonists³, there are similar drugs in this class that can be used. Among these are Trulicity, Bydureon, Victoza, Mounjaro, and Wegovy⁴. Al Marzooqi said that it is important for patients to speak with healthcare providers to determine the best alternative treatment option for individual needs. 

“As far as pharmaceutical companies are concerned, they need to learn to diversify their supply chain and avoid dependency on one singular supplier that increases the vulnerability of shortage in the healthcare system. Patient education is also an essential factor when choosing alternative medication and creating a contingency plan,” said Dr. Hassoun. 

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Wearable technology serves the healthcare business in a variety of ways. Wearable medical gadgets have shown value since their introduction, from more precise diagnosis to improved patient-physician interaction. Fitness, remote patient monitoring, and customised medicine will be major development areas in several Western European countries due to a greater emphasis on health and wellbeing and a growing senior population. Furthermore, the introduction of new therapeutic applications will substantially speed up growth. 

Physicians can track, record, and evaluate patients' acute or chronic diseases using wearable medical technology when they are away from a hospital or clinic. They make it possible for the practitioner to comprehend the patient's illness condition in real-time and adopt preventative clinical measures. Presently, Western European countries have been using these devices on a huge scale owing to the large patient pool and increasing incidences of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.  

Related: Digital wellness wearables evolve from trendy gadgets to integral part of healthcare

Utilising wearable medical devices might enhance the treatment of chronic illnesses by monitoring vital risk factors, including blood pressure, glucose, and other parameters. For end-users and hospitals, wearable medical devices provide several advantages, including lower healthcare costs, shorter hospital stays, and fewer doctor visits, among others. Additionally, this can aid in lowering the expense of treating chronic illnesses. Thus, these devices are expected to show growth in the coming years. In this article, we discuss how these devices are effective in measuring regular blood sugar levels and also what are the growing R&D measures in Western Europe for these devices.  

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems to track glucose levels 

The IDF estimates that the total cost of diabetes among people in Western Europe aged 20 to 79 was US$ 126 billion in 2018 and will rise to US$ 178 billion by 2040. This prompted several researchers and makers of medical equipment to look at wearable technology to manage the complications of diabetes. Devices like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are examples of wearable technology for diabetics that can make controlling blood sugar considerably simpler and more effective. As technology has advanced, more patients with type 2 diabetes are using these medications that were originally designed for those with type 1 diabetes. 

Related: The integration of wearables in telemedicine for remote patient monitoring

A person may continuously monitor their blood glucose levels thanks to CGM devices. A CGM is a small monitoring and transmission device that measures blood sugar in real-time, often every five minutes, using an implanted or a stick-on (attached to the skin) sensor. Continuous blood sugar monitoring allows for more precise and efficient insulin modulation and, as a result, the preservation of healthy blood sugar levels.  

As per Future Market Insights, the market for CGM wearables devices is expected to garner a CAGR of 13 per cent from 2023 to 2033 owing to the rising incidence of sensors and durables. To help with prompt blood glucose control, the majority of real-time CGMs may provide alerts to parents, patients, or carers during actual or upcoming glycemic encounters. The CGM market in Western European nations is anticipated to have stable expansion over the next 10 years as a result of this aspect and the fact that these devices are becoming increasingly affordable with the introduction of new technology, such as mobile phone integration. 

Numerous studies are still being conducted in this industry, and the leading companies are concentrating on creating new products in Western Europe. For instance, the Dexcom G7 CGM system received a CE Mark (Conformité Européenne) in March 2022, indicating that it is authorised for use in Europeans with diabetes who are two years old or older, including pregnant women. 

Insulin pumps to inject insulin at regular intervals 

An insulin pump is a wearable medical device used to provide insulin in the management of diabetes (also referred to as continuous subcutaneous insulin treatment). Delivering consistent doses of continuous infusion insulin is made feasible by these insulin pumps. Compared to many daily injections, this is anticipated to produce long-term cost savings as well as effective and quick readings of lower glucose levels. 

Different insulin pumps are offered in Western Europe. Traditional insulin pumps are connected to the body via tubing as well as an infusion set and consist of an insulin reservoir (or containers) and a pumping motor. Other insulin patch pumps feature a reservoir, a pumping system, and an infusion set enclosed in a tiny casing and are worn in direct contact with the body. Patch pumps may be programmed to administer insulin from the patch and are remotely controlled by a different device. The majority of insurance providers in Europe provide varying out-of-pocket costs for insulin pump treatment. 

When paired with CGM monitors and sophisticated algorithms, the technology used in insulin pumps will anticipate low blood sugar levels and halt insulin supply. Long-term technical advancements in the market for insulin pumps are probably going to lead to better advancements. Market participants are creating a variety of sensors to obtain precise information on blood glucose levels. For example, Medtronic received European authorisation for the Guardian 4 sensor in May 2021. To provide real-time glucose monitoring in addition to insulin tracking, the Guardian 4 sensor may be used as a stand-alone glucose monitor or incorporated into Medtronic's insulin pumps.  

Additionally, in a few European nations in April 2021, Medtronic released an infusion set for diabetes. The first set of insulin delivery devices that could be retained for at least seven days was the prolonged infusion set. Such developments are expected to boost the sales of wearable medical devices throughout the nations of Western Europe.  

Wearable ECG devices: A new consideration for cardiologists 

Currently, users may choose from a wide selection of digital ECG equipment. Chest straps, wearable patches, as well as other fitness trackers frequently come equipped with single-lead ECG. Numerous of these items also integrate with applications that enable the storage of ECG tracings and their remote sharing with medical professionals. 

Other wearables, like patches, cling to the skin, remain wireless, and are often well accepted from the standpoint of the patient. Some patches allow for continuous monitoring lasting up to 30 days, gathering a lot of data that cardiologists may analyse. Customers are drawn to these gadgets because they are simple to use, reasonably priced, and provide information on a person's cardiovascular health. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not, however, approved all wearable technology. Yet most have shown to be as reliable and accurate as other rhythm-monitoring tools like the conventional 12-lead ECG. 

To receive accurate readings, cardiologists are increasingly pressuring their patients to utilise these smartwatches. The ECG feature, which detects cardiac activity to look for abnormalities, is one of the most important health aspects of smartwatches today. The benefit of outfitting smartwatches with comparable hardware is that the owner may do an electrocardiogram whenever they want and present the doctor with the results. For example, the Apple Watch (Series 4, 5, and 6) has an EMA-cleared ECG app that records 30-second EKG segments and uses the user's smartphone to assess normal rhythm as well as AF. 

Another smartwatch-style gadget with FDA approval for AF detection is the Fitbit Sense. The FDA-approved ECG monitoring feature on the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Watch Active2 also provides AF screening. Smartwatches commonly monitor ECG data along with other physiologic markers using integrated connection technology and applications. They also have more efficient data transmission and storing capabilities. Such smartwatch with ECG integration helps the manufacturers of wearable ECG medical devices expand. 

Conclusion 

One of the most important and rapidly expanding markets over the coming 10 years is expected to be the wearable medical device industry. Wearable healthcare technology can drastically reduce healthcare costs while also upending several adjacent businesses. 

Transducers as well as target receptors are the basic components of wearable medical equipment, which is worn on the body or clothes. The purpose of wearable technology is to monitor bodily changes and offer real-time information, assisting medical professionals in understanding these changes. The use of smart and wearable technologies in the healthcare industry is not a new idea. Diabetes patients frequently use such glucose monitors, and patients with implanted devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, and defibrillators are given life support. 

With the advancement of Bluetooth and other communication modules in recent years, wearable medical devices have made data display and transmission possible. Particularly in recent years, wearable technology has made major strides that have streamlined treatment processes. Additionally, the danger of infections has been reduced because of recent developments. Such developments can be expected in the future from the global wearable medical devices market in the coming years.  

Sabyasachi Ghosh  is the Associate Vice President, Healthcare, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals  at Future Market Insights 

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According to the latest report on ‘Healthcare Cybersecurity Market’ by Vantage Market Research, the global healthcare cybersecurity market size was valued at US$11.17 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 18.1 per cent from 2022 to 2028.’  

The report further highlighted that North America is expected to be one of the largest healthcare cybersecurity markets due to the region's high adoption of digital healthcare solutions. As per the report's forecast, “North America is expected to be the largest market for healthcare cybersecurity due to the high adoption of digital healthcare solutions in the region. The United States is a major contributor to the market, with healthcare providers and payers investing heavily in cybersecurity solutions to protect patient data. The region is also home to several major players in the healthcare cybersecurity market.”  

Related: Strengthening cybersecurity and data privacy in healthcare

With a massive amount of patient data, healthcare organisations are inherently at risk of hackers, who continuously try to extort money from health institutions to trade off stolen medical records. The attackers are also likely to leverage the opportunity to demand ransom from patients in exchange for not using their records to create fake IDs and sell them on the deep web for thousands of dollars. 

Once attackers leak a patient’s records, the damage cannot be reversed but is only likely to intensify further. Also, besides health data, another easy target of cybercriminals is the medical devices and equipment that lack necessary security controls since they are often not deemed as potential risk areas by health platforms. However, if left unheeded, this threat can pose a major concern by putting patient health at risk, delaying treatments, and leading to fatalities.   

Related: Cyber-care for healthcare industries

It is crucial to protect medical information and electronic health records (EHRs) from unauthorised access by taking measures like creating and using a solid online protection system that suits the culture and cyber safety needs of the healthcare platform, providing professional training to staff on online risks, challenges and ways to avert them; regular backing up of data; securing databases and online accounts with electronic authentication methods including multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO); keeping technology updated with a regular check-up on software and security updates. These are some of the few solutions that every organisation needs to undoubtedly keep atop their priority list for safeguarding health systems and keeping cybercrime at bay.  

There is enough awareness about cybersecurity and the need to strengthen it in healthcare, especially in regions like North America, which is emerging as one the biggest players in healthcare cybersecurity. However, the high costs involved in implementing robust cyber safety measures, stricter laws on cybercrime, and adhering to regulatory compliance such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulations in the United States, etc., on the other hand, are some of the significant challenges that act as a deterrent and need to be addressed so that all health platforms, especially those run by smaller players can reap the potential.  

After all, it is crucial for healthcare platforms to provide quality care not just by treating patients' physical health and well-being but also by upholding their trust and protecting them from hackers. 

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Hospitals around the world have been struggling to operate optimally since the pandemic. For instance, there are still barriers to overcome concerning reducing patient wait time. In order to overcome such operational efficiency challenges, implementing Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) is a necessity for most hospitals today.  

RTLS helps track the movement of assets, determine how frequently medical equipment is being used, and ascertain those that need repairs or replacements. RTLS can also be used for improved patient management. Let us examine why hospitals must consider using RTLS.  

Improve operational efficiency 

Related: MedTech devices are facilitating cost-effective care

Older medical equipment can result in accidents, slow down treatment, and lengthen patient stay at the hospital. RTLS empowers hospitals to identify assets that need to be replaced based on various criteria. Think of RTLS as enterprise resource planning (ERP) for hospitals but with a more patient-centric focus. Hospitals can operate efficiently thanks to multiple modules that focus on patient safety, better treatment outcomes, and real-time insight.  

Ensure timely repairs and maintenance of assets 

Thanks to radio-frequency identification (RFID) and IoT sensors, RTLS identifies assets that require routine maintenance and those that need timely repairs. This ensures healthcare assets are not replaced haphazardly but retained as long as they are helpful and safe to use. Timely repairs also ensure smart asset utilisation and asset allocation. With real-time visibility of various equipment, hospitals can ensure quick replacements without needing to purchase more stock.  

Improve patient experience and safety 

Related: IoT-enabled devices: Transforming healthcare and supporting claims prevention

The Patient Flow Management module within an RTLS can help staff to plan and manage the length of stay and surgery and patient transfer times. Real-time insights can help reduce patient wait time. All these factors can help to increase patient satisfaction and experience metrics while leading to patient loyalty.   

RTLS helps reduce costs and boost hospital revenue 

In the short term, RTLS helps healthcare organisations ensure quick and efficient patient care. In the long term, it enables them to reduce expenses, eliminate assets that are a liability, and implement policies that enhance the efficiency of healthcare operations. Most importantly, RTLS helps hospitals improve patient experience and ensure safety. This results in enhanced patient experience and satisfaction, both of which drive brand loyalty and improved brand image.  

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The Stem Cells Center, the Dubai-based laboratory of Bioscience Institute, recently introduced a cutting-edge solution in regenerative medicine, Stem Cell-derived 3D Exosomes. The 3D-exosomes are manufactured using stem cells that are 100 per cent compatible with human tissues and feature regenerative properties similar to stem cells.

Unlike other exosomes that are affected by preservation processes and substances that alter the product, these 3D-exosomes are fresh and ready to use, thus maximising their therapeutic potential and effectiveness.

Related: Stem cells and gene therapy come under the spotlight in sickle cell disease awareness month

Dr. Giuseppe Mucci, Professor Michele Zocchi, and Dr. Giuseppe Marchesani

Related: The Use of Stem Cells in Orthopaedics

At the launch, Bioscience claimed that it does not use exosomes derived from plants, as they are not compatible with human tissues and lack regenerative properties. The compatibility of stem cells with human tissues enhances their therapeutic efficacy and minimises the risk of rejection or negative side effects. By utilising the regenerative properties of stem cells, the 3D-exosomes offer an innovative approach to treatments, ranging from ageing and aesthetic needs to functional conditions of human tissues such as skin, bones, hair, cartilage, and organs. So far, the 3D exosomes extracted demonstrated positive results.

The launch of STEM CELL DERIVED 3D-EXOSOMES represents a significant development in the field of regenerative medicine, with the potential to revolutionise patient care and transform the way hospitals work. These exosomes can be a promising avenue for physicians and healthcare organisations to explore and offer hope for patients suffering from a variety of conditions.

 

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Over 90 per cent of adults aged 50 years and above are vulnerable to the reactivation of Varicella-zoster virus due to the ageing of immune system, which puts them at risk of getting shingles. Unfortunately, shingles awareness levels are low. A multi-country online survey conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of GSK, shows that only 7 per cent adults surveyed feel they are at personal risk of getting shingles in the next 10 years with the main reasons stated linked to misconceptions.

The Varicella-zoster virus, which is commonly responsible for chickenpox in youth, is known to lie dormant in the body but reactivates at a later stage in life. The viral infection in adulthood can lead to severe complications, including blindness, hearing problems, pneumonia, encephalitis, as well as postherpetic neuralgia, which affects between 5 to 30 per cent of people with shingles.

Dr. Sara Al Dallal, President of Emirates Health Economics Society, highlights that shingles itself is extremely painful and causes significant damage to the nerves, especially if the attack occurs on the eye or its nervous system. The condition also leaves a socio-economic impact, she adds, that can eventually extend to limit the individual’s social interactions and impact the quality of life, because of the pain and the feeling of being compromised both socially and psychologically. This further extends to their families.

Raising awareness of shingles is essential to ensure active prevention and reduce the significant repercussions that may arise from this infection.

The role of regulatory bodies and the government

Speaking about the UAE government’s role in raising awareness among the public, Dr. Al Dallal said that dedicated campaigns aligned with the initiative is a top priority and the first step towards raising awareness.

“An important aspect is creating the awareness by clearly stating the role of shingles vaccines in the national clinical standards and policies. There are certain policies that are available online that specifically state the vaccine and its indication, acting as a reference to practicing healthcare professionals. The final stage is the provision of having the vaccine available and accessible to patients. The UAE government is also keen to promote the availability and accessibility of the vaccine for the eligible individuals,” she adds.

Steps to promote the prevention of shingles

While there is no cure for shingles, there are options to alleviate its symptoms, with limited or no significant impact on the most common complications, including anti-viral and pain medications, anti-inflammatory treatments, and a vaccine that is now available in the UAE.

“Under the Healthy Ageing Program, GSK is collaborating with various healthcare organizations through signing a memorandum of understanding to work on improving and creating awareness on healthy ageing,” said Dr. Gizem Akalin, Vice President, and General Manager at GSK Gulf.

Adult vaccination is a crucial component of this initiative, and should be a shared responsibility across all specialties, alongside supporting healthcare professionals through information sharing and collaboration. This collaboration extends to providing patients with the necessary support to ensure their well-being.

“Pharmaceutical companies serve as partners in this journey, not just drug providers. Therefore, it is crucial for regulators, hospitals, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, insurance companies, and the overall healthcare ecosystem to collaborate and develop strategies to help individuals lead healthier lives,” added Dr. Akalin.

Back to Clinical

References

Nurses are central to the implementation of best practices in a hospital setting. However, their role is subject to constant change in order to maintain a high quality of care.

According to Thomas Duparque, Healthcare Practice Lead, EMEA, Zebra Technologies, supporting the evolution of nurses’ roles means acknowledging the daily challenges they face, starting with the work conditions. Zebra’s Healthcare Vision Study states that about two-thirds of clinicians and nearly 70 per cent of decision-makers agree that physicians and caregivers are overextended during their shifts.

Related: How technology can support the well-being of nurses and patients alike

Commemorating International Nurses Day 2023 under the theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future’, The International Council of Nurses (ICN) continues to highlight the need for action and investments in nursing through several publications, including a recent report titled, ‘State of the World's Nursing, the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing & Midwifery, the Sustain and Retain in 2022 and Beyond’. The campaign aims to shine the light on nurses and raise them from ‘invisible’ to ‘invaluable’ in the eyes of policymakers and decision-makers involved in the delivery and financing of healthcare.

Plagued by false alarm; limited by geriatrics

Nurses working in intensive care environment experience alarm fatigue, while 81 per cent of nurses believe that fatigue caused by alarms is due to an excess of false alarms. McKinsey’s global nursing survey showed that in five out of seven countries surveyed, between 20 to 38 per cent of respondents want to quit their current direct-patient-care roles.

Related: Study reveals climate change and resource scarcity can impact nurses all over the world

On another note, while longevity is considered a modern healthcare achievement, it stands as a challenge in nurses’ and overall healthcare needs. In 2022, over 21 per cent of the EU population was 65 or over, according to Eurostat.

During the pandemic, older staff were among the worst affected, and according to the World Health Organisation, they are faced with healthcare conditions that are common in older age.

Multifaceted solutions for nurse care

Health challenges like these need intervention by doctors, nurses and other specialists and ancillary support staff in hospitals and nursing homes, which is a growing challenge considering the current healthcare labour shortages.

“A multifaceted solution is needed, and there is no silver bullet. But technology solutions have an important part to play in helping to address the nurses’ current challenges, as well as futureproofing healthcare for the coming years,” he added.

For instance, hospital management may provide doctors and nurses with specialised handheld computers and tablets designed for healthcare settings with the safety, security, updates, and applications they need to provide bedside care. By improving the tracking and locationing of patients, specimens and equipment with radio frequency identification (RFID), barcoding, and real-time location and tracking systems, doctors and nurses can save time and be better informed.

Enhanced communication among doctors, nurses and support staff who use healthcare mobile devices that offer quick access to information, advice, patient records, and treatment notes helps reduce clinical errors.

Finally, providing effective mobile alarm management systems reduces noise and fatigue, enabling nurses to remain mobile and work effectively.

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To learn more about how leadership in nursing can be elevated, read our ebook here.

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Denmark is well-known for its generous social welfare system and its focus on creating equal career opportunities for men and women. So, no surprise that the Nordic nation consistently ranks high on the list of the happiest countries in the world.  

Another critical area where they stand out is their commendable approach to postpartum care for women. Globally, it is seen that women are shortly discharged after childbirth. This often leaves them with little indication of where they can obtain further support. Due to a lack of knowledge, they also tend to succumb to suboptimal healthcare practices, raising mortality.  

Related: All You Need to Know about Maternity Insurance Cover in UAE

It is essential to realise that proper support and environment are needed after childbirth to ensure the child's well-being and appropriate physical and mental health for the mother. This makes a proper framework for postpartum essential. Let us look at what makes Denmark an iconic postpartum-positive nation and what healthcare systems in other countries can learn from it. 

What makes Denmark an iconic postpartum-positive country? 

In Denmark, the government deeply prioritises helping mothers get back on their feet after pregnancy. This is quite visible in their well-rounded initiatives that are designed to support new parents after childbirth and ensure the well-being of the mother and child. 

• Provision for ensuring routine check-ins 

Related: Mother to child transmission of COVID-19 infection, possible but rare - study

As soon as a new mother is discharged from the hospital, a nurse makes home visits throughout the first year. The first visit is within the week after the delivery, with subsequent dates scheduled between the parents and the health visitor. After that, there is at least one visit every quarter. This continued monitoring ensures that both the mother and the baby are well. It is an excellent step to monitor the baby's health and development and offer advice regularly on aspects like suitable meals to feed.  

• Generous paid time-off 

There is guaranteed paid time off for expecting parents. Not only do pregnant women get four weeks of paid time off during their pregnancy to prepare for birth, but they are also entitled to another 14 weeks after the birth. In addition, their partners also get two full weeks of paternity leaves to support their families. 

Over and above that, both parents are additionally guaranteed another 32 paid weeks off that they can share between them. Again, the parents can avail of this together or individually.  

This leave period is an excellent way for new parents to smoothly get into parenting without creating extra burden on only one parent. 

• Guaranteed public day care 

Furthermore, the Danish government also ensures that all children are guaranteed a spot in public day-care, are well equipped with trained caretakers, and have the provision for proper meals. The government foots a chunk of this bill, enabling Danish mothers to join back work freely at the right time.  

Such measures make the Danish nation among the countries with the lowest maternal mortality rates. In addition, their babies are one of the healthiest, having the lowest rates of colic in the world. These steps are indeed an inspiration to support, maintain and promote the health of women and their children and foster an environment of support from the community. 

 References: 

Motherhood In Denmark: How The Danish Excel At Postpartum Care And Raise The Happiest Children In The World (healthyway.com) 

The Birth and Post-natal Care - Denmark - Angloinfo 

Pregnancy and birth in Denmark (sst.dk) 

Being a New Mom In Denmark Vs. The United States: Personal Experiences (forbes.com) 

Providing postpartum and post-natal care: towards a new concept - WHO Technical Consultation on Postpartum and Post-natal Care - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov) 

 

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The global ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on all sectors remains a part of history that cannot be denied or erased. Among other crises, it had a significant impact on the already overburdened health systems, especially in Africa.  

The pandemic showed how vulnerabilities in health systems can have profound implications for health, economic progress, and social cohesion. In the wake of the pandemic, we learned the lesson that it was not enough to contain and mitigate the spread of an epidemic or pandemic, however, strengthening the capacity of health systems to respond swiftly and effectively is considered a priority as well. This built a case for the necessity of the new public health order by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the public health agency of the African Union to develop guidelines to help the continent achieve health security for sustainable development. 

Related: A glimpse at Africa Health 2022

The new public health order is supported by the foundation of equity, sustainable investment in health systems, innovation, self-reliance, local ownership and leadership. This forms a strong force to diminish the threats posed by health security challenges. This Africa CDC’s road map centers around five goals: strong African public health institutions, expanding manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, investment in the health workforce, increased domestic health spending, and respectful partnerships. 

A typical example of the above-mentioned partnership is the US$1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa CDC. This was set in motion “by listening, understanding, and then responding to real needs and to prioritises,” as stated by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. The initiative has purchased vaccines for over 65 million people in Africa and is enabling the vaccination of millions more. It is also designed to drive health workforce development and strengthen the Africa CDC to ensure long-term health security. 

Related: Report: The Evolution of Healthcare – Unleashing Innovation in Africa

The Africa CDC's new public health order will build a framework to enable access to finance and investments in local vaccine manufacturing that can enhance vaccine production infrastructure and skills through collaborative partnerships and joint ventures. It will potentially make room to  improve the regionalisation and integration of vaccine markets, establish African vaccine manufacturers as important global suppliers, enhance preparedness and respond to health threats with the aim to strengthen health security across the continent. 

All these will translate in significant impact on individual Africans by improving health outcomes, promoting economic growth, increasing access to healthcare, improving preparedness for pandemics and health emergencies, and promoting equity and social justice. 

Stakeholders in and outside Africa can play an important role supporting the present plans for the new public health order by engaging with local stakeholders, understanding local contexts and cultures, and working collaboratively to develop sustainable solutions that meet the needs of African populations. 

Technology transfer is an effective way to build local manufacturing capacity for vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Stakeholders can support technology transfer by providing access to patents, intellectual property, technical assistance and training on the basis of mutual agreements. 

Sharing knowledge and expertise can also help African countries to build their own capacity. Considerations around providing financial support through investments in African health systems, grants or donations are other options to explore.  

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