Even as countries around the world are tapping into AI as quickly as possible in order to fight the coronavirus, they are also striking alliance with tech developers with an eye toward applying AI in a range of other healthcare arenas.
For example, American Hospital Dubai, part of Mohamed & Obaid Al Mulla Group, has announced the launch of the region’s first AI research center in the region in a partnership with Cerner. The new center’s goal is to leverage EHRs with data analytics tools to develop “centers of excellence” for oncology, infectious diseases, and bariatric medicine.
“We are proud to collaborate with Cerner on this new landmark initiative for the region. Together, we share the vision and strategy of the UAE Government and rulers to use the power of AI to help minimize the burden of chronic diseases, ultimately for the welfare of our citizens and residents,” said Sherif Beshara, chief executive officer, Mohamed & Obaid Al Mulla Group, in a statement. “We also relate closely to the Government’s mission to fully integrate AI into medical and security services. This initiative takes us one step closer to our objective: to continue to redefine a patient-centric health care delivery system, thereby empowering individuals to proactively manage their health.”
According to Cerner, the AI research center will use big data analytics and machine learning capabilities to support data-based clinical research activities and data-drive operational improvement projects.
The two main research projects will focus on enabling home health experience and enhancing care management related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are privileged to partner with the American Hospital Dubai. This AI research center initiative will not only further enhance AHD’s response to the COVID-19 crisis but, more importantly, equip AHD with cutting-edge technologies to redefine health and care in the new post COVID-19 pandemic era,” Alaa Adel, managing director, Cerner Middle East and Africa, said in the announcement.
In an interview this spring, Adel noted that “with true population health records, it will become easier to identify and protect the vulnerable or at-risk populations, including the elderly, those with chronic diseases and underlying health conditions. In addition, a better understanding of this population’s mobility and living arrangements will allow the brakes to be released in an intelligent way.”
With those goals in mind, the new AI research center will allow American Hospital Dubai to leverage big data analytics to better understand the healthcare needs of the UAE population, while also enabling it to create personalized care plans, predict disease courses and intervene earlier using risk assessment models incorporated into the EHR.