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Turkey / Saudi Arabia / United Arab Emirates – The Middle East has consistently been at the forefront as an early adopter of digital maturity concepts. With a deep-seated commitment to innovation, governments and healthcare providers in the region have not only prioritized the assessment and enhancement of their digital infrastructure but have also  set benchmarks in implementing digital strategies effectively. Three large-scale projects from UAE, KSA, and Turkey particularly stand out.

Dubai’s committed EMRAM journey 

The UAE’s journey towards digital maturity in healthcare commenced in 2011, with a focus on both private and public hospitals. Unlike the tailored models of Germany and Saudi Arabia, the UAE embraced a global standardized model, utilizing HIMSS EMRAM. By leveraging the HIMSS EMRAM, significant enhancements in patient data management and operational efficiency were achieved, according to Dr. Mohammad Abdulqader Al Redha, who discussed the project at the GCC eHealth Conference. He recalled the very beginnings, inspired by a presentation in Orlando, where the vision to measure and improve Dubai’s digital healthcare capabilities first took shape.

A key component of the UAE’s digital maturity strategy is workforce training. Recognizing the evolving digital landscape in healthcare, Dr. Al-Redha stressed the need for medical schools globally to update their curriculums. This revision aims to ensure that medical students are well-prepared to navigate digital healthcare systems effectively after graduation.

Appreciative of the specialized digital maturity models like those in Germany and KSA, Dr. Al-Redha envisions a future where the UAE might develop its localized digital maturity framework, too. Currently however, Dubai’s  focus is on leveraging established international standards to foster a robust digital healthcare environment. 

Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive SeMA project

The Saudi e-Health Maturity Assessment (SeMA) is a key component in establishing foundational digital maturity benchmarks, involving a broad spectrum of healthcare facilities. The SeMA framework, addresses critical aspects such as privacy, security, and patient engagement, categorizes maturity from basic to advanced levels. A key success factor is the establishment of champions within the healthcare community to advocate for digital transformation and overcome resistance, ensuring broader acceptance and successful integration of digital maturity measures.

Turkey’s trailblazing national digital assessment

Turkey was the pioneer in executing the world’s first nationwide digital maturity assessment in 2013. This landmark initiative led to major developments, including the integration of all hospitals into the Ministry of Health’s network, significantly improving patient care and safety. Turkey’s commitment is further evidenced by over 160 hospitals achieving high EMRAM stages, showcasing its strategic approach to healthcare digitalization.

Dr. Mohammad Abdulqader Al Redha is the Director of Health Informatics & Smart Health Dept at Dubai Health Authority, UAE
Hanan Alenzi is the Director of the Knowledge Management Department at National Health Information Center, Saudi Health Council, KSA
Dr. Gurhan Zincircioglu, MD, MSc, FHIMSS is Orthopaedic Surgeon and CMIO at Tire State Hospital Izmir, Turkey