The last few years have seen digital health transformation evolve dramatically, with an increasing focus on value-based healthcare in the Middle East and worldwide. 

Value-based healthcare (VBHC) offers governments and healthcare providers a patient-centric model that relies on data analytics for effective decision-making and planning proactive care. One example of this digital health transformation is the EJADAH digital-led programme, launched by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) earlier this year, to form the basis of VBHC adoption in the emirate. 

With patient centricity at its core, EJADAH focuses on six pillars: patient empowerment, experience, solutions, insights, access, and focus.

Focus on patient outcomes 

EJADAH aims to transform to VBHC in collaboration with healthcare providers, health insurance companies and regulators, ultimately leading to improved government oversight of all healthcare services. "The DHA’s Health Insurance Corporation, which regulates the health insurance sector in Dubai, has launched the first-of-its-kind value-based healthcare model in Dubai," said Farah Shaikh, VP/GM Gulf & Levant and head of sales – Middle East at IQVIA. "The model known as EJADAH, provides a new healthcare financing system that focuses on patient outcomes and improves health services to enhance preventive care."

One of the key objectives for providers is to achieve the highest international standards in medical services through the incorporation of international standards and benchmarks in treatments. This is coupled with the use of data analytics and implementation of solutions that assist in assessing adherence to treatment standards.

Identifying care gaps 

IQVIA, a global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry, is the DHA’s research and analytics partner in EJADAH, providing its performance management framework to monitor healthcare activities across Dubai. Using clinical quality and cost benchmarking tools, IQVIA is assisting in identifying care gaps and problem areas to help steer decision making towards high-quality and low-cost options.

IQVIA is also aiding in the development and implementation of local key performance indicators, based on a robust evidence base, which will lead to improved and optimised patient outcomes, and a reduction of avoidable expenditure.

"The IQVIA team is proud to be part of this project as DHA’s research and analytics partner," said Ranjith Verghese, senior director – business transformation & change management, AMESA at IQVIA, "IQVIA’s niche capabilities will help DHA standardise clinical guidelines and monitor adherence across the emirate of Dubai enabling transformation from volume-based to value-based care, keeping the patient at the centre."     

Digital maturity is key

Digital maturity is an essential enabler in achieving VBHC, combined with the application of change management best practices. Movement towards digital maturity can be enabled through HIMSS digital maturity adoption models such as the Adoption Model for Analytics Maturity (AMAM), that helps leverage data for better care and process optimisation, and the Continuity of Care Maturity Model (CCMM), which assesses and enhances the level of care coordination, systems integration, and patient engagement. 

IQVIA, a HIMSS digital health transformation partner in the Middle East, can assist healthcare providers on their journey towards adopting VBHC, enabled through the various HIMSS maturity frameworks and IQVIA’s solutions and tools.

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