With the aim of ensuring that patients adhere to the treatment program

Abu Dhabi Health is monitoring TB patients with video technology

"Abu Dhabi Health" during the presentation of the new technology at "GITEX".

From the source

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi revealed the use of a new electronic application (Shefa) in 10 clinics to follow up and treat TB patients with video technology, indicating that it is the first in the region to use this modern technology, in order to ensure commitment to the treatment program for infected patients TB disease, both active and latent.

The center stated that the “Shifa” application helps TB patients to take treatment through video technology and scalable human intervention. Patients use an electronic application on smartphones to report side effects, communicate with health service providers, and record videos of themselves while taking each dose. Treatment, and medical service providers use a secure web portal to assess levels of treatment adherence and patient communication.

The director general of the center, Matar Al-Nuaimi, confirmed that “Shefa” is the first of its kind in the Middle East region that serves tuberculosis patients, and the application reflects the center’s vision aimed at ensuring the health and safety of society through the use of smart, easy-to-use technology, noting that the results of the application are promising. And in line with the center's keenness to improve healthcare in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

He pointed out that the integration between the health information system allows the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center team and hospital teams to communicate directly with patients, and to quickly intervene in the event of any disease symptoms, side effects or the emergence of cases of non-compliance with treatment, which contributes to enhancing public health among individuals the society.

While the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center confirmed during the "Gitex" exhibition, "Shifa" allows patients to use an electronic application on their smartphones to record videos of themselves while taking medications, report any side effects, and receive alerts to remind them of the dates of taking treatment, in addition to providing health resources. The public, and alleviate the burdens on patients and health service providers at the same time, pointing out that this technology helps patients complete their treatment with greater independence and not fear social stigma.

For its part, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi stated that tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a type of germ that spreads from one person to another through the air, and infects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. .

She added that tuberculosis is treatable in most cases, but it may cause death if appropriate treatment is not received, noting that the most dangerous type of TB is called "drug-resistant TB", because it is based on at least two of the best anti-TB drugs.

She explained that drug-resistant tuberculosis occurs to the patient if the full course of treatment is not completed, or by health care providers if the disease is treated incorrectly, or a wrong dose is specified, or if anti-disease drugs are not available continuously, or when using Poor quality drugs.

The department called on persons who believe they are exposed to a person suffering from tuberculosis, to see a doctor, to obtain medical advice, and to have a TB skin test, or a TB blood test, with the doctor being informed of the time he had mixed with the person with TB, so that he could obtain the necessary medical care according to the results Examinations.

Drug-resistant TB

The Department of Health Abu Dhabi has identified five categories of patients at risk of developing drug-resistant TB, including: patients who do not take anti-TB medication regularly, patients who do not take all the medications prescribed to them by a doctor, and the occurrence of active TB disease in a person again after treatment, Those from areas where drug-resistant TB is common, as well as people who spend time with a patient with drug-resistant TB.

The department stressed the need to adhere to precautionary measures to prevent the occurrence of drug-resistant tuberculosis and prevent its spread, which include the obligation of patients to take medicines as determined by health care providers, not to neglect any dose or stop treatment early, and to fully adhere to the specified period of treatment, and inform health care providers. If there are difficulties in taking medicines, talking to health care providers when traveling, making sure that there are enough medicines during the travel period, in addition to avoiding exposure to drug-resistant TB patients.

Matar Al-Nuaimi:

"(Shefa) is the first of its kind in the Middle East, which serves tuberculosis patients."

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10

Clinics using "Shefa" in Abu Dhabi.

- «Shifa» allows communication with doctors and reporting side effects.

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