This Expert Insight explores the transformative impact of UpToDate and Lexidrug in addressing clinical complexity with Dr. Khaled Aboeldahab.
Clinical complexity is increasing at unprecedented rates in the Middle East and the UAE healthcare spending [1] is projected to reach US$30.7 billion (AED112.6 billion)—the highest healthcare spending growth rate in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Care teams need access to the best resources possible to improve outcomes and control costs. Leadership can identify these resources by prioritizing tools that support tailored treatment plans, facilitate access to real-time information, center the clinician experience, and encourage professional development.
Equipping clinicians to navigate growing clinical complexity is the first step in standardized patient care [2]. When clinicians don’t receive the support of evidence-based tools, the risk of variation in care is significantly higher—a gamble that is a loss for patients, clinicians, and provider organizations alike.
To help you better understand how healthcare organizations in the Middle East are revolutionizing healthcare with evidence-based medicine tools [3], we’re delving into the transformative impact UpToDate® Lexidrug™ drug information at Global Care Hospital in Abu Dhabi, a facility known for its world class care and commitment to compassion and innovation through the experiences of Dr. Khaled Aboeldahab, expert and founder of the Long-Term Care (LTC) and Rehabilitation. [H2] Exploring the transformative impact of UpToDate with Dr. Aboeldahab
Middle East Health: Can you provide an overview of your role and involvement with UpToDate and Lexidrug?
As a senior physician, my role involves overseeing clinical practices and ensuring that my medical team has access to the best resources available.
My involvement with UpToDate began in 2021 when we introduced it to address the constant need for reliable clinical information. Recognizing the additional need for detailed drug information, we integrated Lexidrug in 2022. These tools became indispensable in my daily operations, aiding both junior and senior staff in making informed decisions and optimizing medication choices.
Middle East Health: What benefits do you believe UpToDate and Lexidrug bring to the medical field?
UpToDate provides a comprehensive, evidence-based resource that supports clinicians in making informed decisions. It helps reduce the unnecessary use of medications, particularly antibiotics, and guides appropriate dosing adjustments. Lexidrug enhances this by offering detailed drug information and interaction checks, crucial for managing complex medication regimens in our long-term care facility. Together, they improve patient care, reduce side effects, and lower healthcare costs.
Middle East Health: What sets UpToDate and Lexidrug apart from other resources in the healthcare industry?
UpToDate stands out because of its extensive and continuously updated database of clinical information. The reliability and accuracy of the content, along with its user-friendly interface, make it a superior resource. Lexidrug adds value by providing precise drug information and interaction analysis, essential for our patients with chronic diseases requiring multiple medications. The integration of these tools offers a unified, authoritative source for clinical decision-making.
Middle East Health: How do you see UpToDate and Lexidrug evolving in the future, particularly in addressing the changing landscape of healthcare?
As healthcare continues to evolve, the need for accurate and timely information will only grow. I see UpToDate incorporating more real-time data analytics and predictive tools to further support clinical decision-making. Lexidrug will likely expand its drug databases and interaction checks to include more personalized medicine insights. This evolution will be crucial in addressing emerging healthcare challenges and improving patient outcomes.
Middle East Health: Can you share any success stories or impactful experiences related to UpToDate and Lexidrug that you’ve encountered?
One notable success involved a previous patient on an SSRI antidepressant who developed a fever after being prescribed an antibiotic. Initially, this was thought to be sepsis, but using UpToDate and Lexidrug, we identified an interaction between the SSRI and the antibiotic, which was the true cause. Changing the medication resolved the issue quickly. Such insights have been invaluable in improving patient care and managing complex cases.
Middle East Health: As an advocate for UpToDate and Lexidrug, what key message or recommendation would you offer to your peers in the medical community?
I would strongly recommend incorporating UpToDate and Lexidrug into daily practice. These tools are essential for supporting evidence-based medicine and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. The ability to access reliable information at any time is invaluable. The tools not only support clinical decisions but also foster a standardized approach to patient care.
Middle East Health: How satisfied are you with your experience with UpToDate and Lexidrug?
I am extremely satisfied with both UpToDate and Lexidrug. They have significantly improved clinical practices, reduced medication errors, and optimized patient outcomes.
The feedback from my medical team has been overwhelmingly positive, and the support from Wolters Kluwer has been excellent, ensuring any issues are resolved promptly.
Middle East Health: Do you have any additional insights or perspectives you’d like to share about UpToDate and Lexidrug?
UpToDate and Lexidrug have become more than just reference tools; they are integral to our practice. Their continuous updates and evidence-based recommendations help clinicians stay at the forefront of medical care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment. They also play a crucial role in training medical students and new staff, making them indispensable in modern medical practice.
Middle East Health: Can you give an example of a time when UpToDate and Lexidrug provided critical information that influenced a patient’s treatment plan?
Certainly. In one of my previous roles, we had a case where a patient with compromised renal function needed precise dosing adjustments for multiple medications. Using UpToDate and Lexidrug, we were able to tailor the treatment plan accurately, avoiding potential complications and ensuring effective therapy. This precise management was particularly crucial given the advanced age and complex medical conditions of our patients.
Middle East Health: How does using UpToDate and Lexidrug contribute to more efficient use of your time and resources in your practice?
UpToDate and Lexidrug save time by providing immediate access to reliable information, reducing the need for extensive searches or consultations. The platform’s use of AI minimizes search time. It chooses the exact topic that the physician is searching for based on the physician’s specialty and the question asked and can even suggest some differential diagnoses.
These efficiencies allow clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks, thereby optimizing resources. The unified decision-making process also minimizes unnecessary queries and ensures consistent, high-quality care.
Middle East Health: How would you describe the overall impact of UpToDate and Lexidrug on your professional development and patient care?
UpToDate and Lexidrug have had a profound impact on both my professional development and patient care. They keep me informed about the latest medical advancements and best practices, which translates to better patient outcomes and continuous professional growth. They also foster a culture of evidence-based medicine within our team, promoting lifelong learning.
The application of AI also contributes to patient safety. Integration with the EMR can raise red flags for severe medication interactions and provide certain advice based on the patient’s condition.
Middle East Health: Do you find UpToDate and Lexidrug’s mobile apps useful for accessing information on-the-go? Can you share an example?
Yes, the mobile apps are incredibly useful. For instance, during a recent patient round, I needed to check a drug interaction. Using the apps, I quickly accessed the information and made an informed decision without delay. This immediacy is crucial in a clinical setting, ensuring timely and accurate patient care.
Middle East Health: Can you discuss any cost-benefit analyses you’ve encountered where UpToDate and Lexidrug demonstrated clear financial savings for your practice or institution?
Implementing UpToDate and Lexidrug has led to significant financial savings, particularly by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and optimizing medication choices. This has decreased overall pharmacy expenditures and minimized complications, resulting in lower treatment costs. Additionally, morbidity and mortality rates decreased, reflecting improved patient outcomes and cost efficiency.
Middle East Health: How do you see the role of continuous professional development evolving in the Middle East, and how can UpToDate and Lexidrug support this evolution?
Continuous professional development is becoming increasingly important in the Middle East. UpToDate and Lexidrug can support this evolution by providing healthcare professionals with access to the latest medical knowledge and best practices, ensuring they remain current in their fields and can deliver high-quality care. These tools are essential for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
Middle East Health: In your opinion, how can widespread use of UpToDate and Lexidrug improve overall healthcare outcomes in the Middle East?
Widespread use of UpToDate and Lexidrug can significantly improve healthcare outcomes in the Middle East by standardizing clinical practices, reducing variability in patient care, and ensuring that all clinicians have access to the most current and accurate medical information. This unified approach can lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.
Middle East Health: What role do UpToDate and Lexidrug play in improving the overall financial health of a practice or hospital?
UpToDate and Lexidrug play a crucial role in improving a practice’s or hospital’s financial health by optimizing medication usage, reducing unnecessary tests and treatments, and minimizing complications. These factors collectively contribute to more efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery, enhancing both clinical and financial performance.
The transformative impact of UpToDate on healthcare organizations
Eventually, with increased use by more provider organizations, the UAE can expect to enjoy improved healthcare outcomes through widespread standardization of clinical practices and providing more of their clinicians with access to current and accurate medical information across the country.
Dr. Khaled Aboeldahab is the Head of Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation at Global Care Hospital in Abu Dhabi. With a master’s degree in Critical Care Medicine from Alexandria University, Dr. Aboeldahab has over two decades of experience in the Gulf region’s healthcare sector. His leadership and business development skills have been instrumental in expanding healthcare services and generating significant revenue in his previous roles, including as the CEO of Burjeel Darak Unit. He is currently focused on driving the business development and expansion efforts for healthcare groups across the UAE and Gulf region. Dr. Aboeldahab is also an experienced healthcare consultant, well-versed in critical care, long-term care, and healthcare management.
Learn how UpToDate enables clinicians through clinical decision support:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/uptodate
References:
- https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303163635
- https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/how-standardized-care-helps-hospitals-patients
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evidence-based-medicine
