Philips Health Trends Research UAE reveals opportunities for healthcare providers

Philips Health Trends Research UAE reveals the shifts in consumer perceptions and behaviour towards well-being and technology, expected to have a long-term impact on the way people think about and engage with healthcare in the future.

There is an overwhelming acceptance of digital health technologies in the UAE, with 95 percent of respondents believing that technology can play an important role in managing their health more efficiently. 88 percent of respondents expressed a desire to be even more proactive in taking control of their health and well-being. 72 percent of people believe that virtual discussions with their doctors are as effective as face-to-face examinations while 82 percent of UAE residents believe that sustainable practices should be a priority in healthcare.

The company commissioned Censuswide to conduct the study aimed to equip healthcare providers with insights into current health trends and public perceptions of healthcare in the UAE, enabling them to adapt to these shifts in demand to address immediate priorities and future needs.

“At Philips, we believe that the study validates that the UAE is well-positioned to transition its healthcare approach from sick care, which has historically been the norm, to value-based healthcare. This transformation begins with a greater emphasis on proactive preventive measures, supported by advanced technology that enables improved health outcomes at every stage of care, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care,” says Marc Antoine Zora, General Manager and District Leader, Gulf & Levant, Philips Middle East.

Three key themes are particularly prominent in the findings: healthy living and prevention, power of health technology and sustainability.

Healthy living and prevention

The pandemic has led to greater health consciousness among UAE residents, with 95 percent taking a proactive approach to protecting their health and 70 percent feeling more in control of their health since its onset.

89 percent of respondents rated their current health status as good, with an impressive 88 percent committing to being more proactive about their health and well-being. Additionally, UAE residents are also aware of how different factors can impact their health, acknowledging that oral health can affect their general health (87 percent) and heart health (75 percent).

This drive for improved health is supported by the top four factors that make it easier for people to focus on their health: a better understanding of healthy living (53 percent), access to and maintenance of personal medical records (52 percent), mentor programs that provide guided health support to keep them on track (48 percent) and doctors having access to their information regardless of a hospital (48 percent).

Power of health technology

The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in the healthcare sector, increasing people's trust in health technology. The research reveals that 95 percent of respondents believe technology can help manage their health more efficiently due to its ease of use (51 percent), faster access to specialists and healthcare professionals (51 percent), easier access to results (50 percent), and by allowing all their healthcare data to be stored in one place (46 percent).

With most UAE residents believing in the benefits of digital health solutions, 67 percent of respondents confirmed that they are aware of telehealth. The research indicates that 90 percent would consider using telehealth solutions, and 72 percent believe virtual discussions with doctors are as effective as face-to-face examinations.

The data confirms that UAE residents are largely agreeable to providing access to their personal data for developmental purposes, with 38 percent open to allowing all their data to be used, 37 percent allowing most to be used, and 20 percent allowing a small portion to be used.

This creates considerable opportunity to truly transform healthcare by tapping into the latest innovations in telehealth that offer several advantages, including easy access to specialized healthcare professionals, contributing to better patient outcomes.

Sustainability

The Philips Health Trends Research has also revealed that most UAE residents (82 percent) believe that sustainability should be a priority for healthcare companies. Respondents' top considerations also highlighted the importance of prioritizing practices that do not harm the environment, with 51 percent of respondents indicating this as a key priority. Nearly half of the respondents (48 percent) believe that healthcare companies should conduct their business in a sustainable manner, while 41 percent feel that these companies should aim to become carbon negative.

These results indicate that residents in the UAE greatly value sustainable business practices; creating the heightened need for healthcare leaders to achieve sustainable healthcare.

Zora added, “With the patient population embracing sustainable innovations, we believe the sector has an unparalleled opportunity to expand access to quality healthcare, sustainably, while improving outcomes for better healthcare in the UAE and beyond.”