Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, spurred by ambitious digital health initiatives in alignment with Vision 2030. As part of this transformation, the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh serves as a leading platform for industry stakeholders to connect, gain insights, and explore investment opportunities. This year, Vickino CEO Dr. Robin Vicken Ohannessian played a pivotal role as moderator for two thought-provoking panel discussions at the Digital Health Forum, addressing critical issues in digital therapeutics, patient-centered care, and data-driven healthcare innovation.
Digital Health in the Heart of Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to modernize healthcare, making it a more efficient, patient-centric system with the private sector contributing significantly to its development. Held in Riyadh, the Global Health Exhibition showcased the latest developments in digital health, AI, and analytics within the framework of Vision 2030, offering a dynamic environment for both local and international stakeholders to share knowledge, form partnerships, and foster growth. Dr. Ohannessian’s role as a moderator at the Digital Health Forum underscored Vickino’s dedication to advancing digital health and supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a technology-driven healthcare future.
Panel 1: Harnessing the Power of Digitized Data for Patient-Centric Care
In the first panel, titled “Harnessing the Power of Digitised Data: Insights for Enhanced Patient Care”, Dr. Ohannessian led an insightful discussion on how data-driven approaches and immersive technologies can transform patient care and operational efficiency. The panel was composed of Pr Feras Khaliel, Consultant, Cardiac Surgery, Heart Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Dr Sana Farid, Director – Extended Reality Program at Prince Sultan University and Dr Noor Alsaadoun, Director, Health-Metaverse Lab, at Alfaisal University.
Key Insights
Using Data to Enhance Patient Care
The panel explored the role of data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning in unlocking valuable insights into patient behavior, treatment effectiveness, and disease patterns. Panelists discussed how these technologies can enable healthcare providers to personalize care, optimize resource allocation, and innovate in treatment approaches, leading to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Immersive Technologies in Healthcare
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionizing healthcare by enhancing clinical training, patient engagement, and procedural planning. Panelists highlighted how these immersive technologies can improve the patient experience and discussed challenges like scalability, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements, which must be addressed to fully integrate these tools into healthcare.
Panel 2: Global Digital Therapeutics and the Path to Patient-Centered Healthcare
In the second panel, titled “Global Digital Therapeutics for Proactive Healthcare Management and Elevating Patient Experience for Seamless Care”, Dr. Ohannessian led a comprehensive discussion on digital therapeutics, particularly in mental health, and the role of patient-centered care models in creating a seamless healthcare experience.
Key Insights
Personalized Care Journeys and Patient-Centric Models
The panel discussed the best practices for creating patient-centered healthcare models, emphasizing the importance of tailoring patient journeys to individual needs. Personalization not only enhances the patient experience but also contributes to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs by aligning interventions more closely with patients’ health needs.
Challenges and Opportunities
The panel addressed several key challenges, including regulatory frameworks, data privacy, and health equity. Ensuring patient data security, navigating regulatory requirements, and promoting equitable access to healthcare emerged as critical considerations for scaling digital health solutions.
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Effective Healthcare Management
The discussion emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in healthcare management and policy. Analyzing data from digital therapeutics can guide policy reforms and improve care delivery, resulting in cost-effective and outcome-oriented solutions.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Ohannessian was joined by Dr. Narges Sheikhansari, Dr. Tareq Dalbah, and Mr. Philippe Gerwill, who shared insights on the potential of digital therapeutics in mental health and the importance of supportive policies for accelerating innovation in mental health care.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare through Digital Innovation
Dr. Robin Vicken Ohannessian’s role as a moderator at the Digital Health Forum reflects Vickino’s commitment to shaping the future of digital health by promoting patient-centered solutions and addressing critical challenges in the healthcare industry. With discussions on data analytics, immersive technology, digital therapeutics, and workforce management, the panels provided invaluable insights into the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
As the country advances toward Vision 2030, digital health is set to play a pivotal role in redefining healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a sustainable, efficient healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Ohannessian’s insights and leadership at the Global Health Exhibition highlight Vickino’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving meaningful change in healthcare.
