Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, is embracing virtual reality (VR) technology to improve patient care across its hospitals and healthcare centers. This initiative kicks off with a study and implementation program at the Thalassemia Center, exploring the use of VR technology to reduce anxiety and pain during cannulation (needle insertion) procedures for thalassemia patients. This study, the first of its kind for this specific patient group in Dubai, holds promise for a more comfortable and positive healthcare experience.

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions of Dubai Health, will conduct and document the study. Unlike prior studies that primarily relied on subjective experiences, this novel approach will incorporate objective measurements such as eye movement tracking and heart rate to assess the effectiveness of VR technology, marking a significant advancement in medical discovery.

Dr. Fatheya Abbas Al Khaja, Director of the Thalassemia Center, expressed her profound optimism for the initiative, stating, “The application of VR technology at the Thalassemia Center has the potential to transform the experience for patients undergoing cannulation procedures. Throughout my years at the Thalassemia Center, we have explored numerous modalities to alleviate the pain of our patients. This program epitomizes our Patient First promise to provide a more comfortable and anxiety-free experience, not just for the patients, but also for their families who witness this process. We are eagerly anticipating the results of this study.”

Separate from the MBRU study, the selected VR technology had been tested extensively. It demonstrated clinically effective results in 14 published and 30 ongoing studies, providing a solid foundation for its use in improving patient experiences.

This program marks the first phase of integrating VR technology across Dubai Health hospitals and healthcare centers, with plans to extend its application into medical procedures at Al Jalila Children's Hospital and Latifa Hospital. Beyond immediate application at the Thalassemia Center, the program also focuses on developing novel VR environments and experiences tailored to the local needs of patients in Dubai. The long-term vision is to develop future iterations of AI-powered VR technology to further personalize the patient experience, a collaborative effort engaging both MBRU students and our clinical staff.

“This program is the first of many to showcase how digital solutions can improve patient care within Dubai Health,” remarked Dr. Yacine Hadijat, Associate Professor of Innovation in Health Science and Digital Health at MBRU’s College of Medicine. “One of the inherent advantages of our integrated academic health system is the ability to cultivate a continuous cycle of improvement within our care, learning and discovery missions. By exploring digital innovations, such as VR technology, we are simultaneously training future healthcare professionals to champion patient-centered care and contribute toward the medical discovery of tech-enabled healthcare solutions. This multifaceted approach holds immense promise to transform the patient journey for countless individuals.”

By spearheading such initiatives, Dubai Health remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, reaffirming its commitment to delivering patient-centered care and advancing the standard of medical excellence in the region.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health attended the graduation ceremony of MBRU Class of 2024 on Tuesday, June 25 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 honored 153 graduates from 24 programs offered by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Deanship of Graduate Medical Education.

The 2024 graduating class consisted of nearly 40% young Emiratis and graduates from 27 different nationalities, highlighting MBRU's dedication to Dubai Health's broader vision of advancing health for humanity. This demonstrates MBRU's role as an emerging hub for aspiring healthcare professionals from both the UAE and around the globe.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said: As part of Dubai Health, the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences continues to play a key role in fostering the next generation of innovative medical professionals in Dubai, who are equipped to enhance the quality of healthcare services in the city and adapt to future challenges. This mission aligns perfectly with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a global hub for healthcare and education.”

His Highness conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their achievements and extended his best wishes for their success as they embark on a journey to advance health for humanity

In her welcome address, Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of MBRU Council and Dubai Health Board Member, said: “We dedicate this honorable achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose visionary leadership in enhancing healthcare for the people of the UAE serves as a profound inspiration and has laid the groundwork for our academic journey toward achieving the highest standards in advancing health for humanity.”

She added: “MBRU was founded under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed eight years ago, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the healthcare sector. His wisdom and generosity have led to the establishment of a globally connected university, founded on a vision to create an innovative, integrated healthcare education and research system that benefits the UAE and beyond.”

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized the importance of courage as the graduates embark on their careers as doctors, nurses, and dentists. He highlighted that every interaction, diagnosis, and decision has the potential to significantly impact lives.

Belhoul also noted the critical role the graduates now play in a field that can transform lives, emphasizing that it is during times of uncertainty that their courage will be most essential.

Drawing from his experience at the Dubai Future Foundation, he acknowledged that uncertainty and the unknown are inherent to the concept of the future. While the future remains unpredictable, he stressed that together, and with the right tools, they can navigate and make the most of the unknown.

His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, President of MBRU and CEO of Dubai Health said, “It is with great pride that we celebrate the achievements of MBRU's graduating Class of 2024. These exceptional graduates are poised to assume leading roles and responsibilities, not only within the UAE but also on an international scale. As students studying within Dubai Health's integrated academic health system, we are proud that our core values have been instilled throughout their studies that will see them endeavor to always put the patient first in their forthcoming professional careers."

Dr. Meznah Ali Rasheed, the graduation commencement speaker and a future physician, said: “My colleagues and I have chosen to prioritize the well-being of others. Within the walls of hospitals, we have witnessed the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Above all, we have learned what it truly means to be a doctor. My fellow graduates, the world awaits us. We are ready. We are prepared. We are the future.”

MBRU, which leads the learning and discovery missions of Dubai Health, applies a scholarly-driven ethos aimed at advancing the healthcare field and improving patient care.