A New Technology-based Tele-Emergency Framework for Emergency Healthcare Provision in the United Arab Emirates.
Authors:   , Almatrooshi Hamad 
Published: October 2022

Research Aim: This study evaluates the current healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the aim of developing a new technology-based tele-emergency framework for emergency healthcare provision in the UAE. To develop such a framework the UAE’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and telecom infrastructure, availability of medical equipment, Health Information Systems (HIS) and Health Information Exchange (HIE) systems, first responders’ capabilities, the requirements of resources, and operational and regulatory environments were studied, providing the basis for the development of a new blueprint for the provision of tele-emergency services in the UAE. Methodology: This research is conducted within a constructionist paradigm. The research participants included healthcare policymakers, medical specialists, and healthcare management professionals. A sample size of 30 was considered suitable and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews, mostly online (virtual) during the COVID-19 pandemic; and transcribed and analysed through the NVivo software using thematic content analysis. Themes were analysed using the Heeks (2002) technology deployment model, identifying the change dimensions of processes, technology, and people. These dimensions were assessed within the regulatory and operational environments. Findings: After conducting an extensive literature review and interviews with healthcare professionals within the UAE, the research found that an Emirate-level Central Command Centre (CCC) will be a critical central element in this new tele-emergency framework, supporting operations, monitoring medical devices and equipment, assessing audio-visual capabilities, providing data streaming architecture, and utilising and unifying medical apps. The other blueprint elements are technology infrastructure regarding ICT and telecom, and unified medical records, these being prerequisites for real-time data capturing, sharing, processing, and decision-making capabilities. Finally, the research emphasised the importance of laws and standards as the final element for supporting the implementation of this framework. Conclusions: This research has identified numerous beneficial outcomes expected from implementing this proposed technology-based tele-emergency framework. These include enabling greater transparency and accountability in instilling higher efficiency in emergency care, and instilling a preventive approach to emergency management. This technology-based framework will also ensure faster and more secure data sharing from emergency scenes, leading to accurate data-driven decision-making and the delivery of emergency care without loss of time, thus preventing the loss of lives. By improving accountability and transparency, this framework will reduce risks related to medical liabilities, and the in-built provisions of traceability and accountability are expected to encourage healthcare professionals to perform at their optimum levels, with enhanced vigilance to reduce errors. To clarify, this framework is a proposal that has not been implemented yet. This research analysed an eclectic amalgamation of literature and first-hand interview material to propose a practical blueprint for the UAE. Earlier studies have worked on organisational level technological implementations in healthcare, but this study is unique in providing a nationwide perspective on a technology-based tele-emergency framework.