Electronic Health Solutions: Pioneering Digital Health Transformation in Jordan

Omar Ibrahim Ayesh | CEO and Co-founder | Electronic Health Solutions

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Eng. Omar Ibrahim Ayesh is the CEO and co-founder of Electronic Health Solutions (EHS), a company dedicated to advancing the healthcare sector in Jordan through digital transformation. With over 25 years of experience in driving strategies and improving quality in digital health transformation, Eng. Ayesh has made significant contributions to various governmental entities, including the Royal Hashemite Court and the Royal Medical Services. He holds an MSc in Health Informatics from the UK and a BSc in Biomedical Engineering from the USA. At EliteX, we are proud to have Electronic Health Solutions as Cover Story of the edition: 10 Best Companies in the Middle East, 2024.

Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) was established in 2008 with the mission to transform the healthcare sector in Jordan. The company leverages cutting-edge technology to automate and enhance healthcare services, aiming to elevate the quality and efficiency of medical care in the region. EHS envisions shaping the future of digital health by developing critical technology platforms that standardize and improve interoperability, user experience, and overall quality.

EHS has launched several key initiatives to address specific challenges in Jordan’s healthcare sector:

1. Hakeem Program: Launched in 2009, the Hakeem Program is a national digital health transformation initiative. It aims to revolutionize healthcare by digitalizing services, which help in reducing medical errors, cutting operational costs, and empowering both patients and healthcare providers. The program supports decision-makers with data-driven insights to enhance healthcare outcomes.

• Electronic Library of Medicine-Jordan (ELM): ELM is the first national program offering a comprehensive collection of electronic medical resources, including clinical decision support tools, e-journals, and e-books. This initiative provides free access to valuable medical information for healthcare professionals and university students, supporting evidence-based decision-making and best practice guidelines.

• Hakeem Academy: This program focuses on human capital development and education. It aims to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals and EHS employees by integrating health informatics into their training. The academy also bridges the gap between academic knowledge and market needs by equipping health university students with practical skills in health informatics. It provides training programs for healthcare professionals to adapt to new technologies, ensuring the effective use of the Hakeem Program.

• Health Data Analytics Program (HDA): Developed by EHS experts, the HDA program is designed to support decision-makers in Jordan’s health sector. It involves extracting data from the Hakeem Database, transforming it into a data warehouse, and applying business intelligence (BI) and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics to generate actionable insights. This program empowers healthcare leaders to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis.

Through these initiatives, Electronic Health Solutions is playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of healthcare in Jordan, addressing challenges and improving the quality of medical services in the region.

At the core of Electronic Health Solutions’ strategy is a commitment to improving patient experience and healthcare outcomes. EHS employs user-centred design principles to ensure that its services and technologies cater to the needs and preferences of patients, including considerations of privacy, confidentiality, and cultural diversity.

One of the key initiatives is “Hakeem Program,” which includes a range of e-services designed to empower patients:

1. My Hakeem Portal: This web-based patient portal and mobile app enhance communication, accessibility, and convenience. Patients can access their health records, including medication details, immunizations, laboratory tests, allergies, radiology reports, and vital signs. The portal also offers additional services to support patients throughout their healthcare journey.

• Medication Delivery Service: This service facilitates drug prescriptions for patients who cannot visit the hospital in person. With an online payment gateway and delivery service, patients can receive their medications at home. This service is particularly beneficial for those living far from hospitals, elderly patients, and those at risk of contagious diseases. It improves safety, saves time, and reduces hospital congestion.

• Appointment Booking Services: Patients can request follow-up appointments electronically from specialty and comprehensive clinics. This service simplifies the process of scheduling medical appointments, making it more convenient for patients to receive timely care.

Through these efforts, EHS prioritizes a patient-centric approach, aiming to enhance the overall healthcare experience and contribute to better health outcomes in Jordan.

Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) understands the significant role that partnerships play in advancing healthcare services. The company has actively pursued strategic collaborations to enhance its impact in the Middle East. Noteworthy partnerships include:

1. World Health Organization (WHO): EHS collaborates with the WHO to align with global health standards and best practices, ensuring that its solutions meet international benchmarks.

• United States Agency for International Development (USAID): This partnership supports EHS in implementing and scaling its digital health solutions across the region, leveraging USAID’s resources and expertise.

• International Committee of the Red Cross: Collaborating with this organization helps EHS in deploying its healthcare technologies in emergency and conflict situations, improving healthcare access in challenging environments.

These partnerships enable EHS to adapt successful digital health projects and replicate effective solutions in other countries, driving regional digital transformation. EHS is also advocating for Hakeem program’s adoption in countries interested in enhancing their healthcare services through digital means.

“Hakeem Program is at the forefront of Jordan’s digital health transformation, working to reduce medical errors and empower both patients and healthcare providers.”

Community engagement is a cornerstone of EHS’s strategy for promoting health awareness and accessibility. The company employs several approaches to stay connected with the community and keep them informed about its services:

1. User Experience Surveys: EHS conducts surveys to gather feedback and improve the user experience, ensuring that its services cater to diverse educational and demographic backgrounds.

• Collaboration with Organizations: EHS collaborates with local and international organizations, including NGOs and healthcare providers, to leverage existing networks and resources for greater impact.

• Cultural Sensitivity: EHS tailors its communication and initiatives to respect and align with community values and beliefs. Information is made accessible in multiple languages to reach diverse populations.

• Technology and Social Media: EHS utilizes social media platforms to share updates about digital health services and programs. The company also engages with the community through its mobile applications and online resources, enhancing accessibility to digital health services.

• Support for Various Populations: EHS provides targeted services for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with chronic conditions. Services such as medication delivery and appointment booking are offered to ensure that these groups can access healthcare easily and affordably.

Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) is at the forefront of revolutionizing medical services in Jordan through strategic use of innovation and technology. The company has outlined several key areas of focus for the coming years to enhance service quality and streamline the patient experience within healthcare facilities:

1. Advancing Electronic Health Records (EHR) System: EHS is committed to continuously developing its flagship EHR system, Hakeem. This system is tailored to meet the specific needs and regulations of Jordan’s healthcare landscape. Hakeem ensures interoperability across healthcare facilities, enabling seamless sharing of patient information. EHS plans to expand its reach by partnering with other governments in the Middle East to implement the Hakeem program regionally.

• Utilizing AI and BI Health Data Analytics: EHS is increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and business intelligence (BI) tools to analyze health data. This approach provides actionable insights for improved clinical decision-making. For instance, AI is being used for X-ray interpretation to detect and localize findings, pre-populate radiologist reports, and assist in prioritizing worklists. This helps in predictive and preventive healthcare by forecasting patient admission rates, optimizing staffing, and managing medical supplies.

• Developing Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring Solutions: To improve accessibility, especially in remote areas, EHS is implementing telemedicine solutions and remote patient monitoring platforms. Recently, EHS launched remote consultations between dermatology clinics in different governorates, enhancing collaboration and access to healthcare services.

• Investing in Research and Development: EHS is dedicated to staying ahead of emerging healthcare technologies and trends. Continuous research and development ensure that EHS’s IT solutions remain innovative and up-to-date, meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

By focusing on these innovative strategies, EHS is making significant contributions to the evolution of medical services in Jordan and the broader Middle East region.

Plans for Expansion and Growth: EHS has ambitious plans for expansion and growth:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: The company aims to extend its reach to all healthcare facilities in Jordan, including public, private, and Royal Medical Services facilities. Collaboration with key stakeholders and government entities is essential for a comprehensive approach.

• Strategic Partnerships: EHS plans to build additional strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations, technology providers, and research institutions. This will help leverage collective expertise and resources, supporting regional expansion and customization of solutions to meet specific local needs.

• Investment in Technology: EHS will continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These technologies are expected to enhance patient care, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency.

• Patient-Centric Focus: EHS will maintain a strong focus on the patient experience, ensuring that its solutions prioritize patient satisfaction and address their needs effectively.

Through these strategies, EHS aims to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape, advancing digital transformation and improving healthcare outcomes in Jordan and the broader Middle East.

Recognitions and Awards

Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) takes pride in its accomplishments and industry recognition for its contributions to transforming medical services in the Middle East. The company has earned several certifications, accreditations, and awards, reflecting its commitment to quality and innovation in healthcare.

Certifications and Accreditations:

• ISO 27001 Certification: This certification is awarded for effective information security management, demonstrating EHS’s dedication to safeguarding sensitive data.
• ISO 22301 Certification: Recognizes the company’s capabilities in managing business continuity, ensuring that EHS can maintain operations and deliver services effectively even in challenging situations.
• ISO 9001 Certification: This certification is for Quality Management Systems, underscoring EHS’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its services and operations.
• SNOMED International Membership: EHS represents Jordan as the 35th member of SNOMED International, contributing to global health information standards and enhancing interoperability.

Awards:

• Most Innovative Medical e-Services Platform – Hakeem Electronic Services eMed (Global Business Outlook Awards 2020): This award highlights the innovation and impact of the Hakeem program in revolutionizing electronic medical services in Jordan.
• Most Innovative e-Learning Platform – Hakeem Academy (Global Business Outlook Awards 2020): Recognizes the Hakeem Academy for its pioneering role in developing an innovative e-learning platform for healthcare professionals.
• Most Innovative Health-Tech Company of the Year (International Business Magazine 2021): This accolade acknowledges EHS as a leader in health technology innovation, reflecting its significant contributions to advancing digital health solutions.

These recognitions validate EHS’s efforts in enhancing healthcare services through innovative solutions and set a high standard for excellence in the digital health sector.

“Electronic Health Solutions is dedicated to transforming Jordan’s healthcare sector through innovative technology, aiming to elevate the quality and efficiency of medical services.”