Dubai Medical University Pioneers AI-Driven Solutions to Revolutionize Emergency Care and Triage

Dubai Medical University is advancing its healthcare innovation program through the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence systems designed to accelerate hospital triage, facilitate first aid in remote areas, and monitor student health.

Hessa Yahya Lootah, Head of AI and Innovation at Dubai Medical University, stated that the institution is focused on creating practical AI applications that support medical professionals, enhance emergency response times, and enable earlier detection of health issues.

A primary focus of these efforts is the AI Diagnostics Vital Chair, a device engineered to optimize the hospital triage process. By integrating AI technology with advanced cameras and sensors, the chair can automatically measure a patient’s weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature, transmitting this data directly to the attending physician.

“Our goal is to increase speed without compromising accuracy,” Lootah explained. “While traditional triage typically takes five to seven minutes, our prototype has reduced this process to approximately 45 seconds, compared to our current average of four minutes.”

Lootah noted that by streamlining initial assessments, doctors can dedicate more time to diagnosis and treatment planning, while reducing the stress often associated with hospital admissions. The university is currently working toward the commercialization of the technology, focusing on perfecting the prototype—specifically improving its adaptability to various skin tones and lighting conditions to ensure consistent readings.

Beyond the hospital setting, the university is developing a medical assistance drone capable of delivering urgent aid to remote locations. The drone carries a first-aid kit equipped with an onboard AI system. Depending on the nature of the injury, the AI guides the user through the necessary first-aid steps from the kit’s six compartments.

Designed as an initial response tool, the drone operates on an offline AI system to ensure functionality in areas with unstable or non-existent network connectivity. While the goal is to connect users with a doctor via remote communication when possible, the AI serves as a critical first line of assistance. This project remains in the prototype stage as deployment logistics are finalized.

Additionally, the university is creating an “AI Safe Gate” for educational institutions. Utilizing thermal cameras, the system flags students with abnormal temperatures and alerts nursing staff or administrators, helping to identify potential health risks early and curb the spread of illness on campus.

Reflecting on the impact of these technologies, Lootah emphasized that AI is reshaping healthcare and improving overall quality of life. “Our students are focused on developing systems that ease the burden on healthcare professionals. AI has opened vast new opportunities, and the field continues to expand,” she concluded.

Source link