Abu Dhabi hospitals to use AI to take paperwork out of consultation room

Private hospital groups in Abu Dhabi are adopting AI to handle documentation and administrative tasks, enabling doctors to focus more on patient consultations. Christopher Habib, Chief Strategy Officer at NMC Healthcare, explained that the goal is to allow physicians to engage in more meaningful conversations with patients instead of being tied to computer screens.

The technology aims to reduce the time patients spend on administrative tasks and provide clinicians with more time to spend with their patients. Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Group Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Holdings, echoed this sentiment, stating that AI tools in areas like clinical documentation and workflow automation improve efficiency and free up time for patient care.

However, he emphasized that AI is not replacing radiologists or physicians but acts as a supportive layer, helping teams work more efficiently. Patients will likely notice a more seamless experience as care becomes more connected, with information following them throughout their healthcare journey and reducing delays and unnecessary repetition.

Both experts stressed that technology works best alongside a long-term relationship with a doctor, and that good primary care remains essential. Christopher Habib advised residents not to delay seeking medical attention and to find a trusted primary care physician to engage with regularly. Abu Dhabi's healthcare push is driven by investments in genomics, precision medicine, and clinical research, leading to greater access to advanced treatments, specialist expertise, and innovative care closer to home.

The aim is to provide residents with better access, earlier diagnosis, and more years of good health. The Abu Dhabi summit brought together global leaders to explore how AI could predict diseases before they occur.