Author: Keagan Kurien

15th March 2023

In recent years, digital health technologies have revolutionized how healthcare is delivered, providing patients with access to faster, more efficient, and more convenient care.

From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Machine Learning (ML) to telemedicine, these technologies can potentially improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and increase access to care for people worldwide.

In essence, AI simulates human intelligence and allows to process large amounts of apparently unconnected data by machines, especially computer systems. In healthcare, AI and ML solutions have increasingly become a part of the healthcare ecosystem and are transforming how healthcare is delivered. Also, since healthcare data is often fragmented and is present in various formats, by using AI and machine learning technologies, organizations can connect disparate data to get a more unified picture of the individuals behind the data. Likewise, machine learning is used to help medical professionals care for patients and manage clinical data.

With the help of machine power, we can provide user-centric experiences. Healthcare organizations can find insights faster and more accurately through improved efficiency in operations.

Telemedicine is also being increasingly used to allow doctors to make more data-driven, real-time decisions that may improve the patient experience and health outcomes by enabling them to work more toward virtual care alternatives throughout the care continuum. A case in point is how Covid-19 played a catalytic role in the increasing use of telemedicine during this time.

Predicting health outcomes

Another game-changing use of technology in healthcare is for predicting health outcomes. In medicine, AI is also deployed in predictive analytics to explore patient datasets and forecast the likelihood of certain diseases/disorders, which benefits both the patients and healthcare providers.

Healthcare digitalization can, thus, play an instrumental role in improving accessibility by complementing and even enhancing physical systems. It shifts the focus toward patient-centric care systems and helps healthcare providers make more strategic, informed decisions reaching patients wherever they are to provide better-quality care.

In the patient journey, predictive analysis is instrumental in the healthcare system and our ability to provide tailored comfortable patient care. Thanks to AI and ML, we can anticipate the influx of people, which in turn can support care center decision-makers in allocating the right healthcare staff to the right place at the right time.

With a focus on giving sustainable access to healthcare to patients, Axios International has created a comprehensive suite of digital tools that connect all stakeholders based on more than 25 years of specialized experience designing and managing Patient Support Programs (PSPs). Through the integrated Axios+ ecosystem, all parties communicate, interact, and work together to maximize patient support and health outcomes.

The conceptualization, development, and roll-out of Axios+ digital tools follow a traditional approach that involves a multi-stakeholder collaboration that strives towards a connected ecosystem and patient-centricity. The focus is then shifted to customizing the solution with global know-how to adapt to the local context and ensuring it is adopted across the value chain.

Axios+ aims to improve the medical outcomes of treatment by making it easy for patients to track and manage their therapy while facilitating and expediting the PSP referral process for physicians and the medication dispensing process for pharmacists.
Already, Axios+ has been rolled out in 22 countries and has impacted more than 14,500 patients in 90 programs. Over 3,140 physicians and 1,155 referring hospitals have used Axios+ so far. A recent Axios case study also shows that patients can get treatment up to 52 percent faster, allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time with more patients, eventually increasing their access to treatment.

Considering the healthcare disparities across the different countries regarding access to technology, education, or policies and framework, Axios+ Patient Management System remains the core of the Axios digital ecosystem, bridging patients to healthcare systems by going beyond healthcare facilities. However, multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential for improving access to treatment. All parties involved must want and be ready to transform into digital healthcare and start embracing the change.

As part of its strategy, Axios International already partners and seeks further collaboration with large digital companies and tech disruptors to build interconnectivity and help support patients in fulfilling their treatment journey with the ease and care they need. However, it is essential to note that digital is just an enabler that facilitates high interaction and engagement to support patients. The ecosystem must support and simplify human interactions rather than replace them.

5th January 2023

Where do patients go when they need care and treatment? Or where do patients go after being diagnosed with a chronic disease? Many of us would immediately think of a hospital or a medical facility. However, that can be costly, as it could involve a long wait, and be ineffective. In addition, it places more burden on an already-overtaxed part of the healthcare system that is still reeling from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic upended the entire health ecosystem. Hospitals had to reassign significant resources, time, and physical space to treat urgent cases. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts by providers, many patients in need of critical care and treatment for chronic diseases were left behind.

A new focus of care outside traditional settings was urgently required to provide access to patients needing post-acute and long-term care. The need of the hour is to develop an ecosystem that brings the necessary multidisciplinary healthcare provisions to the patient instead of bringing the patient to the provider.

Remote care alternatives and the adoption of innovative technology are an ideal combination to ensure adherence to treatment throughout the patient’s journey and deliver healthcare quickly. Solutions, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring (RPM), mobile clinics, and artificial intelligence (AI), will effectively treat patients and provide them with quality care from afar.

Improving the patient journey outside the healthcare facilities

Remote services have proven to provide a safe, convenient, and effective way to serve patients outside the hospital environment. Furthermore, it has also recently seen a rise in demand.

In 2019, Axios designed a cross-regional program spanning the UAE, KSA, and Kuwait. The program utilizes a team of government health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, physicians, pharmacies, and other stakeholders to help overcome the growing burden on traditional health facilities and help close the patient support gap that exists outside the hospital. The solution is centered around remote and at-home care customized to each patient’s needs.

The solution ensures eligible patients receive quality care, and sustainable support from Axios’ experienced, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals in the most convenient in a conducive setting, either at home, in a facility, or a combination of the two.

Virtual appointments with physiotherapists and nutritionists, delivery of prescribed treatments directly to a patient’s door, and home visits by a multidisciplinary team of specialists are among the many options continuously emerging to offer higher quality care at a better value for both the patient and the healthcare system.

The program has already proven popular among patients and practitioners. During the past two years, 25,000+ patients have been enrolled in the program, while 2,000+ healthcare practitioners have recommended patients and guided them through their treatment journey. Also, over 4,000 specialty medications have been delivered to about 1,400 patients, offering individuals a new way to continue their prescribed treatment without visiting a hospital or pharmacy.

Over 98 percent of patients that received care at home requested value added services during multidisciplinary team visits. In the UAE alone, over 26,000 different services have been conducted for patients during the past two years. Axios Remote Care services include receiving a full nutrition plan, physiotherapy, diagnostic and vaccination services at home, as well as completing IV drips. Axios Home Care is currently available across many countries in the MENA region, with plans for further expansion.

In the past 25 years, Axios’ has committed to advocating access solutions that strengthen the healthcare system and maximize medical benefits for patients.

Generating further interest, this year at the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT) 2023, Axios is conducting a scientific program on ‘The Impact of Access on Healthcare Efficiency,’ where Axios will engage and co-create conversations from different perspectives such as regulators, healthcare providers, private companies, societal and patients perspectives that will generate 360-degree point of views aimed at empowering the future of transforming accessibility to healthcare and increasing efficiency.

Photo caption: Axios International congratulates Cliona Brady (seated), Dr.Anas Nofal (left), and Roshel Jayasundera (right) on being promoted to top leadership positions at Axios. Cliona is now the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Anas and Roshel have now been promoted to Managing Partners. Our leaders play an active role in guiding the business by continuing to push boundaries to do what is right and embrace change. Axios wishes them all the best in their new roles!

Axios International, a global healthcare access company, is pleased to announce promotions in its global leadership team to support its strategic business initiatives.

With effect from January 1, 2023, Cliona Brady, Senior Director, Business Services, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer and will lead the strategic design and operational delivery of a global Business Services function, including Human Resources, Finance, IT, Compliance, Communications, and Corporate Governance. Anas Nofal, Senior Director of Greater Middle East and North Africa, and Roshel Jayasundera, Senior Director, Global Consulting, have both been promoted to the positions of Managing Partners and are responsible for guiding Axios’ strategic direction, developing and implementing organizational goals by managing Axios International’s diverse teams and client relationships worldwide.

Cliona, who joined Axios in 2009, helped restructure the foundation of Axios in the past 10 years and made it where it is today. In her new role, she will provide leadership and management to ensure that the business has effective people, operational controls, and administrative and reporting procedures in place. Anas joined in 2011 and started Axios’ first program in MENA. Today he has successfully developed the business and implemented innovative projects in all of Axios’ healthcare access and adherence programs and significantly expanded its footprint in the Greater Middle East and Africa regions. Roshel joined Axios in 2016 and has been instrumental in overseeing high-performing consulting services globally as well as operational teams in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Dr. Joseph Saba, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Axios International said, “As the company marked its 25^th anniversary and reached a critical size and footprint, strengthening one of our greatest assets – the Axios family is a priority. Our leaders play an active role in guiding the business by continuing to push boundaries, do what is right and never stand still in embracing change. Anas and Roshel will continue to nurture client and partners relationships roles and grow Axios footprint and impact in their new position as ‘Managing Partners,’ while Cliona will reinforce the internal teams in her role as the new ‘Chief Operating Officer.’ I look forward to continuing to work with them and believe they will be instrumental in successfully leading Axios toward the next 25 years of transforming access to healthcare. With our exceptionally strong senior leadership team in place, we will continue to focus on creating long-term value for our stakeholders, clients, and most importantly, our patients.”

Executive bios and photographs of the top leadership team at Axios are available here click link

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