UAE Doctors discuss pros and cons of the concept
If administered correctly and for the right reason, it should be a positive step
Dubai, Suchitra Bajpai Chaudhary
Dr Arun Kumar Sharma consultant Neuro Physician at Emirates 24/7 Hospital and Dr Paul Macnamara consultant orthopedic surgeon, Medcare Hospital, Dubai offer their perspective on the issues surrounding the digital pill.
How does the medical fraternity in the UAE view such technology? Do they see it coming here?
Dr Sharma: The medical fraternity in the UAE is a highly qualified and experienced group of professionals owing to the rigorous licensing procedures of the regulatory authorities .We are continually striving to keep abreast of the latest developments in medical science .Although the digital pill has been released by the FDA only a few days ago, we are assimilating the news and its practical implications for its future usage.
The composite opinion is still in the process of coalescence .It is one thing for FDA ,a governing body of US, to release a new medical technology basing on its effectiveness and safety profile and yet another thing to foresee its acceptance by health-care providers and care givers which are by and large driven by utilitarian concerns heimer’s disease .vagus nerve stimulation implants for management of epilepsy ,subcutaneous infusion pumps for diabetes although released decades ago by FDA,have not yet found popularity in this part of the world .
Dr Macnamara: Having discussed this with my colleagues on the whole the reaction was positive .This technology will almost certainly come here .It would most likely be welcomed here.
Is there data available on the level of compliance with dispensed prescription in the region or the UAE?
Dr Sharma compliance is variegated issue. There is one study about diabetes published from Ajman some years ago in Malaysian journal of Medicine that showed compliance to be about 2.4 percent in psychiatric patients belonging to Middle eastern region .Therefore ,in a way ,by choosing Ability ,a drug indicated for bipolar disorder .the first digital pill manufacturers have exhibited a significant sagacity .
“The composite opinion is still in the process of coalescence.it is one thing for FDA , A governing body of the US ,to release a new medical technology basing on its effectiveness and safety profile and yet another thing to foresee its acceptances by Health-Care providers and care givers which are by and large driven by utilitarian concerns "
Dr Arun Kumar Sharma /Neuro Physician
I do not think this will alter patient –doctor relationship as long as the patient feels they are working in their best interests. Patients quickly sense this and if explained in the right way .It can have positive effects. Most doctors’ do not administer any form of treatment unless they feel they are working in their best interests.
Dr Paul Macnamara / Orthopaedic Surgeon
How does such technology after the patient –doctor relationship?
Dr.Sharma: Doctor patient relationship is a moral enterprise. Therefore administration of a digital pill necessarily involve cost-effectiveness of the technology, an all-pervasive issue of approval by insurance companies in the region and of course ,a consent by the patient himself .The relationship will not be affected unless there is obfuscation on the part of the doctor or the industry doctor fiscal alliance comes into play .
Dr Macnamara: I don’t doctor relationship as long as the patient feels they are working in their best interests. Patients quickly sense this and if explained in the right way. If explained in the right way .It can have positive effects. Most doctors do not administer any form of treatment unless they feel they are working in their best interest.
How will the medical establishment address patient’s privacy concern?
Dr Sharma: There is no clarity offered by either the manufacturer or FDA on this issue .For obtaining any reasonable perspicacity about the privacy concerns of the consumer or someone who ingests the digital pill, in addition to a well-constructed interview with the patient and the family, the topic has to be debated at the various doctor patient forums at the world level commencing with potential ability digital pill consumers.
Dr.Macnamara: As stated in the article, one can choose who views the data and this address privacy issue, particularly regarding the number of family members who see the data .If the data is breached, then the patient must be informed as soon as possible.
