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At Arab Health 2009 in Dubai, Philips Healthcare will showcase its innovative Ambient Experience approach.

Cath labs are usually described as cold, uncomfortable and clinical; patients can find them nerve-wracking and intimidating, while doctors conducting invasive and potentially risky procedures can find the experience intense and tiring.

Following extensive research, Philips set about enhancing the cath lab environment with an interventional suite design which promotes physical and emotional comfort as well as workflow efficiency.

The Sheikh Kalifa Medical City (SKMC), a 550-bed acute care hospital in Abu Dhabi which prides itself on being the only centre in the UAE to deliver fully integrated adult cardiovascular services, opened the region's first Ambient Experience Interventional Suite in September.

"We thought as long as we are creating a state-of-the-art cath lab, we might as well make it a state-of-the-future cath lab by employing the Philips ambient technology," explained Dr Scott Strong, acting CEO at SKMC.

"Philips was very timely in the way they addressed our needs. They sat down with us and explained things that we weren't even aware of " new concepts and new considerations. They explored our attitudes and were able to tailor the Ambient Experience product to suit us."

Philips' design features a soothing uncluttered environment which reduces barriers to patient / physician communication, thereby lessening patients' feelings of isolation. The patient can personalise his or her environment by choosing an ambient theme which helps them to feel more in control in what is a potentially intimidating environment. Light and images reflected on the walls and ceilings have a relaxing effect and a relaxed patient is less likely to require sedation.

Dr. Nazar Al Bustani, Director of Invasive Cardiology and Deputy Head of Adult Cardiology explains what the combination of visual and audio stimuli can accomplish: "We typically see two patient reactions. For many, they just admire the ceiling - particularly the projections which help them stay calm and quiet, without even asking when we will be done with the procedure. The other reaction is that we see the patient being silent for a few minutes and then they simply drift off to sleep."

At the centre of the SKMC suite is the Philips' Allura Xper FD20 biplane X-ray system, a cardiovascular X-ray system that provides outstanding support for the full spectrum of cardiac and vascular interventions, while at the same time potentially reducing X-ray dose, contrast requirements and procedure length.

Philips' relationship with the Sheikh Kalifa Medical City is a prime example of how its solutions are leading to successful partnerships in the Middle East. Wanting the patient experience to be central to its vision, SKMC asked for Philips to help with every aspect of the interventional experience to create an ultra-modern cardiac catheterisation lab that meets its specific needs. By integrating architecture, design, lighting, sound and projections, the suite promotes physical and emotional comfort and promotes workflow efficiency. In fitting with cultural needs, the lab also includes privacy glass to provide reassurance for female patients being prepared for a procedure.

Technicians, nurses and physicians at SKMC find the suite a more pleasant and enjoyable environment to work in and one that leads to a better patient-staff relationship.

Source: Press Release in Arab Health 2009