The recently staged APHM (Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia) International Healthcare Conference and Exhibition 2013 held at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia showcased the role of technology in patient care and its advancement.
The annual event, which has taken the theme, “Technology – An Enabler to Better Healthcare”, comprised three parts – APHM International Healthcare Conference, International Nursing Conference, and Exhibition. With full support from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the event was graced by Health Minister Y.B. Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam , who officiated the opening of the conference on 2 July.
Dato’ Dr Jacob Thomas, President of APHM, also delivered a welcome address during the opening.
“I can proudly say this event is indeed the largest of its kind in Malaysia,” he said. “Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives including healthcare. With this theme in mind, the organising committee focused on the varied manifestations of technology in healthcare, and how these can bring about the realisation of patient safety, support partnerships with patient care providers, develop new clinical roles, and facilitate research, amongst many others.”
In line with the Information Technology theme, the conference emphasised the relationship between nursing and the incorporation of information technology sophistication into the nursing practice. The seminars feature various local and foreign speakers stressed on the increasing challenges in introducing information technology such as electronic medical records to nursing, and how to enhance nursing experience for better productivity and cost efficiency.
According to the exhibition organiser, this year’s event attracted the highest number of exhibitors. Of the overall figure of exhibiting companies, 90% were Malaysian companies and local representatives for foreign companies; the rest were foreign exhibitors.
The APHM event became a platform for 135 exhibitors across the various medical and healthcare segments to introduce new products and services, conduct market research, create brand awareness, and meet potential and existing clients.
Some of the key companies who participated include KPJ Healthcare Berhad, GE Heathcare Sdn Bhd, Antah Sri Radin Sdn Bhd, Prince Court Medical Centre, IDS Medical Systems (M) Sdn Bhd, Medigene Sdn Bhd, LKL Advance Metaltech Sdn Bhd, Hewlett-Packard (M) Sdn Bhd, Perunding Endah Alam Sdn Bhd, Pantai Holdings Berhad, Sime Darby Healthcare Group, and Mesiniaga Berhad.
Showcasing the government’s effort to promote high quality health system, the Ministry of Health also participated with MyHEALTH Portal (Health Education Division), National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, Clinical Research Centre, Medical Device Authority, National Blood Centre, and Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division.
The increased number of exhibitors this year was met with a decreased delegates participation (about 600 delegates) for the conference. A good number of foreign delegates from the U.K., Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Sudan, Japan, Korea, and Thailand took part. Heads of 14 Asian hospitals that are members of the Asian Hospital Federation (AHF) also attended.
In conjunction with the Information Technology theme, the conference emphasised the relationship between nursing and the incorporation of information technology sophistication into the nursing practice. The seminars feature various local and foreign speakers stressed on the increasing challenges in introducing information technology such as electronic medical records to nursing, and how to enhance nursing experience for better productivity and cost efficiency.
US-based experts presented during the conference.
Douglas Thompson, a Senior Research Director from the Advisory Board Company, presented information and led discussion on Electronic Medical/Health Records (EMR) entailing status updates on EMR applications around the world; as well as benefits, failures and successes in EMR implementations; EMR return on investments; EMR experience comparisons between Malaysia and the US, and effects on patients.
John Hoyt, Executive Vice President of HIMSS Analytics, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, addressed the criteria for successful EMR projects, project evaluations, return on investments, and real life case studies.
The Organising Committee also worked closely with the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Asian Hospital Federation, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysian Medical Association, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). Cerner, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Sime Darby Healthcare sponsored the event.
Source: MJN