Digital signage gains rank in UAE's healthcare sector
DUBAI, October 13, 2015
Digital Signage is gaining prominence in the UAE's healthcare sector, with hospitals and clinics discovering the need for it in their day-to-day operations for reasons such as reducing waiting time, emergency alerts, educating and getting directions, according to experts.
The International Expo Consults (IEC) said that waiting time for various establishments around the globe as per reports, has reduced by 35 per cent due to the introduction of digital signage.
Around 63 per cent of people admit that digital signage is effective in catching their attention while 84 per cent of the people agree that digital signage plays a huge role in promoting awareness, it said.
Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC, said: “Today, digital signage is not merely a mode for advertising but has also become a part of sharing information and educating the masses.
"The communication between institutions and visitors would be more effective and efficient through the introduction of this technology to various institutions like hospitals, retail establishments and schools.”
Digital signage also promotes efficiency, as this type of technology is cost-effective and saves time, while promoting interaction with its users.
“Today, healthcare institutions receive hundreds of patients a day. Waiting time in the hospitals could be made more productive through spreading awareness about certain illnesses and giving health tips,” said Falaknaz.
In addition to making the waiting time more productive, digital signage also helps patients find their way around the hospital.
Dr Haider Al Zubaidy, chief executive officer of Canadian Specialist Hospital, said: “Patients and visitors don’t need to ask their way around the hospital if it is equipped with interactive and informative digital signage with rich content.
"It also sorts the problem of waiting in hospitals by informing patients about the approximate waiting time and thereby patients could approach the specialist accordingly.”
Dr Al Zubaidy also said that children accompanying adults are often restless and tensed in a medical environment. A digital signage with facts and pictures would definitely divert their attention.
Digital signage can help soothe the nerves of anxious patients who come for various treatments by showing them what to expect while undergoing the treatment.
“Additionally, digital signage increases the efficiency of staff by providing them with real-time updates on availability of rooms and beds, equipment usage, emergency alerts and staff location rather than relying on various sources for the information,” added Dr Al Zubaidy.
The SGI Dubai 2016, a leading trade event for digital and conventional signage will run from January 10 to 12 will showcase products and services of various traders across the Middle East.
The visitors can consult and interact with architects, sign makers, production manufacturers, media agencies, real estate developers, and brand and image consultants.
“I believe that the upcoming SGI show provides the ideal platform for the institutions in the healthcare sector to analyse and procure the digital signage as per their requirements,” concluded Falaknaz. - TradeArabia News Service
