[Design Story] Samsung Smart Diagnostic Service: Better Health Around the World

Samsung’s new project hopes to provide advanced healthcare to the Middle East. The HME (Healthcare & Medical Equipment) Division, the Service Experience Group and the Samsung Design Delhi (SDD) overseas offices teamed up to create a plan to deliver state-of-the-art in-vitro diagnostic devices, user-focused health services and ultimately develop an infrastructure to enhance the quality of life.

Because average daytime temperatures reach 45°C (113°F) between May and September, most offices close mid-afternoon. Harsh climates impede prolonged activity. Access to healthcare facilities is not always available. Short hospital hours and limited staff can sometimes result in a waiting period of up to two or three months. After careful research, Samsung designed four unique solutions to make advanced healthcare easily accessible in the Middle East.

Public Care: Journey to Hajj
Millions of Muslims make the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Hajj each year.

From the 7th to the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, many Muslims journey to the Ka’aba in the city of Mecca. With a gathering of this magnitude, accidents are always more likely to occur. Stampedes, cardiac arrest, heat stroke, and dehydration can result in hundreds of injuries and deaths. With more than 3.1 million people gathered, the logistics of getting care to the wounded is difficult. Running a mobile medical facility fully loaded with IVD equipment and doubling as a rest area is one viable option. Should an emergency transport need arise, IVD equipped motorbikes can navigate safely and quickly through the masses. Devices can relay medical information in real time to local medical facilities for immediate patient care upon arrival.

Home Care: Pregnancy Risks
10% of mothers in the Middle East suffer from gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This raises an alarm for the health of the mother and her newborn.

Most households include as many as three generations and average family size includes four children. High birth rates and risks of complications during delivery are not uncommon. To deal with this issue, Samsung offers a new solution to soon-to-be mothers who are exposed to potential dangers. First, Samsung’s Smart Mobile Lab nurse visits the home with IVD and sonar scanning equipment to diagnose the health of the mother and baby. Then a homecare kit is given to the mother so she can monitor herself throughout her pregnancy. The kit consists of a smart glucose meter, smart body weight scale, and Wearable sensors to enable each mother to check her blood sugar level, her exercise routine and diet on a day-to-day basis. This data is sent to her physician, who can then monitor her health through to delivery.

School Care: Childhood Obesity
1 out of 4 children in the UAE and other Arab regions suffer from obesity. It is estimated that the total percentage will rise another 19.3% by 2030.

Western influences in diet and prohibitive climate conditions contribute to an increase in child obesity each year. Recently, the Saudi Arabian government called for health clinics to be made available in all schools across the country. This initiative seeks to fight obesity and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), a respiratory disease especially high in young children in this region. The need for child healthcare has risen to a national concern.

Samsung’s Mobile Labs go to schools to support this initiative by conducting regular check-ups for all students while remote monitoring those who suffer from diabetes and other weight-related illnesses. Teachers and parents receive detailed health reports including suggested exercise and dietary plans to manage every child’s health.

Personal Care: Total Health
As with the rest of the world, health is quickly becoming a buzzword in the Middle East.

With economic growth comes increased accessibility to improving health and wellness. However, extreme temperatures in the Middle East prevent an active lifestyle. Samsung hopes to reduce the restrictions of these obstacles by providing health plans to combat the sedentary lifestyle. A thorough check-up is made by a doctor using Samsung IVD solutions, and the results are given to the patient’s nutritionist and personal trainer. Based on this report, a comprehensive strategy can be made. Samsung’s Personal Care Solution provides the necessary information for healthcare professionals and lifestyle guides to synchronize health plans to achieve sustainable, healthy living.

Samsung IVD Medical Equipment

Product Design that Makes Life Better

We’re not just talking about designing a new product. While preparing our medical services for the Middle East we gained insights on the region’s history, tradition, and culture. These insights, combined with product development and research, has allowed us to make a difference in the lives of people with health services.
Because we begin with the fundamental goal of understanding people we are able to design products that improve lives. This is what good design means to Samsung.

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