Qatar's MOPH Launches National Training Program for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

Doha, January 01 (QNA) - The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), in collaboration with Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute (HHQI), launched the National Training Program for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety in the State of Qatar. The program was attended by 31 participants from 9 different healthcare organizations and hospitals. The program is a joint initiative with HHQI to build capacity and capability in healthcare quality improvement and patient safety across the healthcare sector in the State of Qatar. It aims to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare for everyone living in Qatar. On that note, the ministry expanded its regulatory role to also include building capacity and capability of the healthcare workforce in the field of quality and patient safety to help sustain resilience in Qatar healthcare system. The program focused on fundamentals of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (FQIC), which represents a significant step in enhancing healthcare standards across the nation, aiming to support the continuum of service delivery as patients transition between Public and Private healthcare providers. The program is structured with interactive practical sessions, opportunities for reflection and hands-on exercises. Prior to launching this program, the MOPH performed a Needs Assessment survey to identify educational and training needs in quality and safety for healthcare staff. The assessment included 1247 participants from various types of healthcare facilities. The respondents were clinical staff as well as other allied and administrative staff who have patient interactions. The results of this assessment survey assisted in structuring the training course in a way that ensures its success and achieves the desired goal. Huda Al Khtheeri, Director of Strategic Planning, Performance & Innovation department at the Ministry of Public Health, stated in this regard that "This program was designed in order to drive service and clinical excellence and effectiveness with assurance of high quality and patient safety across the whole health system in Qatar. We aim to attain our national health goals by developing a healthcare workforce that is sustainable and capable to meet the population health needs. Promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors is important for future health system resilience". Nasser Al Naimi, Chief of Patient Experience and HHQI director, Hamad Medical Corporation, commented on the program's launch: "This training program aligns seamlessly with HHQI's strategic direction, reinforcing its status as the national institute for training and building capacity in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. It marks a crucial step in fulfilling national demands for higher healthcare standards and contributes significantly to the regional prominence in healthcare quality and value". Nasser emphasized that the initiative goes beyond a mere training program, representing a pivotal movement towards fulfilling national and regional aspirations for enhanced healthcare quality and patient safety. By empowering healthcare professionals with essential skills, the program aims not only to improve current systems but also to set new benchmarks in healthcare excellence. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact, elevating the quality of healthcare services and ensuring safer patient experiences across Qatar. (QNA)