The Hamad Medical Corporation has signed a strategic agreement with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) furthering its commitment to the delivery of the highest quality healthcare to the people of Qatar.
The new partnership will see IHI faculty work collaboratively with HMC staff, particularly the corporation’s Centre for Healthcare Improvement (CHI).
The joint efforts include examining new and innovative ways to achieve the safest and most effective quality of healthcare in the region and enhance the patient’s experience at HMC.
IHI is an independent not-for-profit organisation that works with healthcare providers and leaders throughout the world to achieve demonstrable outcomes in safe and effective health care.
“Our staff and our patients will see real and lasting benefits from the close interaction with IHI in the field of quality improvement,” HMC managing director Hanan al-Kuwari said adding: “They have worked with healthcare providers and organisations around the globe and will bring their expertise to Qatar to enable HMC to continue its commitment to delivering high quality patient care.”
IHI has worked successfully with numerous healthcare institutions to facilitate targeted quality improvements.
From reducing hospital re-admissions and mortality ratios to establishing Patient Safety Officer programmes and employer-based health management programmes – IHI has worked with many respected organisations to find wide-ranging practical solutions yielding tangible benefits to patients.
“At IHI, we are motivated by a vision of a future in which everyone has the best care and health possible and we have worked for over 25 years to fulfil this vision by assembling a unique team that works collaboratively with our partners,” IHI president and chief executive officer Maureen Bisognano said.
The collaboration with IHI will include a focus on understanding HMC’s current patient safety culture and review how teams within the organisation can work together to improve the quality of care.
The agreement also includes IHI’s support to host here the Middle East Forum on Quality Improvement in Healthcare from May 17-19.
IHI’s annual national forum is a leading conference in the US for people committed to the mission of improving health and healthcare.
The forum was established 24 years ago and has gained a renowned reputation for quality.
Since then, its popularity and reputation have led to the establishment of international forums around the world.
The Middle East Forum will provide a globally recognised platform, help to build momentum and facilitate the premier gathering of people committed to improving quality and patient safety in healthcare in the Arab region.
Another key benefit for healthcare professionals attending the Forum will include access to the IHI open school, which is an online tool for healthcare quality improvement learning designed to help cultivate the next generation of improver.
The partnership will enable HMC staff and other forum delegates to tap into the rich learning available through expert training modules.
Al-Kuwari, flanked in the front row by other officials including professor Mike Richmond, Jesse McCall, Sheila Leatherman, Rachel Harvey, Frank Federi
