Doha 10 February, 2013

As part of its commitment to the delivery of the highest quality healthcare to the people of Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has signed a strategic agreement with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

The partnership will see IHI faculty work collaboratively with HMC staff, particularly HMC's Center 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 organization that works with health care 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," said Hanan Al Kuwari PhD, Managing Director of HMC. "They have worked with healthcare providers and organizations 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 readmissions and mortality ratios to establishing Patient Safety Officer programs and employer-based health management programs - IHI has worked with many respected organizations 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 fulfill this vision by assembling a unique team that works collaboratively with our partners," said Ms. Maureen Bisognano, President and CEO of IHI. "I am thrilled to collaborate with HMC's dedicated and talented people as we work together to envision a better health and health care future and creatively overcome challenges to achieve this."

The collaboration with IHI will include a focus on understanding HMC's current patient safety culture and review how teams within the organization can work together to improve the quality of care. 

The agreement also includes IHI's support to host the Middle East Forum on Quality Improvement in Healthcare (17-19 May, 2013 in Doha).  IHI's annual National Forum is a leading conference in the US for people committed to the mission of improving health and health care. 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 recognized platform, help to build momentum, and facilitate the premier gathering of people committed to improving quality and patient safety in health care 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 health care quality improvement learning designed to help cultivate the next generation of improvers. The partnership will enable HMC staff and other Forum delegates to tap into the rich learning available through expert training modules.

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About HMC
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the principal public healthcare provider for the State of Qatar. The Corporation manages eight hospitals along with further specialist clinical, educational and research facilities, and is growing in capacity each year around the diverse needs of the evolving population. HMC's ambition is to become an academic health system; a world leading center of excellence in clinical care, medical education and research that transforms into significant clinical advancements. 

HMC believes in excellence in healthcare, education and research with each supporting the other to provide world-class quality patient care in a safe and healing environment.

As well as four general hospitals situated in the most densely populated areas of Qatar, HMC also manages four specialist hospitals, looking after patients with the most prevalent conditions, including cancer, heart conditions, rehabilitation, and a hospital providing specialist treatment for women. HMC also operates the national Ambulance Service and a home healthcare service.

The Corporation was the first public healthcare system outside the United States to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for all hospitals simultaneously. JCI accreditation is based on quality and safety across all clinical and management functions. HMC is also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs. Heart Hospital is not yet JCI accredited.

About The Institute for Healthcare Improvement
IHI is a leading innovator in health and health care improvement worldwide. For more than 25 years, we have partnered with an ever-growing community of visionaries, leaders, and front-line practitioners around the globe to spark bold, inventive ways to improve the health of individuals and populations. Together, we build the will for change, seek out innovative models of care, and spread proven best practices. When it comes to raising the quality of health for all, IHI sees boundless possibilities and while we see the walls in front of us, we will not rest until we reach the other side. Learn more at www.ihi.org.

For more information, contact:
www.hamad.qa
Tel: (+974) 44398919
Fax: (+974) 4439524
rmorris@hmc.org.qa
P.O. Box 3050
Doha, Qatar
www.hamad.qa

© Press Release 2013