CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

Pioneer in person-centered care

Published: 28 Jul 2023 - 09:03 am | Last Updated: 10 Mar 2025 - 05:44 am

Qatar has established itself as a leader in healthcare. At the heart of Qatar's approach to care lies the fundamental principle of putting patients at the center of all decisions. The country's commitment to providing exceptional care is evident through its innovative programmes and services, which are recognised internationally. In line with Qatar's commitment, the prime healthcare provider Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has established itself as a pioneer in person-centered care, a transformative approach to healthcare that fosters partnerships with patients, their family members, and care givers.

By prioritising each individual's unique needs, preferences, and values, HMC has redefined healthcare delivery, ensuring a compassionate and empowering experience for all.HMC's care plans are co-created with patients, involving them as partners in their healthcare journey. This person-centered approach also includes the patient's family members and care partners, recognising their vital role in providing support and continuity of care.

Notably, HMC embarked on a remarkable journey towards achieving Certification in Person-Centered Care from Planetree International. As part of this initiative, several essential centers were included in a pilot programme, such as the Communicable Disease Center, the Home Healthcare Service, the Private Nursing Service, the Ambulatory Care Center, and the Enaya Specialized Care Center. Through this programme, HMC sought to enhance patient experiences by infusing human-centric care principles into every aspect of its services.A significant driving force behind HMC's success in person-centered care has been the implementation of Patient-Family Advisory Councils (PFAC).

These councils have revolutionised the feedback processes across all HMC facilities, ensuring that the voices of patients, families, and care partners are heard and integrated into decision-making. As part of it HMC has asked current and former patients and their families, to actively participate in providing feedback about their healthcare experiences. PFAC's contributions have been instrumental in shaping policies and practices that prioritise the patient's needs and preferences. Looking ahead, HMC is organizing the 3rd Person-Centered Care Forum in September, centered on the theme, "Inspire, Innovate, and Adapt: The Future of Person-Centered Care."

The upcoming forum promises to be an exceptional platform for healthcare professionals, experts, and stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions and further explore groundbreaking strategies to enhance the healthcare ecosystem's patient experience.HMC's continuous dedication to person-centered care reflects its unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, holistic, and patient-centric services. By fostering meaningful partnerships and incorporating patient feedback, HMC exemplifies the future of healthcare - an ecosystem that places the patient at the heart of every decision and action.