DOHA: The Patient Classification Systems International (PCSI) Conference 2014 began in Doha yesterday to discuss methods to provide improved healthcare facilities and create better opportunities for patients to choose a better service.
The first in the Middle East, the four-day event is being held under the theme ‘Patient Information for Better Choice’.
It brings together leading experts from across the world in a specialist segment of data flow, focusing on promoting and refining effective coding systems for patient classification.
The opening session was attended by around 300 experts, with a strong presence from the region.
The Minister of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi, President, PCSI, Dr Dana Burdja, Prof Elias Mossialos from London School of Economics and Dr Reinhard Busse from Berlin University of Technology were among the dignitaries present.
“The classification system is relatively new to the region and implemented only in some countries. But countries in the region realise it’s one way of achieving transparency, improving quality information about patients and that is why we adopted a road map to enhance, quality health system,” said Dr Faleh Mohamed Hussain Ali, PCSI 2014 Local Organising Committee Chairman and Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Affairs, Supreme Council of Health.
“Though many health events and conferences are held, very little information has reached patients. But discussions at this conference will reach the primary health in Qatar.
“The conference gives an opportunity to exchange information between specialists and to know about the development of the health system in Qatar,” he added. The healthcare sector worldwide continues to be one of the most vibrant and dynamic parts in most countries.
But less visible is the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes in managing the enormous data generated in the modern health sector.
“In fact, capturing and managing data into meaningful information is the backbone of healthcare development. It affects every aspect from the transparency of costs and care to understanding and responding effectively to trends in our sector,” said Ali.
The PCSI is the only worldwide organisation addressing case mix issues. In the past years, the conference has brought together a growing number of participants from all over the world. From a group of six ‘idealists’ from Western Europe and the US, the organisation has grown to hundreds of members.
The Peninsula
