DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) stroke service has become the first of its kind in the Middle East to be accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI).
The accreditation is based on quality and safety across all clinical and management functions and is considered the gold standard in global healthcare.
All of HMC’s network hospitals, Ambulance Service and Home Healthcare Service have been accredited by JCI.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and the number one cause of chronic disability in the world. Due to the high prevalence in Qatar’s population of many risk factors for stroke, including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension and inactivity, the incidence of stroke is high.
The accreditation follows recent improvements in care for stroke patients, with the opening of a stroke ward at Hamad General Hospital in March 2014 playing a key role in the improvements.
The multi-disciplinary nature of care has contributed to ensuring stroke patients in Qatar receive the safest, most effective and compassionate care.
The team involved in the treatment for each stroke patient is central to the multi-disciplinary care patients receive. Stroke neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, stroke nurses, allied health professionals, stroke coordinators and clinical nurse specialists provide expertise to shape the treatment plan according to each patient’s needs.
Improvements in care include a reduction in the average length of stay (LOS) for stroke patients throughout this year. A shorter LOS demonstrates the effective nature of the care being given.
The percentage of patients receiving thrombolysis treatment has significantly increased since 2013. This is an important improvement in stroke care as thrombolysis is an effective treatment that can greatly increase a patient’s chances of full recovery, but it must be given within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing Director, HMC, said, “Everyone involved with the delivery of stroke care at HMC is proud to be accredited by JCI. It recognises our stroke service as being among the best in the world.
Improvements in care for stroke patients have been made possible through teamwork and commitment of staff across services and are perfect examples of collaborative work.”
The Peninsula
