Health Authority Abu Dhabi accredits 1896 Continuous Medical Education hours for healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi

The Continuous Medical Education/Continuous professional Development Section (CME/CPD) at HAAD has organized 275 programs in 2009 including courses, seminars and workshops to guarantee the continuous updating of the scientific concepts and modern methods amongst healthcare professionals.

Over 10,517 healthcare professionals attended the programs from various public and private healthcare facilities.

Dr. Ali Obaid Al-Ali, Director of Health Regulation Division said: "The continuous development of workers in the healthcare sector is an essential pillar in building an excellent healthcare system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Through continuing medical education programs and professional development, we seek to improve levels of healthcare service for patients and improve healthcare outcomes."

"The CME and professional development programs were launched by HAAD in 2007 to develop and update necessary information and mechanisms for healthcare providers and practitioners in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to all residents in the Emirate. The programs are mandatory for all doctors, pharmacists and nurses in all healthcare facilities and offered by HAAD free of charge at the time being and is also one of the licensing renewal requirements for healthcare professional in the Emirate", Dr. Al-Ali added.

In the first quarter of 2010, CME section organized 88 activities attended by 3.555 healthcare professionals, accredited 900 hours and audited 641 hours of continuous medical education in the first quarter of 2010.

Dr. Noura Al-Menhali, Section head of CME/CPD at HAAD said: "To provide better service and more efficient process of accreditation of CME hours the CME/CPD Section is launching the electronic accreditation and registration system on HAAD website. All healthcare professionals will be able to register online and to participate in all events organized by the Section, whether from their homes or workplaces. The system will also enable them to demonstrate their attendance, follow their CME requirements and apply for CME hour accreditation."

In the area of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), the Section organizes non-medical courses including administration, communication, and stress management.

On May 16, 2010, the Section organized a symposium on "The relationship between the nurse and patient" to discuss and explore the topic from different angles and emphasize the notion that The Nurse- Patient Relationship is central to patient satisfaction.

In December 2009, HAAD signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education in order to provide a common mechanism for recognition to all CME activities conducted in UAE on a global level in the international Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education giving all workers in the healthcare sector accredited CME hours on local and global levels.

Physiotherapists, respiratory-therapists, dietetics and medical laboratory technologists are expected to join the CME/CPD programs by the end of 2010.