HMC signs strategic partnership with Institute for Healthcare Improvement

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," she added.

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 programmes and employer-based health management programmes - 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," she added.

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.