Tribune News Network
Doha
Women’s Wellness and Research Centre (WWRC) – a member of Hamad Medical Corporation has introduced Care Partner Programme, a groundbreaking initiative focused on creating a comfortable and patient-centred care (PCC) environment for mothers throughout their labour, delivery, and post-partum experiences.
The Programme invites the families, friends, and loved ones of patients to actively participate in their care journey, beginning from their admission. The aim is to replicate the comfort of home throughout the patients’ hospital stay and ensure that care continuity extends even after discharge. The programme prioritises equipping care partners with the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain high-quality care in a home environment.
This innovative initiative was spearheaded by a dedicated team including Dr. Hilal Al Rifai, CEO & medical director at WWRC, Dr. Huda Al Saleh, executive director for quality & safety and PCC specialist at WWRC, Saadiya Al Hebail, acting executive director for nursing services at WWRC, and Muna Yaqout, assistant executive director of nursing and PCC champion at WWRC.
“We are thrilled to share the exciting news regarding the enhancement of our maternity care services at the Women’s Wellness and Research Centre. In July 2023, we have introduced a groundbreaking initiative focused on creating a comfortable and patient-centred care (PCC) environment for mothers throughout their labour, delivery, and post-partum experiences,” said Dr. Al Rifai.
“Our trained care partners play pivotal roles in ensuring hand hygiene compliance, promptly notifying the appropriate personnel in case of patient status changes or concerns about care quality and mediating in difficult decisions and discussions. They serve as advocates for patients in understanding medical information, procedures, medication side effects, and addressing inquiries from multiple family members,” Dr. Al Rifai said.
Dr Saleh and Saadiya Al Hebail shared the view that it is essential for care partners to adhere to specific guidelines including:
• During medical examinations or procedures, care partners must step out of the room.
• Care partners are required to provide their essential information, including their name, relationship to the patient, and contact details, to receive a care partner card. These cards are colour-coded based on different hospital areas.
“This initiative represents a significant stride forward in providing comprehensive and compassionate maternity care to our patients and their families. WWRC’s PCC journey continues with the goal of extending this initiative to all other maternity facilities under HMC. We look forward to continuing to improve the patient experience and ensuring that our care remains patient-centred and of the highest quality,” they added.
