HMC Celebrates Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care

Officials receive Certificate of Excellence

Five Hamad Medical Corporation facilities and services have been honored for achieving Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care at a special ceremony attended by Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health.

The five sites – the Communicable Disease Center, the Home Healthcare Service, the Private Nursing Service, the Ambulatory Care Center, and the Enaya Specialized Care Center - were part of a pilot program to achieve Certification in Person-Centered care from Planetree International.

During the ceremony, speakers explained that great care is more than having highly qualified teams, the latest technology or the best services and new facilities – it is also about treating and interacting with patients in a way that respects their values, preferences and needs. Achieving Planetree’s Person-Centered Care Certification for HMC’s facilities is one of many initiatives the Corporation is engaging in as a health system on its journey towards a more Person-centered approach to care and a real, transformative partnership with patients, their family members and care partners.

The ceremony was also attended by members of Patient-Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) who are patients, families and caregivers who collaborate with clinical, administrative and support staff at HMC to provide guidance on how to enhance the patient and family experience.

Planetree International is a not-for-profit organization that partners with healthcare organizations worldwide to transform how patient care is delivered. Its certification represents the highest levels of achievement in person-centered care, based on evidence and standards. The teams at the five sites  underwent a rigorous virtual evaluations by the Planetree team  to achieve their Certification. There are currently 180 organizations worldwide that have completed Planetree Certification.

Mr. Nasser Al Naimi, Deputy Chief of Quality, Center for Patient Experience and Staff Engagement and Director for the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, said that Planetree Certification is a truly remarkable achievement by the teams from all five sites. 

“Person-centered care is about doing things for the patient with the patient. Collaborating with patients, family members, and caregivers while addressing the patient’s medical needs helps us identify their expectations based on the patient’s values and preferences,” Mr. Al Naimi said. “This certification is the only program of its kind globally and formally recognizes the ability of the teams to deliver excellence in person-centered care. This combined effort benefits both the patient and ultimately the healthcare system.”

HMC will continue its journey to provide Person-Centered Care to its patients. Currently, more HMC hospitals have joined Person-Centered Care Certification Program.

Source: Hukoomi