In a groundbreaking advancement for patient care, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched Qatar’s first Neurocardiac Rehabilitation program, a pioneering initiative designed to serve patients with concurrent cardiac and neurological conditions. This innovative program, created in collaboration with Heart Hospital and Corporate Rehabilitation Therapy Services, addresses a critical need for integrated care, reflecting HMC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing health services in the region.
Led by Dr. Hanadi Al-Hamad, Deputy Chief of Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, and Geriatrics, and Lead of Corporate Rehabilitation Therapy Services, the program aims to close a significant gap in patient rehabilitation. Studies reveal that more than 50% of patients with comorbid cardiac and neurological conditions are underserved by traditional models that focus on either heart or neurological recovery—leaving many patients without comprehensive care.
Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Care
The Neurocardiac Rehabilitation program integrates neurorehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation expertise, providing patients with seamless, multidisciplinary care. Through state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic tools such as telemetry, ECG analysis, exercise testing, precise exercise prescriptions, dosage calculations and advanced screening techniques, this program delivers customized treatment plans to optimize patient recovery and long-term health.
A Vision for Transformative Care
Dr. Hanadi Al-Hamad emphasized the program’s transformative impact: "The launch of Neurocardiac Rehabilitation represents a critical milestone in our pursuit of holistic patient care. By addressing the dual needs of patients with both cardiac and neurological conditions, we are not only advancing individual health outcomes but also setting a new standard for integrated rehabilitation services."
The Neurocardiac Rehabilitation program is a key pillar of the ‘Cardio Adapted Rehabilitation Excellence (CARE)’ initiative, an innovative corporate-wide effort adapting rehabilitation processes to align with cardiovascular needs. This ensures that all rehabilitation professionals integrate cardiovascular considerations when designing exercise regimes, enhancing the safety, precision, and effectiveness of care.
Dr. Nidal Asaad, CEO and Medical Director of Heart Hospital stated that: ““The launch of Neurocardiac Rehabilitation is a transformative step in providing accessible, integrated care. By addressing both cardiac and neurological challenges, this initiative enhances patient outcomes and establishes a new model for comprehensive rehabilitation services.”
Dr. Mohammad Al-Hashemi, Director of Cardiac Rehab & Non-invasive Laboratory in Heart Hospital explained that: “Patients with complex cardio and neuro deficits who are cleared from acute cardiac illness will now receive the required neuro-cardiac rehab services in a qualified, safe environment."
Dr. Manal Al-Shamari, Program Manager of Cardiac Rehabilitation, highlighted the importance of this development: "This is a vital historical step between Heart Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. This program addresses a critical gap in patient care flow. Patients with neurocardiac conditions will now receive comprehensive care that bridges both specialties, resulting in better patient outcomes and recovery trajectories."
Mr. Al-Madzhar Jundam Ahmadul, Director of Neurological Physiotherapy at QRI, highlighted the program’s interdisciplinary focus: "Neurocardiac Rehabilitation ensures that neurological recovery aligns with patients’ cardiac needs, significantly enhancing their quality of life."
Dr. Theodoros Papasavvas, Program Manager of Cardiac Rehabilitation, reflected on the program's groundbreaking nature: "This initiative redefines rehabilitation by combining individualized cardiac and neurological interventions under one program, representing a major step forward for healthcare in Qatar."
The Need for CARE Program in Qatar
With the rising prevalence of cardiovascular and neurological conditions, Qatar faces an increasing demand for rehabilitation services that address these intersecting health challenges. The CARE program was established to meet this need by embedding cardiovascular principles into all rehabilitation practices, ensuring that patients not only recover but also build resilience against future health issues.
Dr. Ajimsha MS, Director of Rehabilitation at Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) and Hamad Medical Corporation, and the proponent of the CARE program, elaborated on its significance: "Neurocardiac Rehabilitation epitomizes our vision for precision rehabilitation. By focusing on underserved patient populations, we are not just filling gaps in care but reshaping the future of rehabilitation in Qatar and the wider region."
A Model for Future Healthcare Excellence
The launch of the Neurocardiac Rehabilitation program signals a transformative step in patient care, reinforcing HMC’s leadership in healthcare innovation. By bridging the divide between cardiac and neurological rehabilitation, this initiative sets a new benchmark for interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered treatment, advancing Qatar’s position as a leader in holistic health services.
This pioneering effort reflects HMC’s commitment to improving patient outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and positioning Qatar at the forefront of global rehabilitation services.
The Neurocardiac Rehabilitation Program team at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), led by Dr. Hanadi Al-Hamad, Deputy Chief of Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, and Geriatrics, and Dr. Nidal Asaad, CEO and Medical Director of Heart Hospital, proudly stands with the first patient recruited into the groundbreaking initiative. This pioneering program integrates cardiac and neurological rehabilitation, addressing a vital gap in patient care and marking a transformative step forward for healthcare in Qatar.
