Heart Hospital (HH) is on a steadfast journey to achieve Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care (PCC). This ongoing effort demonstrates the hospital's commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care centered around patients and their families.
HH’s CEO and Medical Director, Dr. Nidal Asaad spearheads the hospital in transforming their culture towards PCC. He said, “The best way to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality care is through a person-centered approach that actively involves individuals in their care plans and decision-making processes. By nurturing a culture that prioritizes partnerships with patients, families, and community engagement, we enhance both patient satisfaction and our staff members’ joy at work. The Patient and Family Advisory Council has been instrumental in supporting Heart Hospital's primary focus on keeping person-centered approach to care and addressing family needs as top priorities.”
Mr. Nasser Al Naimi, Chief of Patient Experience at HMC and Director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute expressed his support in HH’s ongoing efforts for the PCC Program, stating, “As we strive to transform HMC into a person-centered organization, our goal is to establish new standards in healthcare delivery. Heart Hospital is steadfast in enhancing patient care through the development of initiatives and the implementation of best practices rooted in the principles of PCC.”
Since embarking on this journey, HH has implemented PCC best practices tailored fit to meet the needs and preferences of their patients, family members, staff, and community partners aiming to provide personalized care and demonstrate their commitment to becoming a person-centered hospital.
PCC Best Practices for Empowering Patients in their Healthcare Journey
HH’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient experience through collaborative initiatives such as co-designing wayfinding systems, establishing family lounges in the ICU, and developing patient brochures. These efforts are complemented by strengthened communication tools like the PatientWhiteboard, Wellness Logbook, Patient Welcome Booklet, and the Triangle Handover Approach (nurse-patient-nurse), fostering healthy partnerships between the healthcare professionals, patients and families. The Speak Up Campaign empowers patients to actively engage in their care plans, while initiatives like the PCC Ambassadors Program and Hello My Name Is... Campaign, in collaboration with the Center for Patient Experience and Staff Engagement, aim to improve caregiver-patient communication.
HH also celebrates various international, national, and religious occasions with both staff and patients, including events like National Sports Day, Garangao, and World Heart Day. During Eid Al-Adha celebrations, patients enjoy receiving gifts, complimentary haircuts, and salon services, enhancing their overall well-being. These person-centered activities promote a sense of community, teamwork and a celebratory atmosphere within the hospital.
PCC Initiatives for Enhancing Staff Support and Well-being
Leadership Rounds facilitate transparent communication among the healthcare professionals, patients, and leadership, cultivating stronger relationships and mutual understanding. The Golden Heart Award & Thank You Card initiative acknowledges exceptional staff performance and provides patients with an opportunity to commend outstanding staff members. The Decompression Lounge, developed collaboratively with staff, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation. Weekly Healthy Tips, distributed via email, promote staff well-being. And the Health Risk Assessment, conducted in partnership with the Department of Preventive Medicine, empowers staff to proactively manage their health.
Enhancing Community Involvement via PCC Initiatives
Heart Hospital actively partners with organizations such as the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (AWQAFM, also known as the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs), Center for Indian Community (CIC), and Ehsan (Center for Elderly Empowerment & Care) to provide financial support, raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, and enhance access to cardiology services. These collaborations extend to local businesses, offering discounts and complimentary services for wellness and beauty, further enriching patient care and community health initiatives.
Heart Hospital remains committed to its mission of delivering exceptional, person-centered care. These ongoing efforts and initiatives are integral to achieving excellence in PCC and ensuring that patients and their families receive the support and care they need for optimal heal
