The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar has launched the Qatar Patient Safety Classification, a unified framework designed to improve healthcare quality and reduce preventable harm across the nation. This initiative, announced this week in Doha, aims to standardize how patient safety incidents and best practices are identified, analyzed, and addressed in all public, semi-governmental, and private healthcare facilities. The new classification system is a key step in Qatar’s ongoing commitment to healthcare excellence.
The launch applies to all healthcare professionals, quality and patient safety teams, and regulatory authorities operating within Qatar. According to the MoPH, it will enable better data analysis, promote a culture of learning, and ultimately enhance public confidence in the country’s health services. The implementation is closely aligned with both Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy 2024–2030.
Strengthening Patient Safety Through Standardized Classification
The Qatar Patient Safety Classification is built on four interconnected levels: Domains, Severity and Impact, Contributory Factors and Causes, and Corrective and Preventive Actions. This multi-layered approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of each incident, moving beyond simple reporting to identify root causes and effective solutions. The Ministry stated it is designed for integration with existing digital reporting systems.
A National Learning System
The Classification underpins the National Learning System for Patient Safety Events and Practice Excellence (NLS-PSEP), a central hub for sharing knowledge and improving practices. This system is intended to reduce the recurrence of adverse events by facilitating learning from both mistakes and successes. The report indicates that the Classification is among the first in the region to combine both learning from incidents and recognition of excellence within a single framework.
Dr. Eman Radwan, Acting Director of the Healthcare Quality Department at MoPH, emphasized the importance of this step, noting that a national team with expertise from both public and private sectors collaborated on its development. This collaborative approach aims to cultivate a system-wide commitment to safety and quality improvement.
The framework incorporates over 25 main categories of patient safety concerns, including medication errors, falls, infection control breaches, and surgical complications. Addressing these diverse areas through a common classification system allows for more meaningful comparisons and targeted interventions. This will contribute to improved risk management at all levels of care.
Additionally, the Classification is designed to support interoperability through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), meaning it can easily share data with other healthcare systems and databases. This collaborative element is essential for creating a truly national and comprehensive understanding of patient safety trends and challenges.
The development of the Qatar Patient Safety Classification followed a rigorous process. It began with a review of international best practices and existing classifications, adapting these to the unique context of the Qatari healthcare system. This was followed by extensive consultation with a multidisciplinary national team and a series of specialized workshops.
The implementation phase saw the integration of the Classification into the NLS-PSEP, alongside comprehensive training and technical support for healthcare institutions. Several facilities have already begun utilizing the new system. A governance mechanism is now in place to regularly review and update the Classification, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness. This ongoing process of adaptation will be crucial as the healthcare landscape evolves. Furthermore, improved health data standardization is an expected outcome.
Looking ahead, the MoPH will focus on expanding the implementation of the Classification across all healthcare facilities in Qatar. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be essential to assess its impact on patient safety outcomes and identify areas for further refinement. The long-term success of the system depends on consistent application and a sustained commitment to a culture of safety in healthcare. The effectiveness of this new system in improving overall healthcare quality is something observers will be watching closely in the coming months and years.
