Rumailah Hospital in Doha, Qatar, has made history by becoming the first Age-Friendly Health System in the Middle East. This achievement was recognized with Level 2 recognition as “Committed to Care Excellence” by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and its partners. The hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care to older adults aligns with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy and sets a new standard for healthcare institutions in the region. The Age-Friendly Health Systems program, which focuses on the 4Ms framework – What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility – aims to transform healthcare for older adults.
Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al-Hamad, HMC’s Deputy Chief for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Geriatrics, has played a crucial role in driving this initiative forward. Her dedication to improving care for the elderly in Qatar has been instrumental in achieving this recognition. Dr. Al-Hamad expressed her gratitude for the acknowledgment, emphasizing the hard work of the healthcare staff at Rumailah Hospital in providing high-quality healthcare services to elderly patients in Qatar. As Qatar’s elderly population continues to grow, the hospital is dedicated to advancing specialist healthcare services and promoting healthy lifestyle habits for the elderly community.
After months of rigorous evaluation and data collection, Rumailah Hospital demonstrated the impact of the 4Ms framework on the quality of care for older adults. This framework focuses on understanding and honoring the health goals and care preferences of older adults, ensuring age-appropriate medications, addressing cognitive function, and promoting mobility to prevent falls. By following these evidence-based practices and prioritizing the needs of older adults, the hospital has not only improved patient outcomes but also set an example for other healthcare institutions in the region to follow.
The achievement of becoming an Age-Friendly Health System reflects Rumailah Hospital’s dedication to enhancing the quality of care for older adults. The hospital’s success in implementing the 4Ms framework is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire team at Rumailah Hospital. Dr. Al-Hamad highlighted the hospital’s ongoing efforts to set new standards in geriatric care and ensure that older patients receive compassionate and personalized care. Nasser Al Naimi, Chief of Patient Experience and Director of the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute at HMC, commended Rumailah Hospital for their excellence in caring for the elderly population in Qatar.
Rumailah Hospital’s recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System sets a remarkable example for the Middle East and beyond. The hospital’s dedication to implementing the 4Ms framework and achieving recognition from IHI is seen as an inspiring milestone in elderly care in the region. Kedar Mate, MD, President, and CEO of IHI, praised Rumailah Hospital for their success and expressed pride in supporting them on their journey towards enhancing care for older adults. This recognition signifies a landmark moment in elderly care in the Middle East, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to excellence in geriatric care.
