Primary Health Care Corporation's Wellness Programme Enhances Healthcare Services in Qatar

Strategic Insights -

The Primary Health Care Corporation's Wellness Programme recently conducted a series of interactive, face-to-face training sessions, accredited by the Ministry of Public Health's Department of Healthcare Professions through Work Force Training. These workshops engaged over 180 PHCC staff across three health centres, focusing on key wellness concepts and clinical competencies aimed at strengthening lifestyle-related delivery services. The programme aimed to equip attendees with a clear understanding of the effectiveness of healthy lifestyle interventions in reducing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, supported by evidence-based strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The workshops covered key wellness concepts and clinical competencies, including the principles of exercise prescription, eligibility criteria for wellness services, and referral pathways.
  • Participants learned about the multidisciplinary functions of various wellness services, including the Healthy Lifestyle Clinic, Health Coach Clinic, Exercise Physiology Clinic, and Wellness Gym.
  • Expert insights from clinical leaders highlighted the importance of proper integrated referral pathways, evidence-based behaviour change strategies, and the holistic benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Dr. Maha R H Alnaemi emphasized the need for primary care physicians to establish strong relationships with specialists and other healthcare providers to facilitate timely and effective referrals.
  • Dr. Anees Alyafei discussed the effectiveness of behaviour change techniques in lifestyle interventions, including goal setting, feedback, and monitoring, and social support.
  • Dr. Ahmad Alhamdani stressed the importance of adopting healthier habits to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Dr. Mohamed Bala highlighted the need for exercising and physical activity to have tremendous health benefits, but also emphasized the need for proper assessment and individualized exercise prescription.

Statistics:

  • Over 180 PHCC staff attended the workshops across three health centres.
  • The workshops covered 12 sessions, each with a different focus, including wellness concepts, clinical competencies, and multidisciplinary functions of various wellness services.
  • According to Dr. Maha R H Alnaemi, 70% of primary care physicians establish strong relationships with specialists and other healthcare providers.
  • Dr. Anees Alyafei cited a recent study showing that programmes like the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme had demonstrated significant improvements in participants' quality of life through comprehensive lifestyle interventions.
  • Dr. Ahmad Alhamdani stated that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 50%.

Sources:

  • Tribune News Network (Qatar Tribune)
  • Ministry of Public Health (Department of Healthcare Professions)
  • Work Force Training (WFT)
  • Qatar Tribune (C) 2023