Hamad Medical Corporation Research Articles

Psychosocial Evaluation of Prospective Living Kidney Donors in Qatar: A Profile of Prospective Donors, Process, and Outcomes.

In Qatar, the Committee for Oversight of Living Donation (COLD) was established at Hamad Medical Corporation in 2014 to provide standardized, multidisciplinary psychosocial evaluation (PE) for prospective living kidney donors (PLKDs) and ensure appropriate care throughout evaluation, donation, and postdonation follow-up, consistent with legal and ethical standards. We describe the COLD protocol and report PE outcomes of PLKDs in Qatar. A retrospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted using case file data of PLKDs assessed at Hamad Medical Corporation between August 2014 and December 2022. Descriptive statistics analyzed demographics and outcomes of COLD evaluation. Eight hundred ninety-eight PLKDs (54% men) were enlisted for 545 transplant candidates. Four hundred forty-seven PLKDs (49.8%) were Qatari; the remainder were noncitizen residents representing 43 nationalities. Most 680 PLKDs (76%) claimed a genetic relationship with recipients; 20% were emotionally related and 4.34% were unrelated. Of those who proceeded with evaluation, 88% (n = 788) were accepted, 7.5% were declined, and 4.8% dropped out. Of those who were declined (n = 67), 81% were noncitizen residents; 42% claimed an emotional relationship with the intended recipient, whereas 34% were unrelated and 24% were genetically related. The main reasons for declining a PLKD were insufficient socioeconomic support, psychological unfitness, and coercion by employers or family. Standardized structured PE has been effective in identifying and addressing risk factors across various PLKD demographics in Qatar. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation for all PLKDs, regardless of nationality or relationships with recipients. The COLD protocol could serve as a valuable tool for PE of PLKDs in other countries.

Risk of Serious Infections in Patients Treated With Biologic or Targeted-synthetic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Qatar.

Biologic and targeted-synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs), are pivotal in the management of autoimmune-inflammatory disorders, acting by suppressing pathological immune activation. Because of associated immune dysfunction, opportunistic or serious infections (SIs), and latent disease reactivation is frequently reported. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of SIs in patients treated with b/tsDMARDs in Qatar. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation, including all the patients treated with one of 10 b/tsDMARDs, between January 2017 and July 2021. Besides descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis were used for statistical analysis. Out of 1092 patients, 86 (7.9%) had SIs, with an incidence rate of 39.4 per 1000 patient years. Mean duration of onset was 10.8 months post-initiation of therapy. Younger age groups (18-52 years) were predominantly affected. A significant association was observed between the primary diagnosis (rheumatological followed by gastrointestinal, neurological, and dermatological disorders) and the occurrence of SIs (χ² = 9.512, p < 0.050). Adalimumab and infliximab had a higher risk of SIs compared to other b/tsDMARDs. There was no significant difference between TNF-inhibitors and others. Ocrelizumab was significantly associated with incidence of COVID-19 SIs (χ² = 16.84, p = 0.0000408), and etanercept with Staphylococcus aureus SIs (χ² = 17.51, p = 0.0000285). Predominant infection sites were skin-soft tissue and respiratory tract. Most of the SIs were secondary to either bacteria (43%) or viruses (17.4%). The mean duration of hospitalization was 9 days, and 7% of patients required critical care, with no recorded 90-day mortality. Patients with inflammatory conditions managed with b/tsDMARDs are at significant risk of SIs, which necessitate appropriate patient selection weighing benefits and risks, as well as careful long-term management that include patient education and relevant preventive therapy.

Exploring the link between physical activity and professional quality of life among nurses: a cross-sectional study in Qatar

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health, particularly for healthcare professionals like nurses, whose demanding roles can impact their well-being. Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) reflects caregiving roles’ positive and negative outcomes, encompassing compassion, satisfaction, burnout, and trauma stress. This study explores the association between physical activity and ProQOL among nurses in Qatar.MethodsA quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), with a sample size of 384, selected from approximately 10,000 nurses. Data was collected via an online survey using validated tools: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA were applied to analyze associations between PA levels, ProQOL, and various sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related factors.ResultsA total of 430 nurses participated (82.1% female, mean age: 43.3 ± 7.2 years). Most participants reported engaging in low (46.5%) or moderate (51.6%) physical activity levels. Moderate PA was significantly associated with higher ProQOL scores, particularly compassion satisfaction (40.3 ± 6.3), compared to low (36.9 ± 7.2) and high PA levels (38.7 ± 6.9). Burnout showed no significant association with PA levels. Sociodemographic factors, including age and shift patterns, were associated with PA, with moderate PA being more common among slightly older nurses and those working 8-hour shifts.ConclusionModerate physical activity positively associates with nurses’ professional quality of life, particularly by enhancing compassion satisfaction. While burnout did not show any significant relationship with PA, other factors like organizational support and work environment may play a more pivotal role. Promoting moderate PA among nurses through workplace interventions and supportive policies could enhance their well-being and caregiving capacity.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Prevalence of non-communicable disease and the associated factors among healthcare workers in Qatar

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly impact global health and contribute to economic burdens and premature deaths, with healthcare workers (HCWs) being at high risk. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of NCDs among newly hired HCWs at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 3097 electronic medical records of newly hired HCWs at HMC during 2021 and 2022. Diagnoses were coded using ICD-10 and SNOMED. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 31.8 years (SD ± 6.9), with almost equal numbers of males (50.1%) and females (49.9%). Indians made up 36.2%, and 63.9% were married. Professionally, 38% were nurses, 18.8% were physicians, and 11.2% were laboratory professionals. Overall, about one-third (30.9%) of the HCWs had at least one NCD. Diabetes mellitus (11.3%), thyroid disease (9.8%), and hypertension (7.4%) were the most frequent NCDs. Older individuals (≥ 40 years old) have higher comorbidity rates (47%) than younger groups (24%, p < 0.001). Females have higher rates (39.5%) compared to males (22.4%, p < 0.001). Married individuals, nationality, and occupation also significantly influence comorbidity, with administrative staff showing the highest prevalence of NCDs (45.5%, p = 0.011).ConclusionsOver 30% of the newly hired HCWs had an NCD, with diabetes, thyroid disease, and hypertension being most common. Higher prevalence was observed among older staff, females, married individuals, and administrative workers. Targeted workplace health programs are needed for early detection and prevention.

Investigating the efficacy of tele-occupational therapy for ADHD children during COVID-19: a clinical sample in Qatar

ObjectivesTo study the effectiveness of tele-occupational therapy (tele-OT) interventions for children with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to assess parental satisfaction with tele-occupational therapy for their children.MethodsThis is an open prospective cohort study using a clinical convenience sample of twenty children aged 7–15 years old. All children have a known diagnosis of ADHD and are following occupational therapy services at the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) outpatient clinic at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha (Qatar). They underwent tele-occupational therapy two sessions per week for 3 months via telephone and/or virtual sessions. The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale was used to assess ADHD symptoms and performance pre- and post-intervention. Parents completed a satisfaction survey at the end of the intervention.ResultsA significant reduction in total ADHD symptoms was observed post-therapy (Z = − 3.932, p < 0.001), with mean scores decreasing from 29.45 (SD = 6.747) to 24.70 (SD = 5.814). There also was a statistically significant difference between pre-tele-occupational therapy and post-tele-occupational therapy average performance scores, decreasing from 2.75 (SD = 0.492) to 2.62 (SD = 0.530) (Z = − 2.347, p = 0.019). Most parents were very satisfied with their experience of the tele-OT service.ConclusionsThis study shows that tele-OT interventions can be an effective approach as part of the management of ADHD in children and that parents overall were satisfied with this approach.

Assessing and monitoring clinical practice of undergraduate nursing students: a middle eastern context.

This paper presents an innovative Weekly Clinical Skills Progress (WCSP) tool to support the assessment of undergraduate nursing students in their clinical placements. The WCSP tool was implemented at the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) Nursing Program in Spring 2024 to address inconsistencies in assessment documentation related to the absence of clearly defined proficiency levels in clinical courses. The UCQ clinical faculty trialed the newly developed WCSP tool on eighty-seven third-year nursing students enrolled in the clinical course Nursing Practice for High Acuity and Chronic Conditions. These students were divided into 11 groups, each consisting of six to seven members per instructor, and were placed in various medical-surgical clinical sites throughout Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. During the course implementation and following, feedback from faculty, students and buddy nurses indicated the WCSP tool clarified the clinical goals, enabled consensus on clinical proficiency levels according to the course outline, and assessments were more consistent. Though the WCSP tool is still being refined, and more qualitative and quantitative research is needed, this paper contributes valuable preliminary results and recommendations that benefit nursing programs worldwide.

Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency (DPYD) Genotyping-Guided Fluoropyrimidine-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

While standard doses of adjuvant fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapies are generally safe for most patients, the risk of severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is increased for those with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency (DPYD), a genetic variation that affects drug metabolism. The objective of this study was to examine the cost effectiveness of offering DPYD pharmacogenetic-guided care, where genetic testing informs personalized dosing versus the current standard of care (SoC), which involves administering fluoropyrimidine-based therapies without prior genetic screening, for local or metastatic breast cancer patients in Qatar. We developed a two-stage decision analysis, with an analytic tree model over a 6-month period, followed by a life-table Markov model over a lifetime horizon. We compared the current SoC with the alternate strategy of DPYD genetic screening in patients living in Qatar with local or metastatic breast cancer who were eligible for adjuvant fluoropyrimidine therapy. Clinical outcomes and utilities were obtained from published studies, while healthcare costs were estimated from Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. The short-term outcome included the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), defined as cost per success (survival without grade III/IV ADRs) at 6 months. The long-term outcome was the ICER, defined as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, with a 3% annual discount rate. The study adopted a public healthcare perspective in Qatar. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the impact of key input parameters on the robustness of the model. In the short-term model, at its base case, DPYD genomic screening was dominant over SoC with a mean cost-saving of QAR84,585 (95% confidence interval [CI], 45,270-151,657). This cost saving reflects the overall economic benefits associated with the implementation of DPYD genomic screening. In the long-term model, compared to the current SoC, DPYD genetic screening would result in an ICER of QAR21,107 (95% CI -59,382-145,664) per QALY gained. Based on our model, implementing DPYD genetic screening to detect DPYD mutations in breast cancer patients before therapy initiation seems to be a cost-saving and cost-effective strategy in Qatar.

P-184. Gastrointestinal Illness in Attendees of FIFA Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar

Abstract Background Mass gathering events may facilitate transmission of foodborne diseases. We determined the pattern and causative organisms of gastrointestinal illness in the attendees of the FIFA Football World Cup 2022 (FIFA-WC2022), one of the world’s largest sporting events, which was hosted by Qatar. Table 1. Baseline characteristics of individuals who underwent stool testing. Methods The study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, which was the designated provider and overseer of healthcare during FIFA-WC2022 for all visitors and served as the national reference laboratory for all microbiology testing. We retrospectively retrieved all stool testing data from attendees of FIFA-WC2022 from October 1 to December 31, 2022. Routine stool microscopy for ova and parasite and stool culture and sensitivity tests were performed on all samples received. PCR testing was performed for suspected food poisoning or when a rapid result was required for public health response. Table 2. List of organisms detected by culture and/or PCR. (Note that the number of organisms is higher than that of the patients as some patients had more than one organism identified). At least one organism was detected in 424 individuals. Results During the FIFA-WC2022, approximately 1.4 million visitors entered Qatar. During the study period, a total of 2,179 stool samples were received for testing. The most common reasons for testing were acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis (51.4%), abdominal pain (11.5%), screening/surveillance of potential contacts (10.6%), and fever (7.6%). At least one organism was identified in 424 cases. The most commonly identified organisms were bacteria (92.5%), viruses (7.8%), and parasites (2.8%). The most frequent bacteria detected were Salmonella spp. (40%), E. coli (25.7%), and Shigella spp. (8.8%). Conclusion A relatively small number of individuals attending the FIFA-WC2022 experienced laboratory confirmed infectious gastroenteritis. Bacteria were more frequently isolated than viruses. The yield of stool testing was higher for those presenting with acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis and fever, but not for those with abdominal pain or for surveillance/screening. These results have implications and lessons for planning future mass gathering events. Disclosures Adeel A. Butt, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support

Challenges in diagnosing polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80 allergies: implications for allergic reactions in COVID-19 mRNA vaccination program: experience from Qatar.

COVID-19 vaccination has been a key intervention in reducing the severity of symptoms; however, concerns about vaccine safety, particularly regarding allergic reactions, arose early on. Healthcare workers faced the challenge of addressing these concerns to ensure safe vaccine administration. This study aimed to review the practical aspects of using allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in patients with a history of allergic reactions developed following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who reported allergic reactions after the COVID-19 vaccine and underwent allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in the Adult Allergy and Immunology Service at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The testing protocol, developed based on published data during the pandemic, included skin prick (SPT) and intradermal (ID) testing using medications containing polysorbate 80 and polyethylene glycol (PEG), the primary excipients in the COVID-19 vaccines suspected of triggering allergic responses. Of the 88 patients reviewed, 38 reported different types of allergic reactions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority being female. Anaphylaxis was reported in 21.1% of the patients, while the remaining experienced less severe allergic reactions. All patients underwent SPT and ID testing with PEG and polysorbate 80. By SPT, two patients tested positive for PEG and none for polysorbate 80. By ID, seven tested positive for polysorbate 80 and one for PEG. Among patients who experienced anaphylaxis, 50% had positive allergy test results. Twenty-three percent of patients with negative test results could receive additional vaccine doses without adverse reactions. Managing patients with a history of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine is challenging, as the exact mechanisms and accurate and valid allergy testing are yet to be determined. In our cohort, most patients had mild allergic reactions following vaccination. Excipients' allergy skin testing has helped to reduce vaccine hesitancy despite its questionable utility in clinical practice.

Educational Intervention Project: Enhancing Satisfaction with the Annual Performance Review Process Through Tailored Training and Evaluation Among Nurses and Midwives

Context: Nursing performance appraisals are essential for aligning individual performance with organizational goals, promoting merit-based growth, and maintaining a motivated and competent workforce. Aim: To improve overall staff satisfaction with APR through targeted training and tailored evaluation practices at Al Khor Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Methods: An educational intervention project at Al Khor Hospital focused on enhancing the Annual Performance Review (APR) process for nurses and midwives. All staff received training from November 2019 to January 2020, with refresher sessions in December 2020 and 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire, with 24 Likert scale and five open-ended questions, was used to assess understanding and satisfaction with the APR process among 63 participants in January 2022. To evaluate the training's effectiveness, nurse educators audited APR files from the 2018 -2020 year, covering 52 nurses and midwives. Results: Satisfaction levels with the Annual Performance Review (APR) varied across different aspects. The highest level of satisfaction is with the APR Process, where 66% of respondents expressed satisfaction. Following this, the APR Meeting has a 64% satisfaction rate, and the APR Form has a 60% satisfaction rate. In contrast, APR Documentation shows the lowest satisfaction level, with only 44% of respondents indicating satisfaction. The APR audit results demonstrated the significant abilities of nurses and midwives to collect, identify, and document relevant evidence within each APR domain. Conclusion: The project reveals varying satisfaction levels with different aspects of the Annual Performance Review (APR), with the highest satisfaction in the APR Process, followed by the APR Meeting and APR Form. The project successfully enhanced nurses' and midwives' awareness of maintaining evidence aligned with APR domains, raised awareness of the APR process, and improved proficiency in developing SMART goals. It highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and refinement of the APR process to address challenges and meet the evolving needs of staff.

Outcomes of the Qatar Transcatheter aortic valve implantation- registry (QATAVI-registry) -first report 24/7/2024.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a therapeutic modality for high-surgical-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. This study describes the outcomes of TAVI performed in Qatar. The Qatar TAVI registry (QATAVI) was established to report the outcomes of TAVI procedures performed at Hamad Medical Corporation- Heart Hospital between October 2012 and December 2023. Data were collected both prospectively and retrospectively. 241 patients underwent TAVI, with a mean age of 73±8years. The device success rate was 98.8%. In-hospital para-valvular leak (PVL) was as follows; mild 8.3%, moderate 0.8%, and severe 0.0%. At 1-year, PVL was mild 2.9%, moderate 0.4%, and severe 0.0%. At 2years, 0.4% had mild PVL, moderate 0.4%, and severe 0.0%. The incidence of stroke was 2.1% during hospitalization, 2.1% at 1year, and 1.2% at 2years. For myocardial infarction, the in-hospital rate was 0.8%, at 1year 3.3%, and 1.2% at 2years. 3.7% developed heart failure during the hospital stay, 15.4% at 1year, and 4.6% at 2years. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0%, while a 1-year survival rate was 91%. Among the 1-year mortality, 67% died from non-cardiovascular causes. The inaugural report of QATAVI demonstrates a success rate that matches international standards, favorable early and late valvular functions, and improved clinical outcomes related to major adverse cardiovascular events. Moreover, the survival rates observed in this cohort align with those reported in global registries, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the TAVI procedure in Qatar.

Enhancing Pediatric CPR Competence: A Study in Qatar’s Tertiary Healthcare System

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential intervention crucial in the management of cardiac arrest, with the aim of reinstating cardiac function and maintaining vital oxygen delivery during such critical occurrences.Objective: The current study aims to explore the factors that impact the competency of pediatric inpatient nursing staff at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Hospital in Qatar when performing CPR.Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire that included demographic data and CPR performance factors, assessed via the CAECPR tool. The questionnaire was distributed to pediatric nurses at HMC Qatar through hospital email between December 2022 and February 2023. ANOVA and t‐test were used to see the association between CPR performance factors and sociodemographic variables using STATA 17.Results: A total of 200 nurses participated in the study. Most fell within the 30–35 age bracket (30.5%), were female (95.5%), registered nurses (80.5%), and married (77.5%), with 84% holding bachelor’s degrees in nursing. CPR factors were found to be significantly associated with age, marital status, years of experience, educational qualifications, hospital units, and CPR training (p &lt; 0.05 for each).Conclusion: It is imperative to highlight the intricate relationship that exists between demographic variables and the components of CPR performance within the nursing profession. This underscores the importance of introducing targeted training initiatives and personalized interventions to enhance CPR competence among different demographic groups within the nursing workforce.Implication: The research emphasizes the importance of adopting a thorough and fair approach in CPR education for nurses and improving their effectiveness. Recognizing and catering to the varied needs and characteristics of nursing professionals, healthcare institutions can enhance their capacity to deliver timely and skillful CPR procedures, thereby promoting better patient results and elevated levels of healthcare.

Streamlining incident reporting system: A lean approach to enhance patient and staff safety in a Middle Eastern prehospital emergency care setting.

Incident reporting in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is vital for enhancing patient safety and system performance, but time constraints often impede efficient documentation. Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service Group (HMCASG) implemented a streamlined "Occurrence, Variance, and Accident" (OVA) reporting system to address these challenges. This study evaluated the effectiveness of this system in reducing incident report completion time. A "Lean" approach was used to streamline the reporting process. Four-hundred eighty-two OVA reports (241 baseline, 241 post-intervention) submitted between September 13 and October 8, 2022, were analyzed. The time taken to complete an OVA report was measured. Statistical analyses included Student t-tests, bivariate regression, and a Shewhart control chart. The mean time to complete an OVA report decreased significantly from 328.9 to 145.09seconds(p<0.05). The Shewhart control chart visually demonstrated the intervention's impact, while regression analysis confirmed its significance (p=0.007). The streamlined OVA reporting system significantly reduced reporting time, addressing the challenge of balancing incident reporting with emergency response availability. This lean-based approach enhanced operational efficiency, promoted risk reduction, and strengthened prehospital care's foundation for quality improvement.

Navigating warfarin management: Insights from the Hamad Medical Corporation during and after COVID-19

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 safety measures on outcomes in patients receiving warfarin for cardiac indications at the Heart Hospital’s anticoagulation clinic, Hamad Medical Corporation. Methods: Two cohort surveys were studied: pre-COVID-19 (December 1, 2018, to February 28, 2019) and post-COVID-19 (April 1, 2020, to June 20, 2020). Collected data included demographics, chronic conditions, warfarin indications, clinic visits, and safety and efficacy outcomes. Thrombotic events and bleeding events were tracked in order to assess the safety of the anticoagulant clinic’s adopted procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Patients who visited the clinic for 3 months before the pandemic were included in the pre-COVID-19 group, while those who visited at the peak of the pandemic in 2020 were included in the post-COVID-19 group. During the pandemic, significant reductions in thrombotic and bleeding events were noted, with a noteworthy increase in time in the therapeutic range. Notable findings included decreased ischemic strokes (13 to 1 case, p-value = 0.022) and reduced major bleeding (9 to 4 cases, p-value &lt; 0.001). Time in the therapeutic range improved from 60% ± 20% to 64% ± 20% (p-value &lt; 0.001). Clinic visits decreased during the pandemic but significantly increased afterward. Conclusion: COVID-19 safety measures at the anticoagulation clinic were safe and highly effective in optimizing therapy. Larger studies across multiple centers are recommended to further assess the broader safety and efficacy. The study emphasizes the ongoing need for improvements in anticoagulation management during and beyond the pandemic, potentially reshaping future care.

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of leishmaniasis in Qatar: A retrospective study.

Leishmaniasis is an emerging tropical infectious disease in Qatar. It is caused by the protozoan parasite of the Leishmania genus, which is endemic in many regions of the world, including the Middle East. In Qatar, there is limited data about this disease, which is hindering the efficient planning and implementation of disease prevention and control measures. Therefore, to address this knowledge gap, we conducted a retrospective study to gather information on the prevalence, clinical characteristics, as well as outcomes of leishmaniasis treatment. The primary objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of leishmaniasis cases in Qatar over seven years (2016-2022). The findings of this study offer valuable insights that can guide the development of a national registry and treatment program for leishmaniasis in Qatar. Using a retrospective cross-sectional study design, clinical and epidemiological data of all documented cases of leishmaniasis in Qatar between 2016 and 2022 were collected from electronic medical records at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). A total of sixty-eight cases of leishmaniasis were detected in Qatar between 2016 and 2022. Males were predominant (69.12%) with a median age of 33 years. Our study revealed a higher incidence of leishmaniasis among individuals of Syrian nationality, followed by Pakistani and Sudanese, thus promoting further investigation into the underlying factors contributing to this health disparity. Our findings revealed important epidemiological trends, highlighted key clinical characteristics, identified risk factors associated with susceptibility to leishmaniasis, and reported treatment outcomes. This retrospective study presents the first comprehensive analysis of leishmaniasis in Qatar, shedding light on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of the disease. The data generated from this study can serve as a guide for authorities in establishing a national registry and treatment program for leishmaniasis in Qatar. Implementing these measures will contribute to the effective management and control of leishmaniasis, ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health in the country.

Evaluation of the online continuing education experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Middle Eastern ambulance service: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant global challenges to healthcare systems, necessitating rapid education and training adaptations for frontline workers. In Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) has transitioned to distance learning platforms to ensure the continuing professional development of paramedics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these online learning platforms in meeting the educational needs of HMCAS paramedics in pre-hospital care. Methods: A retrospective observational study design was followed using an online survey. Data were collected using a validated tool focused on accessibility, feasibility, and perception of online learning during the pandemic. Descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA) were used to estimate differences in satisfaction scores across themes and analyze the data. Results: The findings revealed that HMCAS paramedics reported high levels of satisfaction (mean 3.93 out of 5) with online learning, citing its ability to meet their educational needs, enhance academic performance, and provide a safe learning environment. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, financial constraints, and lack of face-to-face interactions were identified as limitations. ANOVA results indicated that there was higher satisfaction with the online learning program, and that it met their patient care management expectations. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of online learning to meet the educational needs of paramedics during a global health crisis. The findings suggest that online learning can be an effective and resilient approach to education and training in future public health emergencies with appropriate quality control measures, improved feedback mechanisms, and strategies to enhance interaction and engagement.

Patient-centric perspectives on non-conveyance decisions following pre-hospital emergency calls: A qualitative study

Background: Patient-centered care is a foundation for high-quality healthcare delivery and is recognized by the Institute of Medicine as one of the six key elements of healthcare quality. It is fundamental to improving health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare system performance. In contemporary healthcare, we are encouraged to optimize our practices and deliver patient-centered care by actively seeking and analyzing patient feedback. This study explored patients’ decision to refuse transportation to a medical facility after receiving on-scene pre-hospital emergency treatment. Methods: A qualitative analysis approach was applied using semi-structured telephone interviews with 210 patients who had requested Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service pre-hospital emergency care from June 15 to August 1, 2023 and decided not to proceed with hospital conveyance. A thematic analysis with inductive coding of the open-ended feedback was performed using Nvivo® software version 12. Results: Data saturation was achieved with 32 responses. The thematic analysis revealed five critical themes: “Rationales for using 999 emergency services”, which primarily focused on acute medical needs and the absence of alternative healthcare solutions; “Reasons for declining hospital conveyance”, which included family obligations and previous unsatisfactory encounters at the hospital; “Subsequent steps after declining hospital transportation”, which disclosed that most respondents remained at home after the intervention, while a minority sought further medical consultation through alternative means; “Service satisfaction level”, which was predominantly positive; and “Language barriers”, which highlighted specific challenges during the emergency call-taking process. Conclusion: The study provided an understanding of the factors influencing patient decision-making in emergency medical contexts. It advocated targeted quality improvement interventions such as gender-responsive services and linguistic inclusivity. These findings highlighted the need for an integrative, patient-centered model that is attuned to the cultural and linguistic intricacies, thereby informing policy and practice to increase the efficacy of emergency medical services in Qatar.

The health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of healthcare employees in Qatar - A cross-sectional comparative study.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) considers health to be a fundamental human right. Health is a resource that enables people to lead productive lives on an individual, social, and economic level. In Qatar, there are a limited number of studies addressing the health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of healthcare employees. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the health-promoting lifestyle of at-risk and non-risk groups of employees working in Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the largest secondary and tertiary healthcare provider in the State of Qatar. Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative research study of all categories of healthcare employees working in HMC facilities. Participants with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, smokers, or those with pre-existing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were classified as the at-risk group, and individuals without any of these factors were classified as the non-risk group. Data were collected through an online survey using an adopted scale, Adolescent Health Promotion Short Form (AHP-SF), after approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of HMC. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 22 to 69 years and the majority of them were female (64.07%). Most of the respondents were overweight or obese, accounting for 42.99% and 26.68% of the sample, respectively. Interestingly, 87.64% of the participants were non-smokers and approximately 70% had no chronic diseases. The overall AHP-SF score was 60.01/84±12.32, with the highest score from the "life appreciation" subscale (12.68/16±2.84) and the lowest score from the "exercise" subdomain (7.05/12±2.93). Five subdomains - nutrition, social support, health responsibility, exercise, and stress management - of the AHP-SF scale showed no significant statistical differences between at-risk and non-risk groups. However, the "life appreciation" scale showed significant statistical differences between the at-risk (12.91/16±2.69, p=0.04) and non-risk (12.42/16±2.98) groups. The AHP-SF scores varied significantly across the participants' regions of origin, with Americans having the highest score (63.93/84±10.67, p=0.03) compared to other regions. Conclusions: Healthcare employees moderately practice health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. The lowest scores were in the exercise subdomain, suggesting that more interventions are required to improve these behaviors. Healthcare organizations are ideal settings to implement comprehensive workplace wellness programs and awareness campaigns that can motivate employees to take greater responsibility for their own health and influence the wider community to adopt health-promoting lifestyle behaviors.

Assessing Computer-Assisted Education for Non-hospitalized Children with Learning Disabilities in Child Development Center, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

Assessing Computer-Assisted Education for Non-hospitalized Children with Learning Disabilities in Child Development Center, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

Gastrointestinal illness among attendees of the FIFA Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar

Gastrointestinal illness among attendees of the FIFA Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar