Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center was awarded the prestigious provisional accreditation in Teaching and Education by the internationally renowned Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
The provisional accreditation, granted by SSH’s Provisional Board of Review, is a validation of the developmental efforts of the Center and the simulation and education programmes provided. Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of Hamad Medical Education Department at HMC, explained that this Center represents a strategic element and a cornerstone in HMC’s training and education mission designed to help transform clinical education and training in Qatar.
“Simulation facilities play a pivotal role in providing practical hands-on training for clinicians in a safe environment. Enhancing the competencies of medical practitioners, including doctors and nurses, which gives them more confidence when treating human patients; it also improves patient safety and reduces health care costs,” said Dr. Al Khal.
“Itqan is the first clinical simulation center in Qatar to receive such an accreditation. This is truly a major achievement that is a source of pride for HMC and an important milestone in Qatar’s strategy to develop a highly competent (clinical) workforce,” added Dr. Al Khal. Located on the Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City campus, the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center is one of the world’s largest simulation centres and the largest facility of its kind in the region. It is technically advanced and fully equipped with specialised simulation tools, such as high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality simulators, fully equipped operating theaters, intensive care units, and patient care rooms. The Center has been an extremely important facility in providing upskilling and retraining of targeted staff during the past COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Kimberly Leighton, Executive Director, Itqan Clinical Simulation & Innovation Center, explained that the SSH’s provisional accreditation was a credit to executive leadership support, the magnificently designed hi-tec facility and a highly trained and dedicated team who provide simulation training and support.
“We embarked on this journey to gain SSH accreditation because it represents an external validation and recognition of the quality of the facility’s operations, its staff, and the training programs we offer to healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Leighton.
