Image used for representation only.
Doha, Qatar: In a remarkable testament to the power of collaboration and patient engagement, the Partners and Family Advisory Group (PFAG) at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has made significant strides in transforming healthcare by putting people at the heart of its initiatives.
Over three years, this pioneering group has proven to be a driving force behind improving people-centered care and revolutionising the healthcare landscape in ways that resonate deeply with patients and their families.
“PHCC has placed significant emphasis on providing safe, high quality and person-centered health services and began the journey of introducing people-centered care. Part of the endeavor is PFAG, which was established to enhance and improve the patient and family care experience by incorporating the voices and perspectives of patients and their families in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care and quality initiatives at the PHCC,” said a post on the X platform.
The PFAG series works closely with PHCC’s leadership to ensure that clients, families, and communities voice is heard to foster collaboration between patients and the organisation.
PHCC said, “PFAG contribution over the past three years was palpable across PHCC.”
Some PFAG partners have shared their experiences and said that PFAG has emerged as a platform for patients and families to be involved in healthcare decision-making.
A partner of PFAG in the Dentistry Department at Rawdat AI Khail Health Centre, Maria Elena Guanlao, said, “I have found this group to be a valuable opportunity to share my ideas and experiences. I appreciate that my voice is being heard and that I can contribute to improving healthcare in our community.” She was a member of the group from 2019 to 2023.
A patient partner of PFAG, Irwin Vilaga, has said that the experience is exciting, challenging, productive, and worthwhile.
“In all the meetings I have attended, PHCC listened to all of us (patient partners) as the patient’s voice. They were very patient and respectful to our opinions, comments, or suggestions,” he said, adding that all patient partners are treated equally.
“We feel empowered and free to bring out ideas we think can improve the services provided by PHCC. Of course, we always stress the positive practices, policies, and innovations we have experienced so that they can continue with these or expand to other relevant areas. Thank you for this experience. It is an honor and a privilege.
Looking forward to a more productive relationship and collaboration with PHCC,” said Vilaga.
