23rd January 2012: A panel of the world’s leading experts on Quality of Life gathered in Dubai today for a seminar targeted at key healthcare decision makers across the GCC, hospitals and regulatory bodies.
The event hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) and sponsored by ProVita International Medical Center, discussed the rapidly developing field of Quality of Life and how the concept helps those involved in the MENA healthcare sector design and deliver individual care to patients in a more holistic way.
Quality of Life is a broad multidimensional concept that includes subjective evaluations of both positive and negative aspects of life. Each individual’s QoL depends on different variables; although health is important there are other domains, for instance social situation, family, stimulation, aspects of culture, values and spirituality. By assessing and prioritising a patient’s QoL, placing an emphasis on development, nurturing and normalcy, their everyday living experience is enhanced within the context of their individual condition. It also is proven to aid patient satisfaction and therefore positive patient outcomes.
Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Founding Director of the Institute of Leadership at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland commented, “during the past two decades there has been an increasing realisation that morbidity and mortality alone do not adequately represent the potential outcomes of medical and healthcare interventions. In addition to their biological effects, illnesses, diseases and their treatments can have a significant impact on all areas of a patient’s life including mobility, mood, life satisfaction, sexuality, cognition, and ability to fulfill occupational, social and family roles. This shift marks a significant transition for healthcare providers and opens up a new dimension in patient care.”
Magi Livardis, General Manger of ProVita International Medical Center, Abu Dhabi added, “as a long-term care facility for ventilated patients and those requiring continuous medical and nursing intervention for serious conditions, QoL is fundamental to the care and rehabilitation we offer. There are things that we cannot change for chronic patients but by seeking to improve their everyday life experience we can make a significant difference. By working with international experts in this field we are able to understand this complex concept in the context of the MENA healthcare sector and seek to implement best practice in this vitally important area.”
Speakers and topics at the Quality of Life in Healthcare 2012 seminar included Professor Ciaran O’Boyle – Quality of Life in Healthcare: Emergence of a Paradigm Shift in Assessment; Professor Peter Fayers – Overview of Methods for Measuring Quality of Life in Healthcare; Professor Lena Ring – Response Shift in Quality of Life and Professor Gian Domenico Borasio – Quality of Life in Palliative Care.
-ENDS-
For more information www.provita-me.com/qualityoflife
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Notes to editor
RCSI: For over 200 years RCSI has played a major role in medical education and training in Ireland. Founded in 1784 to train surgeons, today the College provides extensive education and training in the healthcare professions at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
More than 60 countries are represented on RCSI’s international student body. The College has a strong international presence with Schools in Malaysia, Dubai and a University in Bahrain. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is independent, international and progressive.
- RCSI was established on 11th February 1784
- Total Number of Students: 3384
- Number of Staff: 800
- Amount spent by RCSI on Research Projects in 2008: €22m
- The Surgical College is the national training body for surgery in Ireland.
- More than 60 countries are represented on RCSI’s international student body
- RCSI has a University in Bahrain, 3 Colleges in Malaysia and an Institute in Dubai
- RCSI is a not for profit organisation.
- RCSI Noble Purpose “Building on our heritage in surgery, we will enhance human health through endeavour, innovation and collaboration in education, research and service.”
ProVita International Medical Center, Abu Dhabi: With strong international ties, ProVita International Medical Centre is the region’s first healthcare provider to offer state of the art long-term care for ventilated patients and those requiring continuous medical and nursing intervention for serious medical conditions, in a non-hospital setting. ProVita’s doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and related specialists offer the highest standards of professional medical care and therapy – designed according to each patient’s needs with a clear objective: enhance quality of life increase the patient’s human potential and continually promote normalcy for the patient and their family.