QATAR—Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)’s Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre (Itqan) has become the first facility in Qatar to receive accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), which is regarded as the gold standard in healthcare simulation worldwide.

Located on the Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City (HBKMC) campus, Itqan is recognized as one of the largest and most technically advanced simulation facilities globally.

The company released a statement describing the accreditation from SSH as a significant achievement that reflects a strong commitment to excellence.

 It also sets the institution apart from competitors by ensuring the facility provides high-quality education, which ultimately translates into better patient outcomes.

Dr. Abdulla Yousuf, acting executive director of Itqan, commented on the importance of this accreditation, stating that it formally acknowledges Itqan as a leader in healthcare simulation.

He expressed pride in the dedication and hard work of the Itqan team, whose efforts over the years have culminated in this achievement.

Dr. Yousuf also emphasized that Itqan plays a vital role in revolutionising clinical education and training in Qatar by offering healthcare professionals and students the opportunity to enhance technical skills and essential capabilities such as clinical judgment, communication, prioritisation, and teamwork.

The SSH accreditation awarded to Itqan covers two key areas: Core and Teaching/Education. These areas highlight the centre’s focus on delivering comprehensive educational programs that prepare healthcare workers to excel in patient care.

Supporting this, Dr. Abdullatif al-Khal, deputy medical director and director of medical education at HMC, praised Itqan’s state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility.

He highlighted how Itqan creates controlled and supportive learning environments that closely mimic real-life patient care settings.

These include simulated patient suites, labour and delivery rooms, operating theatres, intensive care units, and clinical environments.

Such immersive training helps learners gain hands-on experience in scenarios they are likely to encounter in their professional careers.

The accreditation process involved a thorough review of Itqan’s policies and educational methodologies.

The SSH accreditation board commended the centre’s team for their coordination and attention to detail in ensuring that all aspects of Educational Activities, Educational Activity Design, Qualified Educators, and Evaluation and Improvement were thoroughly met.

The accreditation followed a site visit in April, during which SSH representatives observed daily activities and spoke to stakeholders to confirm that the centre operates at a high level of quality.

Amr Metwally, Itqan’s assistant executive director, further emphasized that this accreditation brings regional and international recognition and strengthens the centre’s operational and strategic capabilities.

In 2023, Itqan facilitated over 1,450 activities for more than 31,500 learners.

 Additionally, the centre engaged with the wider community by hosting 3,500 high-school students on educational tours focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

So far, in 2024, Itqan has already hosted 21,272 learners who participated in various training courses, from basic instruction to highly advanced, technology-driven programs.

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