Doha

Rumailah Hospital, a member of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), observed World Occupational Therapy Day on October 27.

Highlights of the day included lectures and other educational activities focusing on raising awareness about the role of occupational therapy services in patient care, as well as services on offer at HMC.

Dr Alaa al-Sheikh, occupational therapy specialist and deputy chairperson of the occupational therapy department at Rumailah Hospital, said next year’s event will highlight all occupational health services available in Qatar.

“Services at the occupational therapy department have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years in response to increasing demand in Qatar. New therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art medical instruments and equipment have been introduced at the department to ensure that patients are provided the safest, most effective and most compassionate care,” said Dr al-Sheikh.

He said that HMC's new clinical information system has been implemented at the department whereby patients' records are electronically accessed. “In addition, new subspecialties have been introduced and staff training sessions have been conducted to cover new therapeutic disciplines such as pediatric rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation, hand injuries, stroke and acute care. Procedures for expediting healthcare services to patients as soon as they are admitted to the hospital have also been put in place," Dr al-Sheikh added.

Husain Bohazza, psychological occupational therapist, said the psychotherapy unit participated in the event to showcase a display of artifacts produced by the patients. The display showed how engaging in artwork can help patients regain self-confidence and the ability to reintegrate as active members of the community.