Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Qatar University (QU) is thrilled to host the11th International Conference on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP), All Together Better Health (ATBH) XI, during Nov. 6-9 which is convened for the first time in the Middle East region.
The biannual conference brings together nearly 500 representatives from 32 states from around the world to discuss and explore the fundamental principles of interprofessional health education, share innovative practices, engage in practical conversations on promoting collaborative efforts aimed at promoting health care practices worldwide.
In a press conference to announce the details of this global event, Vice President for Medical and Health Sciences and Dean of the College of Medicine at Qatar University, Prof. Asmaa Al-Thani, expressed her pride in hosting this outstanding conference for the first time in the region, addi
ng that this historical convergence signifies Qatar’s ironclad commitment to advancing health, as well as upgrading the role of health and medical sciences’ sector at QU as leaders in this field.
She outlined that the decision to host this event comes in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, underscoring the decisive role among the medical team to upgrade health care practices, adding that Qatar’s commitment is demonstrated in upgrading health care through leadership of health and medical sciences’ sector in interprofessional health education, global recognition, record of successful hosting, as well as strategic cooperation, making it an exceptional addition, expressing aspiration for sharing rich knowledge that will chiefly shape the future of health care.
Chief Strategy and Development Officer at QU, Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al Khanji, said that what increases the privilege of this event is the fact that QU won the honor of hosting this conference for the first time in the Middle East, adding that QU boas
ts of hosting this global event which is overtly a testament to the international recognition of Qatar’s unwavering efforts over years in interprofessional health education since 2014, through the initiatives the country has been pursuing which have evidently promoted the global value of the professional health education, making health and medical sciences in Qatar one of the most significant trailblazing sectors regionally in this field.
QU established the Health and Medical Sciences Sector in 2017 in commensurate with Qatar national vision 2030 to be the national supplier of higher education in health and medicine, as the largest sector in the region, Al Khanji pointed out, indicating that the sector meets the evolving needs of health care system in Qatar, emphasizing that those in charge of the sector are steadfastly striving to upgrade it to be a leading sector in medical professions, scientific research, clinical care and societal participation through interprofessional health education in consistent wi
th the Qatar comprehensive vision for world-class health care.
He stated that the sector comprises five major colleges at QU and represents the bedrock of enhancing the interprofessional health education for health care practitioners in the future, adding that the advanced health care in Qatar requires an innovative and cohesive soft power, therefore investment in this education is essential to achieve that objective.
QU’s comprehensive strategy is primarily interconnected with health and education, he affirmed, adding that in consistent with the confirmation of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the importance of collaborative practices in facing complex health challenges, Qatar is committed to forming health care forces capable of meeting the evolving needs of communities, he said, adding that while this momentous event is about to begin, the health and medical sciences’ sector stands ready to contribute to the global discourse centered on intersectional health education and collaborative health pract
ices, to be a source of inspiration in paving the way for a healthier and more collaborative future.
For her part, chair of the conference and Director of Clinical Operations and Engagement at QU Health, Dr. Alla El Awaisi, talked about QU’s efforts in upgrading the interprofessional health care education in a proactive approach to boost cooperation among the health care team, emphasizing that the health and medical sciences’ sector at QU has emerged as a pioneering entity in interprofessional health education in the region through the curricula of research contributions, as well as initiatives to upgrade the capabilities of the pedagogical staff making it a leading player in the development of collaborative health care practices.
Commenting on the conference programme, Dr. Alla El Awaisi outlined that the conference includes eight sessions with 276 presentations, six workshops before the event, 13 thought-provoking workshops and 28 “Pearls of Wisdom” conversations that include sharing expertise through pre
sentations, as well as 15 sessions of Arab council for exploration, 96 verbal presentations, along with a variety of debates and contests.
She pointed out that the event will feature the most important themes in interprofessional health education and the collaborative practice in consistent with QU’s vision, such as sharing the models of best practices, orienting regional, national, and global policies and criteria, advocating for health and well-being, as well as embracing pluralism, equality, inclusion and belonging, as well as promoting safety within and without health care institutions.
During the conference, Winterthur Declaration to advance interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) will be launched, El Awaisi confirmed, adding that it represents a pivotal moment in advancing interprofessional global education and collaborative practice, based on a decade of efforts of the WHO’s action framework, as well as Sydney Declaration 2010 and Vancouver Declaration 2004.
Assistant dean for
student affairs from the College of Nursing, Noof Al Kuwari, recalled the speakers and participants in the conference sessions and various workshops, outlining that this scientific event intends to offer knowledge-sharing opportunities, share perspectives and expertise, as well as promote the concept of the interprofessional health education and collaborative practice.
Source: Qatar News Agency