In keeping with its vision to advance knowledge that serves societal needs, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is delivering a series of workshops focusing on the “Fundamentals of Research in Health Informatics” for professionals at Al Wakra Hospital and Hamad Medical Corporation. 

The six-week online program is focusing on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches for health informatics and data analysis. The workshops aim to enhance the knowledge and competencies in the latest research methodologies for staff in the Quality and Patient Safety Department at Al Wakra Hospital and the Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department at Hamad Medical Corporation. The learning objectives relate to health informatics as a unique area of professional practice, which encompasses the systematic application of information, computer science, and technology to health care and research. Health information systems are now widely used in Qatar to raise the quality of healthcare, reduce medical error rates, and improve access to health information and services. 

Combining their expertise in this discipline, CSE faculty members delivering the training are Dr. Dena Al-Thani, assistant professor; Dr. Mowafa Househ, associate professor; Dr. Zubair Shah, assistant professor; Dr. Raian Ali, professor; Dr. Tanvir Alam, assistant professor; Dr. Samir Belhaouari, associate professor; and Dr. Alaa Abd-alrazaq, postdoctoral researcher.

Dr. Abd-Alrazaq said: “As healthcare systems rely more and more on information technology, it is imperative to develop the specialized knowledge of professionals responsible for managing healthcare data and information. More so, as this field can support the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare and encourage innovation in patient care. This training initiative is one of the ways that CSE is supporting Al Wakra Hospital and Hamad Medical Corporation to nurture professionals who can contribute to the body of knowledge on health informatics through their own research. We hope that the workshops encourage them to continue engaging in this emerging field.” 

Dr. Mounir Hamdi, founding dean of CSE, said: “We are delighted for CSE faculty to be supporting the skills development of our country’s medical professionals through this training initiative. Looking ahead, as technology continues to impact healthcare, we look forward to our continued engagement to strengthen their competencies in this area. In turn, their contributions will be invaluable to a better understanding of the practical aspects of health informatics that will also benefit CSE’s research in this field.”

For more information on the work of the College of Science and Engineering, please visit cse.hbku.edu.qa