In a momentous recognition of outstanding leadership and innovation in healthcare, Qatar University (QU) is honored to announce the recognition of Dr. Hazem Elewa, Associate Professor and Head, Clinical Training and Education at QU’s College of Pharmacy, alongside a team of experts, with the prestigious Star Excellence Award. Dr. Elewa was honored in the 11th Stars of Excellence Event for his groundbreaking project titled “The First Anticoagulation Drive-up Service in the Middle East and North Africa Region,” and the award was in recognition of achieving excellence in Health: Clinical Practice Award.
The project represents a paradigm shift in the delivery of anticoagulation therapy, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Spearheaded by Dr. Sabah Al-Kadhi, CEO and medical director of Al-Wakra Hospital, and supported by a distinguished team including Dr. Moza Al-Hail, executive director of pharmacy at Hamad Medical Corporation. In addition to Dr. Ezeldin Soaly, head of the cardiology department at Al-Wakra Hospital; Dr. Rasha El-Enany, pharmacy director at Al-Wakra Hospital; Dr. Eman Al-Hamoud, assistant director of pharmacy at Al-Wakra Hospital; Dr. Osama Abdelsamad, lead of the anticoagulation clinic at Al-Wakra Hospital; and Dr. Hazem Elewa, associate professor and head of clinical education at QU’s College of Pharmacy, The initiative aimed to address the challenges faced by patients requiring routine anticoagulation monitoring.
Anticoagulation therapy, often prescribed for conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and mechanical heart valves, necessitates regular monitoring of International Normalized Ratio (INR) levels to prevent thromboembolic complications. However, the traditional model of clinic-based follow-up appointments posed significant challenges, particularly for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities who were at heightened risk of exposure to infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Recognizing the need for a safer and more convenient alternative, Dr. Elewa and his team conceptualized the Anticoagulation Drive-up Service, offering patients the opportunity to undergo INR checks without leaving the safety of their vehicles. This innovative approach not only mitigated the risk of exposure to infectious agents but also garnered widespread appreciation from both patients and healthcare providers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, stringent regulations were enforced in Qatar to curb the spread of the virus, including social distancing measures and the adoption of telemedicine for outpatient consultations. The implementation of the drive-up service aligned perfectly with these guidelines, ensuring continuity of care while prioritizing patient safety.
The success of the drive-up service was further validated by a comprehensive evaluation of anticoagulation quality outcomes, which revealed that the service was no less effective than traditional clinic-based practices. With high levels of patient and staff satisfaction, coupled with positive clinical outcomes, the Anticoagulation Drive-Up Service has now been established as the new standard of care, symbolizing a significant milestone in healthcare innovation in the region.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Anticoagulation Drive-up Service exemplify the resilience and adaptability of healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality care to patients. Dr. Elewa's receipt of the "Star of Excellence Award" serves as a beacon of inspiration for future endeavors aimed at improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.