DOHA: The Nursing Department at Heart Hospital, a member of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), organised an educational event to shed light on a severe heart disease called Brugada syndrome.
More than 300 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, students and allied health professionals from HMC, Sidra Medical and Research Center, and University of Calgary in Qatar, attended.
The syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that involves a disruption in the normal rhythm of the heart.
The disorder can lead to an irregular heartbeat in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart, known as ventricular arrhythmias.
“Without prompt medical attention and treatment, irregular heartbeats can cause fainting, seizures, difficulty in breathing, or sudden cardiac death.
The event served as a platform for healthcare professionals to enhance knowledge about the disease, understand the importance of providing effective nursing care and support patients undergoing diagnostic tests.
Linda Peters, Executive Director of Nursing at the hospital, said, “Sudden cardiac death happens around the world and it is often because the cardiac disease has not been diagnosed promptly or the patient has not had presenting symptoms.
“One such disease is Brugada syndrome – which is not very common but can be life-threatening.
“International data shows that the chance of survival for cardiac patients who do not receive timely attention and medical care is one percent worldwide.
“We consider it to be of utmost importance to bring this to the attention of our nursing staff and other colleagues to help them play their role in improving patient health outcomes.”
Samir Shamieh, Director, Staff Management at the hospital, said, “We believe that as a specialised hospital, we have some of the best and highly-qualified nurses. The development of their skills through events like this will help provide the best possible care to our patients.”
The Peninsula
