Methodist International and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center announce global collaboration on quality and patient safety

Methodist International (MI), the international subsidiary of The Methodist Hospital in Houston, and King Faisal Specialty Hospital & Research Center (General Organization) (KFSH&RC (Gen.Org.)) in Saudi Arabia, has entered into a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on quality and patient safety.

The Methodist Hospital has a long standing history with KFSH&RC (Gen. Org.), with the late Dr. Michael E. DeBakey forming strong ties in the 1970’s that focused on cardiovascular surgery. In 1978, KFSH&RC (Gen. Org.) became the first cardiac surgery center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Marc Boom, Executive Vice President, of The Methodist Hospital formally commenced the new quality and patient safety initiative with a three day visit to KFSH&RC (Gen. Org.).

“I was extremely impressed with the hospital and research center,” he said. “Our collaboration will improve care for patients in Saudi Arabia, and in Houston. The institutions will collaborate to develop and implement joint research projects, evaluate the feasibility of cross regional benchmarking and co-host educational events in the region.”

His Excellency Dr. Qassim Al-Qasabi, Chief Executive Officer of KFSH&RC (Gen. Org.) stated that “Affiliation with Methodist International is a logical extension of our values and commitment to quality healthcare. We sincerely look forward to this partnership being mutually beneficial in developing best practices and advancing healthcare as a whole.”

Twenty five national referral hospitals and medical centers are participating and benefiting from distinguished health care and outreach services of KFSH&RC (Gen. Org.). The program develops partnerships among key regional institutions for improvements in health care by enhancing clinical practice, promoting education and training and standardizing management of specific diseases.

For The Methodist Hospital, quality means ensuring a safe patient care environment. Key focus areas are highly trained doctors who practice evidence based-medicine, a quality-focused, state-of-the art teaching environment, a first-rate patient experience that aims to exceed patient expectations, and ongoing research into the most effective patient care.

“The highest quality of care can be achieved by consistently improving performance of hospital-wide systems and clinical processes, improving clinical outcomes and thereby preventing and reducing the risk of medical errors.” Boom said.