Latest news with #BahrainInternationalConferenceonFamilyMedicineandPrimaryHealthcare
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Half of Elderly Patients Prescribed Risky Medications, Study Finds
TDT | Manama Professor Tom Fahey, a leading expert in general practice and epidemiology, presented critical findings on the safety and appropriateness of medication use in elderly populations during the Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, held at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain. Drawing from extensive Irish research, Prof. Fahey outlined trends in potentially inappropriate prescribing and adverse drug reactions, with a particular focus on patients aged 70 and above. His presentation was based on data from a large cohort study involving over 50,000 patients in the Dublin area, highlighting how hospital admission, both elective and emergency, were significantly associated with the likelihood of receiving high-risk medications. Prof. Fahey emphasized the risks of polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of multiple medications—particularly among elderly patients, linking it to increased emergency visits, hospitalizations, and functional decline. In a six-year observational study across 15 general practices in Dublin, a significant number of elderly patients experienced ADRs, with over 10% requiring emergency hospitalization. The most commonly implicated drugs were NSAIDs and certain psychoactive medications. The research also investigated the rise in the use of strong opioids, such as morphine and fentanyl, which increased from 20% to 43% over a 15-year period. Prof. Fahey warned that these drugs carry well-documented risks, particularly in older populations, mirroring concerns across other European and American healthcare systems. Another area of concern was the prescribing of medications affected by alcohol consumption. Interventions aimed at reducing alcohol-medication interactions showed modest success, though the impact on long-term health outcomes remained limited. Prof. Fahey concluded by stressing the urgent need for policy interventions, better prescribing practices, and clinical guidelines to mitigate medication-related harm in aging populations. He called for family physicians and primary healthcare providers to play a leading role in addressing inappropriate medication use and improving patient safety. - Hospitalization was a major factor associated with increased exposure to risky medications, independent of other health conditions.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Education and Care Must Work Hand in Hand
TDT | Manama Speaking at the Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, renowned educator and surgeon Prof. Hossam Hamdy delivered an eye-opening address on the critical need for adopting systems thinking in the rapidly evolving landscape of health professions education. Prof. Hamdy emphasized that education and healthcare are deeply interconnected systems. 'Care drives education, and education drives care,' he explained. "To respond effectively to healthcare challenges, we must produce professionals who are not only technically competent but capable of adapting to changing systems, technologies, and societal expectations." He stressed the growing importance of aligning medical education with community needs, noting that public expectations of healthcare have changed dramatically over the last two decades. 'Educational institutions must be agile and responsive, recognizing that what happens in one part of the world—whether a health crisis or a breakthrough—has ripple effects globally.' Value-Based Systems Prof. Hamdy criticized traditional, fragmented models of healthcare and education, which he said often result in poor patient outcomes, inefficiencies, and high costs. Instead, he advocated for value-based care—a model that prioritizes quality and outcomes over volume. 'We are shifting from disease-centered care to wellness-focused systems,' he noted. "And our education must follow suit." He also highlighted the global shift from siloed, discipline-specific training to interprofessional and team-based models of education. 'Medical, pharmacy, and nursing students must be trained together to work collaboratively. Waiting until professionals are in the field to teach teamwork is too late.' He concluded with a call to action for academic leaders and program designers, 'Anyone leading an educational program must understand that they are part of a broader system. Fragmentation must be replaced with integration—across disciplines, sectors, and learning phases. Only then can we produce healthcare professionals who are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.'
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Experts Warn: Antibiotics May No Longer Save Lives
TDT | Manama Addressing a critical global health concern, Dr. Jameela Al Salman, Bahraini physician and infectious disease specialist, sounded the alarm on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during her keynote speech at the Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, held at the Gulf Hotel. Speaking about the escalating crisis, Dr. Al Salman warned that antimicrobial resistance could soon become one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide if urgent measures are not taken. "We are seeing patients every week who are at risk of dying due to infections that no longer respond to antibiotics," she said. "This isn't a distant threat — it's happening now, in our hospitals, in our communities." She highlighted alarming trends, including the fact that some bacteria are now resistant to all known antibiotics, making once-treatable infections potentially fatal. Dr. Al Salman emphasized that globalization, travel, and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals have accelerated the spread of resistant microbes. 'Bacteria don't need passports,' she warned. 'An outbreak in one country can easily affect others.' Despite efforts made over the past decade, progress has been limited. In 2014, a global action plan was launched to combat AMR, and Bahrain became a regional leader by prioritizing national surveillance and reporting systems under the WHO's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). However, she admitted that 'the world didn't do enough,' and resistance levels continue to climb. Dr. Al Salman called for a coordinated international approach, involving primary care physicians, hospitals, policymakers, and pharmaceutical companies. She stressed the need for better infection control practices, responsible prescription of antibiotics, public education, and investment in new treatments. She also pointed out that pharmaceutical companies are often reluctant to invest in new antibiotics due to low commercial returns, choosing instead to focus on more profitable treatments like cancer therapies. One of her key messages was the importance of the role of family doctors and primary care physicians, saying, 'You are at the center of this cycle. You're the first line of defense.' Overprescribing antibiotics, she said, not only affects individual patients but contributes to a wider community risk. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Al Salman noted that although it helped strengthen infection control measures, it also led to an increase in unnecessary antibiotic use, further exacerbating resistance. 'The clock is ticking. If we do not act now, we risk a future where simple infections could once again become deadly,' she concluded.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Can Primary Care Restore Patient Trust in the Health System?
TDT | Manama Prof. Salman Rawaf Weighs In at Bahrain Conference At the Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, held at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, global health expert Professor Salman Rawaf from the UK delivered a compelling address on the erosion of patient trust in healthcare systems and the pivotal role that primary care can play in restoring it. Professor Rawaf emphasized that mistrust in healthcare professionals—particularly physicians—is a significant issue in many parts of the world, including the Middle East. 'Patients often feel unheard, misdiagnosed, or over-medicated,' he stated, adding, 'Tomorrow, any of us could be a patient. So, we must ask—are we training doctors that patients can trust?' System In Crisis Rawaf warned that many global healthcare systems are failing to meet the needs of their populations. "They are operating without sufficient foresight or consideration for consequences. This leads to diagnostic errors, poor communication, and fragmented care,' he said. He called out a global trend of system fragmentation, with care being siloed between hospitals, specialists, and primary care providers, ultimately leading to higher costs, lower quality, and reduced patient satisfaction. He advocated for a more integrated health system—one that breaks down the walls between public and private sectors and fosters collaboration. He pointed out successful models in countries where primary care leads the healthcare system, acting as the gatekeeper for services and as the first point of contact for the majority of patients. Rawaf explained that a shift from hospital-based models to community-centered care is essential. "We need to move from treating diseases to promoting wellness. That's what value-based care is all about—providing quality care while controlling costs," he said. If healthcare systems continue down the current path, future generations will face severe difficulties accessing care, especially as costs of medications, salaries, and technology rise. Only by reimagining healthcare delivery—starting with strong, trusted primary care—can this be prevented.
Biz Bahrain
30-01-2025
- Health
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare to Launch in May
The Bahrain Family Physicians Association (BFPA) of the Bahrain Medical Society, has announced the launch of the 'Bahrain International Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare,' scheduled to take place from May 29 to May 31, 2025. Strategically partnered with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain and organized by BDA for Medical Events, the conference aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for experts and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and delve into the latest advancements in family medicine and primary healthcare. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, expressed his pride in the strategic partnership with the Bahrain Family Physicians Association (BFPA), and stated, 'This collaboration underscores our dedication to supporting initiatives that drive progress in the medical sector, particularly in family medicine, which stands as the cornerstone of every healthcare system.' 'We are honoured to support this conference, which promotes medical innovation and knowledge exchange, and look forward to our experts collaborating with colleagues across Bahrain and the region to enhance healthcare quality and elevate medical care to new heights regionally and internationally,' Professor Otoom added. As part of the scientific collaboration between the Bahrain Family Physicians Association (BFPA) and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Professor Ghufran Jassim, Associate Professor and Head of the Family Medicine Department at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, has joined the conference's scientific committee. Moreover, Professor Gufran and other distinguished keynote speakers from the RCSI are expected to enrich further this event with their valuable insights and expertise. Professor Ghufran Jassim underscored the significance of the event, stating, 'My participation in this conference is driven by a deep belief in the importance of scientific collaboration and the strengthening of partnerships between academic institutions and stakeholders committed to advancing family medicine. This sector is vital for promoting public health and achieving societal well-being.' Professor Jassim added, 'We are dedicated to supporting family medicine by adopting international best practices and creating platforms for knowledge sharing and innovation. This approach empowers doctors and experts to deliver high-quality healthcare that improves the lives of families and communities.' Professor Dr Faisal Alnaser, President of the BFPA, praised the collaboration, stating, 'Our partnership with the RCSI Bahrain demonstrates our commitment to working with prestigious academic institutions. This cooperation strengthens the conference's ability to achieve its goal of advancing the family medicine and primary health care sectors.' 'Collaboration with academic institutions and field experts is a vital step in enhancing family medicine services, a cornerstone for improving individual and societal quality of life. Through this conference, we aim to provide a scientific platform that unites national, regional, and international expertise, contributing to elevating healthcare standards in Bahrain and the region,' Dr Alnaser added. The Bahrain Family Physicians Association (BFPA) organises this event to elevate family medicine services in the Kingdom and establish Bahrain as a regional and international hub for this specialty. The conference seeks to equip doctors in Bahrain and the Gulf with cutting-edge medical techniques and technologies, enhancing diagnosis and treatment practices while fostering collaboration with local and international scientific organizations. Bahrain's prominence in family medicine, underpinned by its extensive expertise and commitment to excellence, is exemplified through events like this, which spotlight the latest innovations and global advancements in the field. The conference will serve to further reinforce Bahrain's standing as a regional leader and pioneer in family medicine. The conference is expected to attract a wide range of doctors, specialists, and experts from Bahrain and beyond, and will feature scientific workshops and interactive sessions addressing various aspects of family medicine, contributing to the advancement of this critical specialty at regional and international levels. In the near future, an announcement will be made regarding the participation of esteemed partners in the conference. These partners will include leading medical and healthcare organizations, associations, universities, and medical colleges from Bahrain, the Arabian Gulf, and the wider region.
