Mastering emotional intelligence

Healthcare professionals from institutions across Qatar convened at WCM-Q for two days of advanced emotional intelligence (EI) training designed to help them manage relationships, optimize patient outcomes and sustain self-care. 

Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, educators and allied health professionals attended the Mastering Emotional Intelligence Level 2 course, which was based upon the skills and knowledge taught in the Level 1 course, which covered the four core skills of EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Both courses were initiated and delivered by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Center for Cultural Competence in Health Care (CCCHC), part of the WCM-Q Institute for Population Health (IPH).

Participants began the course with an EI appraisal session in which they answered a series of questions and discovered their personal EI profiles. The expert speakers at the event, Ms. Maha Elnashar, director of the CCCHC, and Ms. Huda Abdelrahim, senior specialist in the CCCHC, then led the participants through a series of interactive skills workshops and learning sessions. Research has shown that the patients of healthcare professionals with advanced EI skills achieve superior health outcomes, and that EI is particularly important in countries with high levels of cultural diversity, like Qatar.

Ms. Elnashar said: “There is a large body of research literature which demonstrates the usefulness of well-developed emotional intelligence skills for healthcare professionals. Poor EI skills have been shown to engender poor relationships between the healthcare provider and their patients, leading to patient mistrust of the healthcare system, poor adherence to medical advice and treatment programs, and poor health outcomes. The program is designed to help healthcare practitioners enhance their EI skills, build positive relationships with patients and colleagues, and thereby improve healthcare outcomes.”

Both courses place EI within the context of a multicultural community, explained Ms. Abdelrahim. She said: “It’s important for healthcare professionals to develop an advanced understanding of the impact that cultural factors can have on healthcare outcomes. If a patient feels their cultural traditions are recognized, valued and respected they are far more likely to trust their healthcare provider and adhere to treatment plans, leading to optimized health outcomes.”

Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, Professor of Healthcare Policy and Research, Professor of Medicine and Vice Dean for Student Affairs-Admissions, Population Health, and Lifestyle Medicine at WCM-Q, said: “WCM-Q has always been at the forefront of developing and offering innovative educational programs from which health professionals, patients and communities can benefit. Our EI course, undoubtedly, provides a healthy boost to Qatar and its population.”

The course was accredited locally by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department (QCHP-AD) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).