In Qatar, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and controlled by modifying lifestyle risk behaviors. In this qualitative study, we investigate ways to increase participation in physical activity, and to promote a healthy diet, and nonsmoking behavior in Qatari women. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 Arabic women. Participation in physical activity, observing a healthy diet, and abstinence from smoking are desirable lifestyle practices among Qatari women. Social support networks, cultural values, religion, changing sociodemographic and economic conditions, heart disease, and a harsh climate affect the ability of these women to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Biomedicine | Poster PresentationsIn Qatar, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity.Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and controlled by modifying lifestyle risk behaviours such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and smoking.Obesity as the result of physical inactivity and unhealthy diet raises the risk of heart diseases. Studies show that 62.6% of Qatari women were overweight and the prevalence of overweight is high among adult females with 80% of women 30 years and over. Qatar World Health Survey in 2006 shows that only 40% of Qatari women participated regularly in sports or other physical activities. Furthermore, waterpipe smoking is increasing across the Eastern Mediterranean. Funded by the Qatar National Research Fund, the ultimate goal of this study was to find ways to effectively promote cardiovascular/coronary artery disease prevention and management activities among Qatari women (citizen and resident Arabic women) by exploring factors affecting the ways in which Qatari women participate in physical activities, healthy diet and smoking. An exploratory qualitative research approach was used in this study, with a semistructured questionnaire using open ended questions to gather data. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 Arabic women who are 30 years and over, have confirmed diagnosis of CVD/coronary artery diseases to investigate factors influence lifestyle risk behaviours associated with cardiovascular diseases amongst Qatari women (citizen and resident Arabic women). The study's results show that social support networks; cultural beliefs, values, practices, and religion; rapid economic growth; changing environmental and social conditions influence women's participation on physical activities, dietary practices and smoking. Conclusion: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and promotion of healthy lifestyle should consider women's specific health condition and socio-economic status; empower women to take charge of their health; facilitate women's informal and formal social support networks; provide culturally appropriate public education; create healthy environment with more recreational facilities for women and children.

Background: The ultimate goal of CME/CPD program is to ensure healthcare practitioners (HCPs) upgrade and maintain professional competence to improve patient-care. The CPD Framework activities have been organized into three-categories; Category-1 group-learning, Category-2 Self-directed-learning and Category-3 Assessment-activities. All licensed HCPs in Qatar are required to complete 2-year CPD cycle requirements to maintain licensure. Summary of Work: This work provides a review of the CPD framework for HCPs in Qatar that focuses on Category-3 Assessment activities recognized and accredited by QCHP-AD. These include various accredited assessment activities as well as structured feedback programs with the supporting credit system that promotes learning through assessment. Additionally, Category-3 submissions by healthcare practitioners (HCPs) on the ePortfolio were reviewed. Results: The National CME/CPD framework of Qatar provides plenty of opportunities for assessment activities that will support learning. The CME/CPD framework encourages participation of HCPs in assessment activities with double credits. This hybrid CPD accreditation system has made the availability of the assessment activities feasible and achievable to HCPs. Knowledge assessment programs (KAP), simulation and feedback on performance/ teaching are most preferred Category-3 assessment activities attended by HCPs which indicates that the HCPs are engaging in the learning activities that are based on objective and evidence-based with specific feedback. Accredited Simulation and KAP are preferred CPD activities offered by CPD Providers in the State of Qatar. Discussion: QCHP-AD recognizes both assessment and structured feedback activities under Category-3-assessment activities. Recognizing Assessment under CME/CPD framework with double credits has supported HCPs in understanding their professional needs and areas of development; besides, defining short, medium and long-term goals through developmental pathways. It has encouraged HCPs to engage in informed-subsequent-learning that enhances their competencies. During the assessment activity, the participants are able to first identify their success against the learning objectives and secondly an area that needs to be improved or developed. Success and improvement against the learning objective of the task is one of the most effective focus of the feedback in assessment activities. The strategy helps HCPs assess their knowledge, skills and performance in comparison to established evidences. The feedback helps the HCPs to decide on their short-term and long-term plan for their professional development. Assessment activities, CPD reflects adult learning principles of autonomy, self-direction, goal-orientation and practice-based learning. Accredited assessment activities are built on minimum standards and this ensures effectiveness and quality assurance of the CPD activities. Conclusions: assessment CPD activities supports improvement in professional competencies of the HCPs as it helps identify practice gaps that could be addressed with appropriate learning interventions. Including them in CPD framework promotes learning and provides HCPs obtain relevant feedback that encourages learner to improve, collaborate and communicate better. Assessment that encourages learning fosters motivation by emphasizing progress and achievement. Limiting human factor, which is one of the major contributors impacting patient safety could be effectively addressed with standardization, simulation, and training through assessment activities. The communication element embedded within the structure of assessment activities positively impacts the team-work and general attitude of the HCP. Take home message: Including Assessment activities as part of CME/CPD framework is assisting healthcare practitioners to use external measures with feedback to identify where knowledge, competence or performance is up-to-date and areas that require further improvement.