IT has been noted that many patients seek a more spiritual and religious connection whilst in hospital.
In response to this, KMI Healthcare has developed a comprehensive programme that incorporates Muslim religious practices and beliefs into daily operations whilst also addressing the physical and emotional needs of patients.
Centred on its goal to educate, patients and their families are provided with information and resources about their religion. This includes teachings, practices, and customs which help them understand and connect with their faith, even during their stay in hospital.
Hospital Mesra Ibadah (Management of a Religious Friendly Hospital) was developed after a thorough analysis of the needs and preferences of patients.
Staff at KMI Healthcare were also trained to understand the diverse religious practices and customs of Muslim patients and 70 per cent of staff members have participated in a module-training course led by internal religious officers and experts from other private hospitals.
To complement this, religious officers who are trained and experienced in providing spiritual and emotional support are available to assist with prayer and worship.
Counsellors are also available to provide emotional support to patients and their families during hospitalisation.
E-books entitled "Panduan Solat dan Amalan Bagi Pesakit" and "Doa dan Zikir Harian" are also made available to patients and serve as comprehensive guides for them to perform daily prayers.
In addition, daily reminders and words of encouragement are provided to patients to uplift their spirits during their stay in the hospital.
The programme has helped create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients, especially the Muslim community.
For this initiative KMI Healthcare was given two awards - the Patient Care Initiative of the Year and Service Delivery Innovation Initiative of the Year in the recently concluded Healthcare Asia Awards held at Shangri-La Singapore on March 29.