Dr. Houda Dhiab is a qualified pharmacist specializing in primary health care, with extensive experience in clinical pharmacy, chronic disease management, patient safety, and regulatory affairs. Currently based in Doha, Qatar, she serves as a pharmacist at PHCC – ABN Health Center and is also a researcher and principal investigator within the same organization. Dr. Dhiab holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Monastir University in Tunisia
Throughout her career, Dr. Dhiab has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare quality and patient education. She has led initiatives to improve medication safety, contributed to national clinical guideline reviews, and actively participates in healthcare accreditation processes. Her work also includes delivering educational lectures on chronic disease management and conducting research on clinical pharmacy practices in primary care.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Dhiab has experience in pharmacy supervision, quality control, and pharmaceutical inspections. She holds multiple certifications, including Health Educator Certification, Basic Life Support (BLS), and completion of a program in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Quality Improvement. Her multifaceted expertise reflects a deep dedication to advancing pharmaceutical care and promoting professional development in healthcare settings.
Designed and led a research study exploring knowledge, practice, attitudes and barriers toward clinical pharmacy in primary health care, Developed study protocol, collected and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to identify gaps and opportunities in clinical pharmacy integration, Presented findings to internal stakeholders to inform future educational interventions and service enhancements.
Reducing NSAID Prescriptions in Patients Receiving ACE Inhibitors/ARBs and Diuretics: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed, but their concurrent use with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) and diuretics can significantly increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). This “triple whammy” of medications presents a major safety concern in hypertensive patients. At ABN Health Center, a quality improvement (QI) initiative was launched to address the frequent prescribing of NSAIDs to patients receiving ACE inhibitors/ARBs and diuretics. The project aimed to reduce NSAID prescriptions by 50% among these patients within three months (May to July 2024) by raising awareness among healthcare providers and educating patients on the associated risks. A multidisciplinary team implemented several interventions, including provider education on safe prescribing practices and patient counseling at the pharmacy. Data was collected monthly through audits from the health center’s electronic medical records (Cerner) to monitor NSAID prescription rates in the target population. Over the three-month period, NSAID prescriptions in patients on ACE inhibitors/ARBs and diuretics decreased from 31% in May to 10% in July. The success of the project was attributed to improved provider adherence to prescribing guidelines and increased patient awareness of NSAID risks. This QI initiative effectively reduced the prescribing of NSAIDs in high-risk patients, enhancing patient safety and preventing medication-related AKI. The project highlights the importance of targeted education and can serve as a model for similar initiatives in other healthcare settings.