Delivering Effective Continuous Medical Education in Saudi Arabia: Some Critical Issues

Authors

Mohammad A. Alkhazim, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud ben Abdualziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Alaa Althubaiti, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud ben Abdualziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hala Al-Ateeg, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud ben Abdualziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Munirah Alkhwaiter, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud ben Abdualziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Manal M. AlNasser, Postgraduate Training Center, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Continuous Medical Education (CME) is growing fast in Saudi Arabia as part of health practitioner's commitment to professionalism. It furnishes the means to maintain the practitioner's ability to provide quality and safe patient care. However, major issues regarding the process of conducting CME in the country have not been investigated before. The purpose of this study is to describe the CME practice in Saudi Arabia. Method: The method utilized in this qualitative study was focus groups. Leaders of CME departments in various hospitals in Riyadh area participated in the study. Hospitals were categorized to different levels according to their governing systems. Results: In total 17 representatives of various CME bodies responded to 16 questions related to four main themes. Their responses varied according to several factors. The results provided new and insightful understanding of CME practice in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The CME practice in Saudi is facing several challenges at both financial and administrative levels. Suggestions for facing such challenges were provided. Moreover, further studies in this area are needed.

Recommended Citation

Alkhazim, Mohammad A.; Althubaiti, Alaa; Al-Ateeg, Hala; Alkhwaiter, Munirah; and AlNasser, Manal M. (2015) "Delivering Effective Continuous Medical Education in Saudi Arabia: Some Critical Issues," Health Professions Education: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpe.2015.11.002
Available at: https://hpe.researchcommons.org/journal/vol1/iss1/7