An Evaluation of the 2020 Change to the Saudi Emergency Residency Program Assessment

Background Several changes have been made to the assessment component of Saudi residency training programs. Among those is the implementation of three examinations over the course of the year. Aim We aimed to explore the emergency residents’ perspective on the change in the number of examinations, and the impact of such changes in terms of time management, knowledge gain, and social life. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out from September to October 2022, using an electronic survey targeting emergency board trainees. Results One hundred and nine emergency residents enrolled, of whom 64.2% were male. The majority, 45%, were from the central province. Junior-level residents (R1) represented 26.6% of the sample, while R2 (second year) comprised 18.3%, R3 (third year) comprised 38.5%, and 16.5% were senior (R4) level. More than half of the participants, 56 % (n=61), did not support the change from one to three examinations and believed that it had a negative influence on knowledge gain and clinical skills. The influence of the change on time management stands out as a negative impact, in addition to its impact on social life and annual leave arrangements. Conclusions The support for three examinations throughout the year was low; a contributing factor to this may be the sudden changes effected by those tests on training and time management. A re-evaluation of testing culture and involving residents in decision-making might generate acceptance.

Perception of Rehabilitation Professionals Towards Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Stroke Rehabilitation

Benefits of multidisciplinary team in health care setups cannot be denied. If effectively developed and implemented patients and team members both gets immense advantage from it.Unfortunately in developing countries due to other constraints this part of health care is still neglected. There are multiple reasons behind it which include lack of clear vision, organizations are not sure what they want from a multidisciplinary team. Benefits although know but are not crystal clear to administration resulting in neglect from there end in facilitation for development of multidisciplinary team. Lack of appropriate curriculum, at degree level. Professional entering the field lack basic knowledge regarding multidisciplinary team approach. Limited research facilities and rigid mind set leads to a group of professionals who are in field to practice in a traditional way. Lack of continuous teaching and training is observed, professionals are reported to be so busy that attending refreshers and relevant workshops is not possible for them. There is absence of staff to provide cover for professionals attending workshops or seminars. Frequent political shifts and security concerns never let policy makers focus on emerging trends in health care. GDP allocated to health care restrain teaching and training of professionals and advent of multidisciplinary team in long run. Lack of Skill mix is another issue, services of allied health professionals are scarce and professionals are reluctant to perform duties in far off areas or less privileged areas of country.