Applying the ADDIE—Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation—Instructional Design Model to Continuing Professional Development for Primary Care Physicians in Saudi Arabia

Background: As professionals, family physicians are obliged to remain current on advances and trends in medicine and health care delivery. This is usually achieved through engagement in continuing professional development. Instructional design is a systematic method of development of education and training programs for improved learner performance. ADDIE is an instructional systems design model for building effective education and training in five phases: analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce a professional development program for primary care physicians using the ADDIE instructional design model. Methods: Program requirements were defined using a needs assessment questionnaire and consultation observations. Interactive sessions were designed and developed based on the analysis results. The sessions were evaluated with interim and final feedback forms, a final problem-based questionnaire, a self-assessment questionnaire, and focus groups. Results: Scores on the final knowledge assessment were lower than expected. However, at least 50% of participants self-reported their learning improvement as “great” for 16 out of 23 topics. Focus group feedback was generally positive but also identified areas for improvement. Conclusion: Applying a structured instructional design model for creating professional development program for physicians is a fruitful, relevant experience in primary healthcare. 1) Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential method to help physicians maintain and further develop knowledge and expertise; 2) The ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) model provides an established and useful structure for creating effective CPD programs; 3) The ADDIE process ensures that physicians’ appropriate learning needs are met effectively; 4) The evaluation phase of the ADDIE process provides feedback that can lead to improvement in the CPD program’s future iterations.