Continuing Medical Education among resident physicians in Abha , Saudi Arabia : Current Practice and Existing Gaps

Abstract Background: Continuing Medical Education (CME) is concerned with the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of the health care and exhausts the physicians’ working life-span. Although international research is extensive, only a dearth of studies exists in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. This study aims to explore CME practices of resident physicians in Abha City, south western Saudi Arabia and the existing gaps. Method : A cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive study conducted on residents training in various health-care facilities in Abha city. Results: Three-hundred resident physicians participated in the study (response rate of 75%). Out of them 79,7% (239) reported attending lectures and seminars for their CME needs followed by those who attended case presentations 39.7% (119). Electronic CMEs were used by a minority of residents (n = 24, 8%), and only 27.3% (n = 82,) attended journal clubs. Being busy was the main barrier against self-reading as reported by 70.7% (212) of participants, and by 51.7 % (155) for lectures and seminars, and 41.3% (124) for attending courses. There were no significant differences in satisfaction with CME activities by gender, nationality and training level (p = 0.982, 0.924, and 0.540, respectively). Satisfaction scores with CME activities were variable across different specialties (p = 0.039). The lowest satisfaction scores were among psychiatry residents and the highest was among the restorative dentistry and surgery residents. Workshops and courses were significantly perceived by residents as the most effective method in retention of knowledge, improving attitudes, improving clinical skills, improving managerial skills, and in proving practice behaviors. On the other hand, inter-departmental activities were significantly perceived by residents as most effective in improving academic skills and improving departmental image. Conclusion: The participant physicians favoured contact CME activities. In consistence with global research findings, being busy was the main barrier against CME goals attainment. Participants affirmed that CME activities improved their clinical practice, clinical skills and academic skills. Promotion of online learning in Saudi Arabia. Support of residents with protected time for their CME activities. Encouragement of trainees into further advice about their preference in terms of CME forms to help boost their engagement.