Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Educational activities (EAs) in health professional education play a crucial role in healthcare training curricula through a variety of methods, such as lectures, small-group discussions, simulation, case-based learning, and workplace-based experiences, that aim to develop knowledge, specific skills, and professional behaviours for clinical practice. In postgraduate education, EAs are frequently organised around learning competencies and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)/national standards. However, there are few studies on how these activities systematically translate into structured postgraduate programs. A qualitative research study using descriptive and comparative document analysis was conducted in consecutive stages to identify gaps in the curricula of the postgraduate training programs of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (SCFHS). At first, the data, including 124 randomly sampled curricula, were independently reviewed and coded by two reviewers, after which the results were categorised into themes and subthemes. Then, these themes were further developed into more comprehensive themes and subthemes as a proposed educational framework through a literature review and discussions with a team of experts. Initially, four key themes emerged regarding the structuring of EAs in the reviewed curricula. The four key themes were: Academic Instruction, Experiential Learning, Self learning and Evaluation, and EAs framework design recommendation. Additionally, these reviews noted significant variations and a lack of congruence in the educational activities implemented by training programs. To address this variability, expert discussions were undertaken to refine and standardise the thematic structure. This resulted in the development of a comprehensive framework comprising five major themes: Academic Activities, Practice-based Learning, Skills Training and Procedures, Scholarly Project, and Professional and Personal Development. The integration of EAs into a cohesive structural framework better prepares trainees for clinical competency, professional behaviour, and practice readiness. The proposed framework provides a robust approach to implementing and evaluating competency-based postgraduate medical education programs.

Background:Correction of hypermetropia with laser refractive surgery is considered difficult and challenging compared to myopia, with few studies to make evidence-based decisions. This study assessed visual outcomes and complications in hypermetropic patients after refractive surgery.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 105 patients with hypermetropia who underwent either laser in situ keratomileusis or photo-refractive keratectomy at a specialized eye center in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Multiple preoperative factors were evaluated and compared to 1-month postoperative factors.Results:The patient cohort had a mean age of 38.1 ± 12.0 years, 67 (63.8%) of the patients were female, and laser in situ keratomileusis was performed on 84 (80%) cases. Preoperative central corneal thickness in the right and left eyes was 559 ± 37 and 560 ± 37 (P = 0.316), respectively. The preoperative and 1-month postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was statistically significantly improved in the right eye, from 0.62 ± 0.32 to 0.91 ± 0.27 (P = 0.025), and in the left eye, from 0.62 ± 0.31 to 0.89 ± 0.27 (P = 0.043). The preoperative and postoperative spherical equivalent showed a statistically significant reduction in the right eye from 2.47 ± 1.24 to 0.19 ± 0.96 (P = 0.001) and in the left eye from 2.64 ± 1.73 to −0.03 ± 1.26 (P = 0.001). A total of 13 (12.4%) patients had complications, with dry eyes (21.4%) being the most common manifestation. The complication rate was higher in female patients (16.4%) compared to male (5.3%, P = 0.048). Photo-refractive keratectomy had significantly higher complications rated (33.3%) compared to laser in situ keratomileusis (7.1%, P = 0.001).Conclusion:Refractive surgery significantly improved visual outcomes in hypermetropic patients. Dry eye was the predominant complication, with higher rates found in females and patients who underwent photo-refractive keratectomy. Studies with extended follow-up are needed to evaluate the long-term complications and sustained efficacy of refractive surgery in hypermetropic patients.

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health priority due to its preventability and its related expensive medical care. This research assessed the determinants, management and outcomes of TBI in Rwanda. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study combined with a community-based telephone survey was implemented on a sample of 84 patients selected through a multi stage sampling technique. The data were collected in two reference hospitals through a standardized pre-tested questionnaire developed by the researcher who who included all the items of GOSE to determine the functional outcomes of TBI patients. Data collected were characteristics of the study participants, type of TBI, mode, mechanism, time and venue of the injury, mode of referencing from injury site to emergency department, clinical presentation and investigations on admission, treatment administrated, and outcomes of the management. The data were managed in SPSS23 and geo-referenced in Google Earth Pro. Descriptive statistics was implemented followed by determining association through Chi-square tests, correlation analysis and ANOVA. A multinomial regression established the relationship between determinants, management and outcomes of TBI. A spatial analysis through the kriging method of ArcGIS delineated TBI risk areas. A significance level of p < 0.05 was set for all the statistical tests. Results More than half (51.2%) of the TBI cases were aged 25–49 years; TBI affected predominantly male gender (77.4%). The identified types of TBI were mild (50.0%), moderate (39.7%) and severe (10.3%). The GOSE scores revealed that 69.0% of the TBI patients had good outcomes. The statistically significant determinants of TBI were conscious status in moderate (OR = 51.2,95%[CI:6.6-397.2], p = 0.000) and severe TBIs (OR = 48.8, 95%[CI: 1.8–1297.0], p = 0.020) and the length of stay in hospital in severe TBI (OR = 1.142. 95%[CI:1.013–1.287],p = 0.030). Three TBI risk areas were delineated in Rwanda through the kriging method; a high TBI risk area, an intermediate TBI risk area and low TBI risk area. Conclusion Traumatic brain injury is a country-wide public health concern in Rwanda. Its control and ultimately elimination indicate a public-private partnership between the affected communities, the public and private sectors, the armed forces, the Ministries of Transport, Education, and Health, the international organizations and non- governmental organizations.

Psychiatric patient care demands specialized nursing approaches that integrate biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental health within evidence-based frameworks. This comprehensive literature review examined peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing published between 2019-2024 to identify optimal care strategies for mental health patients. The systematic analysis revealed that effective psychiatric nursing care is fundamentally grounded in strong therapeutic relationships, person-centered approaches, and trauma-informed practices that significantly enhance patient outcomes and recovery trajectories. Key findings demonstrate that comprehensive assessment protocols, individualized care planning, crisis intervention strategies, medication management expertise, and collaborative treatment approaches form the core components of quality psychiatric care. The integration of recovery-oriented practices with cultural competency and ethical decision-making frameworks proves essential for addressing the complex needs of diverse psychiatric populations. Furthermore, the implementation of safety protocols, restraint reduction initiatives, and evidence-based de-escalation techniques contributes to therapeutic milieu maintenance while respecting patient autonomy and dignity. The research indicates that successful psychiatric nursing practice requires continuous professional development, adherence to ethical principles, and organizational commitment to quality improvement initiatives that support both patient wellbeing and clinical excellence in mental health care delivery.

Introduction: The Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) grants accreditation certificates to all governmental and private healthcare institutions operating in Saudi Arabia. Previous studies have identified gaps in knowledge and research on the impact of CBAHI accreditation programs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of accreditation programs on the performance of healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) model was used to improve and enhance the search strategy. The search was designed with the help of an information specialist. The databases used for the search included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, and Embase via Elsevier. A standardized form (initially piloted on 5 included studies) was used to extract the characteristics, outcomes, and risks of bias of the studies. The risk of bias was assessed using JBI tools. Results: The 17 studies included indicated that accreditation benefited patient safety and quality of care. We found that ninety-five percent of the studies included revealed a positive impact from accreditation programs and standards and that these benefits existed before, during, and after accreditation. Overall, these studies collectively advocated for the effective implementation of the CBAHI accreditation program as an essential component of enhancing healthcare quality and the healthcare system. Conclusion: Accreditation programs and the development of CBAHI standards have proven beneficial for healthcare providers, patients, healthcare systems, and overall healthcare quality and safety in Saudi Arabia. The findings of our analysis supported the idea that compliance with accreditation programs and standards has numerous benefits in terms of increasing healthcare institutions’ performance.

Real and imaginary boundaries of reality affect the contexts pertaining to the processing of knowledge. This study review examines how the integration of Worlds 1, 2, and 3 as constructs serves as a framework for analyzing the advancement of knowledge through research initiatives. In this regard, the empirical context and the physical environment where data is collected represent World 1, while the scientific and epistemic advancement of knowledge is World 2. Critical thought and metascience combined make World 3. This study review focused on how Worlds 1, 2, and 3 inspire a growth mindset toward constructive synergy, and an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interplay between global and local levels of research. Each world holds significance, but only through their possible integration can a coherent and systematic approach to scientific research be achieved. The study review conducted analyzed literature on the constructs of Worlds 1, 2, and 3 from various disciplines that include social sciences, healthcare, and education. The focus was on the functions of collecting empirical data (World 1); analyzing data and developing conceptual frameworks, and theories (World 2); and meta-reflective and scientific self-evaluation (World 3). It also analyzed how adopting a growth versus a fixed mindset, the blending of global and local contexts, and the role of teamwork from different professions in dealing with advanced multifaceted research problems and projects influenced innovation in research. The findings of the study were noteworthy. The first finding was that World 1 focuses on activities that allow for empirical data collection in areas such as healthcare and education. The second finding was that World 2 incorporates empirical evidence into developing and analyzing scientific theories within a framework of systematic construction and analysis. The third finding was that World 3 encourages critical reflection that underpins the validity and usefulness of the research. The fourth finding was that a developed mindset fostered creativity, perseverance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while a fixed mindset inhibited innovation and creativity. The last finding was essential in that the connection formed between global and local contexts enhanced the purpose of the research, while interprofessional approaches enabled holistic solutions to the problems. The study review demonstrates that fixed-mindset researchers do not necessarily embrace change, and are possibly averse to failure in examination. This review recommends employing an empirical, methodological, and self-reflective framework for conducting thorough research and in-depth intellectual inquiry. Further research is required on the application of the integrated constructs from Worlds 1, 2, and 3 in other fields, particularly in virtual and digital research contexts. This review promotes the use of thoughtful approaches to context-focused reasoning to enhance science rigorously, and address pressing contemporary issues within ecosystems in a critically reflective manner.

Open globe injuries (OGIs) can have devastating impacts on patients' lives. Early detection of OGIs is crucial for improving outcomes, as any delay in treatment can result in significant consequences. Radiological imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT), aids ophthalmologists in diagnosing this condition, especially in challenging cases. This literature review aimed to evaluate the accuracy of CT scans in identifying features of OGIs based on current evidence. This systematic review adhered to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. PubMed and EBSCOhost databases were searched using the keywords 'rupture globe' or 'open globe' and 'computed tomography' or 'CT'. Articles published in English between 1990 and 2023 were considered for inclusion, whereas review articles were excluded from the analysis. The initial search yielded 169 studies, and nine studies were included in the final screening. This review encompassed 917 eyes. The pooled specificity of the CT scan in detecting OGIs among patients with ocular trauma was 0.94 with 95% CI (0.92-0.96), and the pooled sensitivity was 0.77 with 95% CI (0.72-0.81). The area under the curve was 0.91, indicating the excellent ability of the CT scan to detect open globe injury. CT scans demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for detecting OGI. While CT is highly effective in identifying ocular trauma, careful interpretations remain essential. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to refine its diagnostic role further.