Employing students' evaluations and tutors' perceptions to evaluate a faculty development program on problem-based learning at the Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University.

Background: Faculty development programs are crucial for promoting continuous learning, enhancing teaching effectiveness, and encouraging professional growth among medical educators. Problem-based learning was introduced as a teaching strategy in our Faculty of Medicine in 2007. Thereafter, several rounds of a faculty development program were conducted to help teachers recognize their role as facilitators and assess areas for improvement.

Factors Affecting Achieving Learning Outcomes in Basic Years in Medical School at King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Objective: This study was conducted as part of a curricular reform process in Faculty of Medicine (FOM), King Abdul Aziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia. It explored the perspective of FOM stakeholders on the challenges and factors in the teaching and learning domains that are affecting achieving learning outcomes.

Methods: Faculty teaching in the second and third year, students in third and fourth year, and administrative personnel were included.

Relationship between admission criteria and academic performance in basic science courses in health science colleges in KAU.

Background: At King Abdulaziz University, medical and health science schools depend on admission exams (aptitude and achievement) and preparatory year scores in their students' selection. However, with the growing number of applicants and the drastic changes in teaching and assessment in these colleges, continuous assessment and development of admission criteria are needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of admission exam scores, in addition to the preparatory year Grade Point Average (GPA), with academic performance in the basic science subjects such as Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology in health science colleges.

Factors to be considered in designing a faculty development program for medical education: local experience from the Western region of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Among the different aims of medical education, the provision of society with skilled, professional, and knowledgeable healthcare workers who maintain and develop their expertise over a lifetime career is important. The achievement of this goal is linked with the professional development of both faculty members and healthcare workers. This study aims to measure the perception of faculty members regarding their views about the goals of faculty development programs, practices and activities, and factors that determine their achievement.

Determining defensible cut-off scores for dental courses.

Purpose: Many countries and institutions have a fixed passing score of 60%. For example, this is a national policy in all Saudi universities where students at all levels must score 60% or higher to pass courses. The purpose of this study is to broaden the scope of standard-setting applications, using data from five major dental courses (Endodontics, Operative, Removable and Fixed Prosthodontics, and Pedodontics) in the 5th dental academic year for two consecutive years to determine the cut-off scores.

Assisting the integration of social media in problem-based learning sessions in the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University.

Purpose: Issues related to traditional Problem-Based Learning (PBL) at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine (KAU-FOM), including lack of student interaction between sessions and outdated instructional materials have led to the examining the use of social media. This study examines factors affecting the implementation of social media into PBL sessions Methods: Mentored social media activities were incorporated between PBL sessions to third year medical students. Ground rules were set, and students were kept on track with learning objectives and authentic references.

Integrating an interprofessional education initiative: Evidence from King Abdulaziz University.

Purpose: This paper examines current issues with interprofessional education (IPE) at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and discusses initiatives for integrating IPE into the medical curricula at KAU.

Methods: We reviewed the current body of literature, studied reports from IPE conferences and workshops organized at KAU, and synthesized participants' feedback from the IPE programs, including an online survey.

Results: A total of 506 participants responded to the online survey.

Prevalence of prescription errors in general practice in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Prescription errors are a common cause of adverse drug events (ADEs). Recognizing ADEs can significantly contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the type and prevalence of errors in prescription writing, directed toward a needs assessment for developing educational interventions.

Does the use of a novel self-adhesive flowable composite reduce nanoleakage?

Objective: The aim of the study reported here was to evaluate the performance of a self-adhesive flowable composite and two self-etching adhesive systems, when subjected to cyclic loading, in preventing the nanoleakage of Class V restorations.

Methods: Wedge-shape Class V cavities were prepared (4×2×2 mm [length × width × depth]) on the buccal surfaces of 90 sound human premolars. Cavities were divided randomly into three groups (n=30) according to the used adhesive (Xeno(®) V [self-etching adhesive system]) and BOND-1(®) SF (solvent-free self-etching adhesive system) in conjunction with Artiste(®) Nano Composite resin, and Fusio™ Liquid Dentin (self-adhesive flowable composite), consecutively.

Evaluation of second and fourth year undergraduate medical students' perception and acceptance of the problem-based learning process.

Objective: To investigate medical students' perception of problem based learning (PBL), to compare the acceptance level of new students who were introduced to PBL theoretically with those who had 2 years experience, and to study the effect of PBL on the academic performance.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between November 2008 and May 2009. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 2 groups of undergraduate medical students who volunteered to participate.