International Capacity Building in Psychological Science: Reflections on Student Involvement and Endeavors

Faculty and Students' Perspective of Health Informatics Programs in Saudi Arabia

Background

Health Informatics is a discipline that deals with the acquisition, storage, retrieval and use of health data, information, and technologies for the purpose of improving healthcare quality. It involves the application of information science methods to analyse health information for improved problem solving and healthcare delivery. The use of information system applications in healthcare is increasingly popular and includes the use of applications like medical records, order entry, medical knowledge provision, imaging, as well as guidelines and other types of decision support.

Aim

To examine health informatics undergraduate programs in Saudi Arabian government universities.

Methods

This study follows a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design using a self-reported, electronic questionnaire. The data was collected using an online questionnaire via Google Forms. Probability stratified random sampling was utilized.

Result and Conclusion

Findings revealed a response rate at 79% (n=184) of students and 67% (n=38) of faculty members. Variation was detected in the level of agreement toward the examined six variables. Both students and faculty members express same level of agreement toward all variables. A significant correlation was determined between facilities and other variables such as students' involvement, research, admission and curriculum. Similarly, there is a significant relationship between students' involvement and curriculum with research, demission, faculty members role and outcomes.

The Pivotal Role of Students in International Psychology: A Past, Present, and Future Overview

In 2022, the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Division 52 (International Psychology) marked the long-anticipated 25th anniversary of its foundation on February 21, 1997. This is an apt time to review the important and often overlooked roles of students within international psychology. This concise, yet panoramic overview explores the roles of students in international psychology, in APA’s Division 52, and in student-led organizations in five parts: (1) prehistory of Division 52 prior to 1997; (2) early years of Division 52; (3) recent years of Division 52; (4) the current rise of a new studentled organization; (5) future directions for international psychology.

Building Hope: Psychology Day at the United Nations in 2022 Focused on Climate Action

In 2022, the Psychology Coalition at the United Nations (PCUN) marked its tenth year, with a mission to apply psychological science to global issues at the UN. Since March of 2020, PCUN activities have not declined, but have increased despite disruptive global COVID lockdowns. This two-part report offers a concise overview of: (a) the dramatic growth of PCUN activities since 2020, and (b) PCUN’s 15th annual Psychology Day at the UN on April 21, 2022, which focused on “Building Hope: Psychological Contributions to a Roadmap for Climate Action.”