Evaluating patient safety research performance in Arab world countries: Changing trends and reflections

Background and Objective

Patient safety is a major concern in health care. Research is an important tool to minimize preventable errors. Research performance and trends evaluation need to be identified for future guidance. Our objective was to evaluate the research performance in Arab World countries related to patient safety so that real picture is available to all stake holders for future application.

Methods

This was a descriptive exploratory study carried at King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, using Bibliometric analyses on Web of Science extracted data, exploring the research publications related to Patient Safety from the Arab World in last two decades (2001-2020). Digital resources were used. Data collected was further explored to see the trends.

Results

Only 2% of total worldwide publications on Patient Safety were from Arab World. A positive trend, however, has emerged since 2015. Out of 5940 documents identified, only 383 had single authorship. Egypt and Saudi Arab were the major contributors. Other countries had less or even zero publications. Researchers are coordinating with others in Western countries to enhance the research productivity. Cairo University with 734 publications had most affiliations. Publications on safety culture and medication safety were frequent. Hospital Acquired Infections and error reporting had limited research.

Conclusion

Researches on patient safety in the Arab World are not sufficient. Countries other than Egypt and Saudi Arabia also need to contribute more frequently. Critical problems, like Hospital Acquired Infections, should have regular research from all countries to assist those treating patients and those making health related policies.

Evaluation of the virtual learning environment by school students and their parents in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic after school closure

BACKGROUND

Very few previous studies have involved school students or their parents in the evaluation of virtual learning environment (VLE). Thus, this survey was performed to evaluate the satisfaction of both school students and their parents with the VLE in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was distributed online for VLE evaluation. The questionnaire was based on previous studies and expert opinions from validated instruments for assessing distance education, integrative and literature reviews of VLE environment. A median value >3 indicated participant satisfaction in each of the 5 domains of the questionnaire as well as overall VLE satisfaction. The used questionnaire was checked after its implementation by all possible statistical means and it was found to be of acceptable validity and reliability.

RESULTS

Six hundred and ninety-three participants including 571 Saudi citizens and 122 non-Saudi residents participated in this survey. The number of school students who agreed or strongly agreed were significantly lower than the number of students who disagreed or strongly disagreed with preferring the VLE over traditional education (p<0.001). The participants evaluated the VLE experience as unsatisfactory with a median value ≤3 for 4 out of 5 questionnaire domains with an overall satisfaction value of 2.8. Among the 117 participants who gave further written opinions/comments, 42(35.9%) participants supported the VLE as an alternative to traditional classrooms, if equipment and internet are made available and for the safety of their children.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of few available adequate population-based studies for exploring the VLE satisfaction of both Saudi citizens and non-Saudi residents school students and their parents. This study showed the participants' unsatisfactory VLE experience. The VLE is accepted as an alternative to traditional classrooms to keep up with learning and to maintain the safety of children and it can be a supplementary learning method but many measures are still needed to develop the VLE.

Scientometric Evaluation of Research Productivity on Diabetes from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the Last Two Decades (2000-2019)

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) platform and later bibliometric analysis performed using the "R-Bibliometrix" package. A wide range of indicators was explored to measure the quantity and quality of the publications related to diabetes from KSA.

RESULTS

Saudi Arabia was 28th in rank with 2600 documents (0.83% of global share). Articles were the main document type (76%). The total number of authors was 9715 from 104 countries. Three authors showed >50 publications and >100 total citations while 2 authors showed an H-index of ≥20. The USA, UK, and Egypt were other leading contributive countries in terms of corresponding authors and total citations per country. King Saud University was the major contributing affiliation followed by King Abdulaziz University. Among 865 sources, Saudi Medical Journal was the leading and consistent source over the years. Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, and Type 2 Diabetes were the most frequently used keywords.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a macroscopic overview of diabetes-related research output from KSA. Overall, similar identifications and trends of top authors were observed in terms of productivity, impact, international collaborations, and organizational affiliations. Generally, an increasing productivity trend was observed with the majority published in the last 5 to 10 years. Study findings can benefit relevant stakeholders to better understand the trends and performance of diabetes-related regional research.

Innovation in ethics and professionalism course: Early experience with portfolio-workbook

OBJECTIVE

To analyse students' perception regarding the use of portfolio-workbook in ethics course.

METHODS

This mixed method study was conducted at the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2014, and comprised fourth-year medical students. The "portfolio-workbook", developed on principles of cognitive load and guided learning theories, contained essential reading material. Learning sessions were also facilitated by teaching tools like role-plays, movie/video clips, vignettes, etc., followed by reflective writing exercises. Feedback questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions was used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed for frequencies and percentages. Content analysis was conducted for the open-ended responses.

RESULTS

Of the 20 participants, 10(50%) considered using portfolio-workbook as difficult initially. However, on completion of module 16(80%) found it easy. Moreover, 17(85%) appreciated it as a learning tool. Besides, 19(95%) students found teaching videos and 13(65%) found open discussions as effective learning tools. Portfolio-workbook as an assessment tool was preferred by 19(95%) students.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of portfolio-workbook in teaching ethics to undergraduates was found to be encouraging as it generated interest and interaction.

Pattern of patients and diseases during mass transit: The day of Arafat experience

Background and Objective:

Every year 2-3 million Muslims gather for a few days around the Holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Managing enormous health issues associated with such a mass gathering requires a very vibrant health delivery plan. Related research is part of the strategy. This study was done to assess the pattern of patients and illnesses encountered at one health facility at Arafat on the 2nd day of Hajj, when all the pilgrims move from Mina and stay in Arafat for a few hours. The objective of the study was to provide input so that recommendations can be given for future improvement of health care during this mass transit.

Methods:

All patients reporting sick to the Nimra Hospital on the Day of Arafat were included and documented on a detailed Performa and analyzed.

Results:

We received 211 patients, essentially all of those were in need of acute medical intervention. Acute severe asthma and injuries were the major problems encountered. There were two deaths both related to heat stroke. Patients received were predominantly Arabic speaking.

Conclusions:

Only those needing acute intervention seek medical advice during transit. Well equipped and staffed health facilities are, however, needed to cater these and for any mass casualties. Pre Hajj training and mandatory Flu vaccination can help.

Klippel Trenaunay syndrome

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital vascular disorder of unknown cause, characterized by port wine stain (capillary malformations), venous malformation and limb hypertrophy. We present a case of this rare syndrome in a young girl.