Integration of Health System Sciences: Process and Content at One Saudi Medical School

Abstract

Abstract Background As health systems evolve, medical education needs to adapt education programs that align with healthcare needs. Studies have shown that integrating Health System Sciences (HSS) in the medical curriculum will empower future physicians with additional skills to provide system-based care within a health system. Here, we describe the process and content of the integration of HSS within medical at one Saudi medical school. Methods This experience was conducted at the College of Medicine at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), Riyadh/Saudi Arabia. A group of medical educators in the areas of basic, clinical, and medical education made a proposal to integrate HSS within the curriculum. The process started with reviewing literature, similar national and international universities’ experiences, and educational competencies pertaining to HSS developed by Saudi Medical Education Directives Framework. Also reviewing some of the domains, content and skills that already exist in our MBBS curriculum related to HSS for a possible restructuring. The task force with the help of the Program Committee identified potential courses that can be developed or modified to cover the following six core domains of HSS: 1. Population and public health, 2. Health care policy, economics, and management 3. Clinical informatics and health information technology, 4. Value-based care, 5. Health system improvement, and 6. Health care delivery structures and processes. Results The task force recommended rolling out the HSS curriculum longitudinally, in two phases (pre-clinical and clinical). As a result, a new curriculum map was created in which new courses were added and the domains related to HSS already present were enhanced through some restructuring and upgrading. In addition, several teaching/learning activities and assessment methods have been defined. Conclusion We describe systematic process for integrating HSS content at one Saudi medical school, to meet the evolving needs of the health care system. We understand that implementation of these changes is limited by some challenges. However, our experience can be of a significant value for other national medical colleges.