title: Evaluation of continuing medical education in Al-qasim, saudi arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate CME activities in Al-Qassim region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  
  
  METHODS
  A study using a pre-structured questionnaire was conducted in Al-Qassim, targeting physicians working in the hospitals. The survey was conducted in two phases. The first phase was conducted at the inception of the department of professional education and the second one year later. Questionnaires were given to a sample of physicians working in the hospitals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean CME hours in the region increased from 5.5(±5.9) to 14.2(±19.7), p=0.0001. 50% said that the CME should be presented differently. There was a need for regular courses (61%), departmental and bedside activities (52%) and visiting speakers (45%). Only 47% of the physicians were using the Internet.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need to shift from credit counting to a process that can yield professional development through practical courses and departmental activities. The use of the Internet in CME activities should be encouraged.
authors.affiliation: Regional Medical Education and Research Center, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Omer A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Al-Yahia
authors.forename: Mohamed M K
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Khalil
authors.forename: Mohamed I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Omer
authors.forename: Yasser S
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Al-Ghamdi