title: Academic accreditation process: experience of a medical college in saudi arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to describe effects of the accreditation process of the National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (NCAAA) and its impact on the quality of medical education in one medical college in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) study in Qassim University College of Medicine, where an accreditation exercise led by NCAAA was recently completed. Data pertaining to impact of the accreditation process were collected through self-administered questionnaires and focus-group discussion. Data were aggregated and analyzed and compared with the information from prior to accreditation, where available.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The accreditation process lasted about two years, culminating in the preparation of a self-evaluation report and a visit of external reviewers. The process itself brought significant changes in the educational processes and administration and implementation of the curriculum. Our analysis also indicated significant improvements in the quality of medical education in the College.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The accreditation process was successful in improving quality of medical education, without imposing radical changes in curriculum philosophy or orientation. Better monitoring of students learning outcomes and continuous quality improvement will improve the quality of medical education in the college.
authors.affiliation: Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Qassim University.
authors.forename: Abdulrahman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Mohaimeed
authors.forename: Farid
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Midhet
authors.forename: Issam
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Barrimah
authors.forename: Mohamed Nour-El-Din
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Saleh