A model of medical students' engagement in quality assurance system at educational program level in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Active involvement of students as partners in quality processes at the college is promising in ensuring the quality of the medical school and creating a quality culture for a proper accreditation system. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore a model of undergraduate medical students' perception and understanding of quality assurance (QA) in higher education and identify the challenges and empowerment factors for student involvement in Saudi Arabia. Setting and Design: For this purpose, students were involved as official members with the quality team at Saudi medical college. They were included in different tasks and initiatives related to QA, including a peer orientation initiative, through which they became responsible for orienting their colleagues regarding the quality principles and accreditation standards. Methods: A questionnaire (pre-and post) was used to evaluate the peer orientation initiative. Furthermore, another questionnaire was directed to the quality team of students to evaluate their experience. Statistical Analysis: Done using an independent t-test to measure the efficiency of the student's peer orientation program through comparing pre- and postquestionnaire results. Results: A significant increase in knowledge and improved attitude toward quality and accreditation process at the college was detected after attending the peer orientation program. Students of the quality team recognized the importance of their active engagement and found themselves having voices and able to make changes they confirmed that transparency of QA activities and continuous communication with faculty members and program leaders in regular meetings enhance student's self-perception, impact their future employment skills, and establish a quality culture in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The experience should be generalized and disseminated to other health profession education programs with similar students' populations with adequate rewards and resources.