Academic Accreditation Process: Experience of a Medical College in Saudi Arabia

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.