STM Article Repository

Background: The feedback of attendees constitutes a powerful tool for the evaluation of training
programs directed towards healthcare professionals.
Objective: Using trainees' feedback, this study aimed to assess cupping (Al-Hijamah) training
programs tailored for healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 483 healthcare workers who attended the
cupping training programs conducted multiple times by National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in Riyadh city. The participants completed a self-designed 6-item
assessment form with a 5-point Likert scale at the end of each course.
Results: Trainees rated trainers (4.8 or 96.9%), organizational setup (4.2 or 84.8%), content
relevance (4.5 or 90.6%), working and learning methods (4.5 or 90.7%), achievement of objectives
(4.5 or 90.9%) and overall evaluation (4.9 or 97.1%) with a range of 4 (good-84.8% to excellent-
97.1%) to 5 on Likert scale. The training program satisfied their expectations as reported by 94.2% of
trainees and 99.1% agreed that they were the right person to attend the course. A proportion of
trainees (98%) reported to recommend this course for their colleagues. Participants gained the
significant knowledge from infection control measures, research and evidence based cupping. The
most important skills acquired by trainees were proper scarification and precisely selecting points of
cupping. The trainees suggested increase in number of case studies, sessions and duration of handson
training for improving training course.
Conclusion: The attendees' feedback positively supported all the six items of assessment form
concerning both trainers and trainees and offered some strategies for improving training courses. The
evaluation of training programs using trainees' feedback or other methods needs to be regularly
practiced in all healthcare excellent centers of learning and training not only in Saudi Arabia but also
other Gulf countries.