NGCEBM: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Address:  

National and Gulf Center for Evidence Based Medicine

King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs

Mail Code 3120, P.O. Box 22490

Riyadh 11426

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Map:

View Map to NGCEBM office  or

From the King Abdulaziz Medical Hospital (KAMC), take coaster/mini bus going to College of Medicine.  Bus waiting area near the hospital’s Large Auditorium (Dr. Sameer bin Huraib Auditorium).

Center Emails:

 ebm@ksau-hs.edu.sa & ebm@ngha.med.sa

Telephone : 

+9661 2520088 - Ext. 47165/ 47173/ 47172

Fax:

+9661 2520088 - Ext. 47168

Comment and suggestions can also be sent by filling the online form located in the following link:

http://eapps.ngha.med.sa/ebm/Feedback/index.htm

The Center

The Courses

Payment & Policies

THE CENTER

1. What is Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) and its purpose?

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) it means using current best evidence in decision-making in medicine together with the expertise of decision makers and the expectations and values of patients/people. 

EBM aims to apply evidence gained from the scientific method to certain parts of medical practice. It seeks to assess the quality of evidence relevant to the risks and benefits of treatments (including lack of treatment).

2.  What is National & Gulf Center for Evidence Based Medicine (NGCEBM) and its function?

NGCEBM aims to promote the concept and practice of Evidence Based Medicine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the GCC.  It plays a pivotal role in the production and dissemination of high quality information and timely researched evidence across all areas of healthcare professionals and decision-makers throughout Saudi Arabia and the GCC, with high quality information and timely researched evidence.      
 

NGCEBM is an affiliated center to Evidence Based Clinical Practice Group in McMaster University- Canada. This Group is lead by Prof. Gordon Guyatt, the leader and one of the founders of EBM all over the world. NGCEBM is also a collaborating centre to Joanna Brigg’s Institute (JBI) for Evidence Based Health care, in the University of Adelaide, Australia.

NGCEBM works in contact, coordination and collaboration with the National EBM committee, GCC Ministers of Health Executive Office, Arabian Gulf University EBM Center (Bahrain), Sharja University EBM center and Sultan Qaboos University EBM Center (Oman).

3. How do I get to the EBM Office?

a. Map is available online (http://www.ngha.med.sa/ebm/Contacts/EBM-mapEBM-Map.doc_cvt.htm)

b. From the King Abdulaziz Medical Hospital (KAMC), take coaster/mini bus going to College of Medicine.  Bus waiting area near the hospital’s Large Auditorium (Dr. Sameer bin Huraib Auditorium).

THE COURSES

1. Who are required and why there is a need to take EBM courses?

All health care professionals and senior health administrative need to attend EBM courses. Medical school and residents need these courses as well.

The importance of including EBM in the residency curriculum is well recognized by many programs in developed countries namely USA, Canada, UK and Australia. The Saudi Council for Health Specialties (SCHS) has incorporated EBM in the residency curricula, as the EBM course is mandatory for all residents before their graduations. A well recognized program is needed to fulfill the requirement of such an important foundation course. The SCHS approached the NGCEBM for conducting EBM courses directed to residents in various specialties with reduced fees (letter No. 1763/3 dated 6/4/1426 H).   Being a referral center in KSA and the Gulf region, the NGCEBM in National Guard Health Affairs will assume such responsibility.

2. Are all EBM courses accredited with CME hours and if so, how many?

All courses offered by the Center accredited by The Saudi Council. CME hour depends on the number of hours and kind of course.

3.  What are the usual Courses/Activities NGCEBM offers?

EBM Foundation Course.  This course is aimed at Physicians & healthcare providers who want to build their knowledge and practice in EBM.

Basic Evidence Based Nursing Course.  This course is aimed for all health care practitioners and Nurses who want to have the knowledge and skills in Evidence Based Nursing. The course helps the participants to gain the knowledge and skills of critical appraisal of medical literatures, know how to search for the best evidence and know the types of medical research.  The course is highlighted on the Introduction to Evidence Based Nursing, Research Methodology, Critical Appraisal of Topics, EBN Statistics and the Interactive Small Groups Discussion. It also provides computer hands-on with online search of EBN resources.

Train the Trainers Course.  This course is aimed at Health care professionals who have knowledge in the field of EBM and willing to share such experience. This workshop assesses training needs and tailors EBM training programs.  It also enhances the participants’ ability to teach EBM and share their knowledge and experience in the field of Evidence Based Medicine.

Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis Course.  This course is designed to equip participants to synthesize a systematic review and a meta-analysis in the context of a Cochrane review.  It is aimed at Health professionals who have basic knowledge and training in EBM and who are interested in doing systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG).  The workshop is aimed at helping health care professionals to identify the existing CPGs, and learn them the different tools to adapte theses CPG to suite the local context.

4.  What are the upcoming courses NGCEBM offers and how can I register if I want to enroll for a certain course?

Visit the Center’s Website and fill up the registration form and send back to NGCEBM office or through email.

PAYMENT

1. How will I pay and the method of payment?

You can pay through bank (Arab National Bank) Account Number: 01-0080-520891-46 ESC/EBM or visit us at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, 1^st Floor College of Medicine.

2. How much does EBM course cost and if payment has been made, can I transfer to any course before the date of the course I registered into?

The cost varies on the tailored courses; however, transfer to any course must be consulted with the course coordinator at least one (1) week prior to the course commencement date.  Moreover, the participant must pay the difference of the course fee (whichever is higher).

3. Is payment for EBM course refundable/transferable?  If a participant decides to withdraw from a course after their registration has conformed, the following applies:

·          No administration charge will be imposed if done four (4) weeks prior to the schedule commencement date.

·          An administration charge of 20% of the total course fee will be charged if done within the four (4) week period but within two (2) weeks prior to the schedule commencement date.

·          An administration charge of 100% of the total course fee will be charged or non-refundable if done within one (1) week prior to the schedule commencement date.

·          If a course registrant finds a replacement to fill the vacancy, he/she must inform the course director through the coordinator by a written letter (either handwritten or typewritten) stating the reason of his/her cancellation and authorizing the person to attend or to fill the vacancy in his/her behalf at least one week prior to the schedule course commencement date.  Once qualified and approved, he/she must return the original copy of the receipt issued for processing of refund.

·          In exceptional circumstances, as deemed by the Director and Deputy of NGCEBM, participants will receive a full or partial refund of the course fee.

4. If I pay the course fee by cash, will I be refunded also by cash if ever I want to cancel my registration?

No. All refunds must pass through Finance Department and will be deposited to the participant’s account through bank transfer.

5. Whats the Policy for Registration and/or Cancellation?

Click here for information concerning registration and cancellations

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