The Saudi Health Simulation Conference, organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), has kicked off today morning (Wednesday). In the Minister of Health’s speech, which the Deputy Minister of Health for Human Capital Planning and Development, Dr. Emad bin Ali Al-Jahdali, delivered on his behalf, he said, “Our Wise Government, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and His Royal Highness the Deputy Crown Prince, May Allah protect them, pays close attention to provide high-quality health services without burdening the citizen any cost or suffering. Indeed, the huge budgets allocated for health purposes testify this attitude."
He added that focusing on patients' safety tops the priorities of the Ministry. That is why it places particular emphasis on clinical simulation, which could be defined as the imitation or representation of an integrated system. It serves as a link between the information and the clinical application, ensures safe environment for learning, and reduces mistakes; thus helping to provide safe and sound health services for the patients - Allah willing.
He pointed out that, world studies have proven the importance of such a type of training for the development witnessed in the health industries, to cope with other industries in using scenario-based training. The clearest example in this regard, he said, is the use of the stimulation-based training by the pilots for a long time; the thing which has contributed to raising their efficiency and reducing risks on lives and properties.
He went on saying that, the Ministry has sought to organize this conference out of its staunch belief in its importance, and for its direct impact on developing and raising efficiency of health professionals; the matter which will in turn have a positive impact on the security and safety of patients. In addition, the conference will be a starting point for a comprehensive study through which a number of courses and workshops will be organized, taking advantage of the international and national experiences, and the relevant authorities.
On his part, the Director-General of Training and Scholarships, Dr. Mansour Al-Yami, said that the conference targets all health professionals, trainers and leaders in the health field, in addition to the students from all health sectors. It aims at creating an integrated national strategy for simulation-based training, as well as unifying and measuring trainees' performance, in line with the scientific accreditation standards compatible with the objectives of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
It should be noted, more than 60 international and domestic speakers specialized in clinical simulation will participate in the conference. It will be accompanied by 13 specialized workshops in this field, focusing on using high-accuracy simulation in heath training and education.
Noteworthy, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) has accredited 24 hours of continued medical education (CME) for the conference. They have been accredited also by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Canada, and the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine (SESAM). About 1300 participants from various health sectors are participating in the conference.