A randomized controlled Trial to evaluate the internet based CME for wet cupping providers in Saudi Arabia

Research problem:

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used in Saudi Arabia. As wet-cupping practice regulation and licensing had been established the need increased to develop a system of Continuing Medical Education (CME) for wet-cupping providers. E-learning grown steadily to become a popular approach in medical education with the fast-evolving technologies made it possible to develop and implement a high-quality Internet-based CME. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Internet-based CME with conventional CME in the field of complementary medicine.

Research Significance:

Aiming to control the training to guarantee evidenced-based quality care while facing the challenge of increased number of licensed cupping providers who needs CME hours to maintain and improve their practice. There is a need for a study to evaluate if the internet-based technique can help overcome the challenge and to increase the number and improve the quality of CME activities.

Research Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of internet-based CME activity on knowledge, knowledge retention and intellectual skills in wet-cupping providers compared with conventional CME activity. Moreover, to develop a model of a blended CME activity using the online platform to conduct a flipping classroom CME activity in complementary medicine.

Research Methodology:

Randomised, open, comparative controlled trial. Participants will be selected from a list of the registered cupping providers. Using a list of registered cupping providers (sample frame) a sample will be selected randomly using computer generated number. After taking informed consent participants will be allocated randomly into three groups; 1) Internet-based CME activity group; 2) Conventional CME activity group, and 3) control group (waitlist) receiving no intervention. Data will be explored for distribution, and the appropriate methods of presentation and testing of differences will be selected accordingly. Two-tailed values of p<0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Immediate knowledge score, Retention Knowledge rate and skills score will be compared within and between the groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physicians, nurses, physiotherapists
• Passed the Compulsory wet cupping training course within the last three years.
• Available during the study periods.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unaccredited wet cupping training courses.
• Accredit courses more than three Years