Accreditation of medical schools in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Context: The accreditation of undergraduate medical education is a universal undertaking. Despite the widespread adoption of accreditation processes and an increasing focus on accreditation as a mechanism to ensure minimum standards are met in various fields, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of accreditation. Traditionally, accreditation has worked toward achieving two ends: assuring and improving quality. Many recent articles emphasize the need for continuous quality improvement mechanisms to work, as well as the quality assurance role of accreditation. Methods: The aim of the study was to examine the purposes and outcomes of accreditation, and stakeholders’ experience ..