Saudi Arabian Family Medicine Postgraduate Trainees' Satisfaction with I-Heed as an E-Learning Platform

Abstract

Background: Many studies have measured satisfaction level with different E-learning platforms but there is limited information about E-learning for family medicine trainee doctors in Saudi Arabia.
Objective: To assess the satisfaction levels of family medicine residents at King Saud Medical City (KSMC) and King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) with the I-heed system, an E-learning platform designed for family medicine, over a period of 24 months starting from January 25, 2021.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used an electronic questionnaire which was distributed to all trainee residents enrolled in family medicine residency training programs at KSMC and KFMC who were using the I-heed learning platform as a designed E-learning platform.
Results:
A total of 57% of residents at KSMC and 43% at KFMC responded to the survey. Among all respondents: 39% of respondents were moderately pleased with the quality of learning content, and the same percent 39% found the E-learning content moderately informative. 31% respondents viewed E-learning as a helpful learning method, while 32% planned to incorporate it into their future education. 38% of participants were moderately trustful of online learning topics, and 33% expressed satisfaction with the I-heed system. However, 34% respondents reported low satisfaction with the system’s activities, and 28% indicated low satisfaction with I-heed as a tool for improving knowledge. Regarding system confidence; 31% respondents were confident using the I-heed system. Satisfaction by Education Levels among resident’s satisfaction level showed that R2 residents with 44% were highly satisfied followed by R3: 30%; R1 residents, 17.3%; R4: 9% (P=0.028). Regarding E-learning effectiveness, high satisfaction was reported by 47% at R2, 27% at R3, 21% at R1, and 6% at R4. Eventually, Satisfaction with the I-heed system was high for 51% at R2, 28% at R3, 15% at R1 and 7% at R4.

Conclusion: This sample of Family Medicine residents were highly satisfied with E-learning, satisfaction level being higher among females than males, however, other factors should be further investigated.