Evaluation of Cupping Training Programs Directed towards Healthcare Professionals, Saudi Arabia

Background: Evaluation of training programs directed towards healthcare professionals mostly involves the collection of data from multiple sources using appropriate tools to ascertain their effectiveness and impact on trainees.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the short-term effectiveness of cupping therapy training programs conducted at National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) for healthcare providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: This study included all healthcare professionals who undertook a 5-day intensive training course concerning Al-Hijamah therapy. The evaluation of training programs was done in 3 ways that corresponds to level 1to 3 of Kirkpatrick's paradigm. Reaction evaluations (level 1) were assessed through feedback forms to be filled out by the trainees. Improvement and retention of knowledge (level 2) were assessed by a pre- and post-test questionnaire. Improvements in skills (level 2) were assessed using a pre- and post-training practical evaluation. Behaviors of the trainees (level 3) were assessed through a pre- and post-training written examination.

Results: The included participants were physicians (n=258, 45.0%), physiotherapist (n=139, 24.3%), nurses (n=122, 21.3%), CAM practitioners (n=6, 1.1%) and other specialists (n=48, 8.4%). A majority of participants (97.5%) were satisfied with trainers, 82.2% with organization of training, 88.4% with content relevance, 89.3% with learning methods and 92.1% with achievement of objectives (level 1). Concerning pre-test course knowledge, 61.7% scored 70% and more and 10.65% scored 90% and more, whereas in post-test course knowledge 100.0% scored 90% and more, with a mean of 97.8±2.34 (level 2). Regarding gaining skills, 64.8% trainees scored 70% and more and none of them scored 90% or more in pre-training skills performance. In post-training assessment, 100% scored 90% and more, with a mean of 98.9±0.92 (level 2). Concerning behavior change, 45.6% scored less than 50% and only 2.2% scored 70% and more before training. After training, 72.89% trainees scored 70% and more related to behavior change, with a mean score of 47.79±10.94 in pre-training and 76.83±8.73 post-training (level 3).

Conclusion: Participants’ reactions to most of the presented topics were very good, and the participants were satisfied, motivated and creative. The objectives of cupping therapy courses were robustly achieved. Furthermore, studies are suggested to objectively assess using standard tools the long-term impact of cupping therapy training programs on participants in future.