• Nidaa Bajow, Ahmadreza Djalali, Pier Luigi Ingrassia, Hussein Ageely, Ibrahim Bani, and Francesco Della Corte.
• CRIMEDIM - Research Centre in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy; Manager, Disaster Medicine Unit, Mohammad Bin Naïf Medical Center, King Fahd Security College, Saudi Arabia.
• Am J Disaster Med. 2015 Jan 1; 10 (2): 145-52.

ObjectivesHealth professional preparedness is a key element of disaster response; overall there is a need for increased disaster medicine training worldwide. The objective of this study was to design and develop a curriculum in community-based disaster medicine for Saudi Arabian medical undergraduates.MethodsA structured five-step approach was used to develop a curriculum. Expert stakeholders from the Saudi Arabian and international disaster medicine communities were surveyed to determine objectives and content. Learning strategies were carefully considered to maximize participation and retention. Particular attention was paid to equipping learners with the teaching skills required to promote disaster preparedness in their local communities.Curriculum DesignThe course consists of 2 weeks of classroom activities followed by 8 weeks of e-learning structured within five domains of disaster medicine. The curriculum introduces core principles in emergency medicine, public health, and disaster management. Simulations, experiential activities, case studies, and role-playing activities are all used to promote higher levels of cognitive engagement. Special content addresses the adult-learning process, and students design their own community-based seminars in disaster preparedness.ConclusionsThe curriculum is designed to promote learning in disaster medicine. Given the paucity of disaster medicine educators in the region, student graduates of this program would be able to improve disaster preparedness in Saudi Arabia by launching their own community-based disaster preparedness initiatives. The program could also be adapted for use throughout the Middle East.

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