‫المجلس الصحي السعودي – األمانة العامة‬
‫مركز البحوث والدراسات الصحية‬
“Setting Priorities for Health Research”
Workshop
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
November 09, 2016
WORKSHOP REPORT
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
1
Organized by the
Center for Health Research and Studies
Saudi Health Council- General Secretariat
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
November 09, 2016
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements..........................................................................................................................4
I.
Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………….4
II.
Background………………………………………………………………………………..5
III.
Participants………………………………………………………………………………...6
IV.
Opening remarks…………………………………………………………………………..6
V.
Session1…………………………………………………………………………………...7
A. First presentation “Center for Health Research and Studies; a panoramic overview”..........7
B. Second presentation “Approach to setting health research priorities; WHO experience”…7
VI.
Session 2…………………………………………………………………………………...8
A. First presentation “The concept of evidence based health policy”…………………………8
B. Second presentation “E-surveillance and National databases”…………………………….9
VII.
Session 3…………………………………………………………………………………...9
A. Presentation “Challenges that face health research industry”……………………………..9
VIII.
Panels discussion…………………………………………………………..……………..10
IX.
Closing remark……………………………………………………………….…………..10
A. Lesson learnt……………………………………………………………………………..10
B. What we expect from participated organizations…………………………………………10
C. Recommendations………………………………………………………………………..11
ANNEX 1- Workshop program……………………………………………………………….….13
ANNEX 2- List of all attendees and biography of speakers……………………………………..14
ANNEX3- Workshop evaluation………………………………………………………………...16
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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Acknowledgements
With a great sense of pleasure and satisfaction, Center for Health Research and Studies (CHRS)
general secretary of Saudi Health Council (SHC) express sincere appreciation to participants’
contribution at the “Setting Health Research Priorities” workshop, without their valuable input
and contribution, organization of this workshop would not be possible. We take this opportunity
to express our gratitude to Dr. Al-Mazrou, General Secretary of SHC for his support and
contribution.
Our thanks to Prof. Mandil; Coordinator, Research Development & Innovation, WHO/EMRO, to
Prof. T. Khoja, Former director general of the executive office for the GCC’s Ministry of Health
Council, and to Dr. A. Al-Zahrani, Director General of Cancer Registry at Saudi Health Council,
Principal Clinical Scientist / Senior Consultant ( Epidemiologist ) and Executive director , Gulf
Center for Cancer Control and Prevention at KFSHRC. The Panelists whom spared their valuable
time to guide the deliberations of the workshop. We extend our gratitude to Prof. I. AlBani for his
efforts in moderating the third session.
The center’s scientific committee deserves our most sincere thanks who took over themselves to
advice the center in its pathway. Organizing the workshop, which includes many activities, in
itself, is a serious task. This serious task had been made easy by the Center’s team, who deserve
our thanks.
Thanks to our colleague at Public Relation Department for their efforts and cooperation.
I. Executive Summary
This document is an executive report of the first workshop organized by CHRS on setting health
research priorities. The workshop was held at the Intour hotel, Riyadh on November 9, 2016 (8:00
AM -4:30 PM)
Setting health research priorities in the fields of public health and health policy is challenging yet
crucial. Challenges are mainly related to intersection with and between related fields, availability
of fund, building human capital capacity and establishing definition of research focuses.
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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The workshop aims to identify challenges that face health research, establish a general overview
for understanding appropriate approach to setting health research priorities, and introduce the
concept of “evidence based health policy”. This report summarizes workshop scientific programs,
sheds light on recommendation, and highlights future plan.
II. Background
Defining health priorities maximizes the impact of investment in health industry at economic,
social, population and individual level. This meets the definition of “One Health” concept, define
high impact challenges/ threats to public health that if tackled will lead to improving total quality
of life at individual and population levels. Also build national databases for key public health
concerns that allows establishing national health profile, develop comparative and predictive
models to assess the performance and efficacy of preventive, curative, and/or combination
community programs. Thus allows reviewing and updating related health policies and assessing
infrastructure development for the “evidence based health policy” concept.
The workshop involved three sessions and a panel discussion. Each session was followed by a
Question & Answer, and open discussion. The first session was divided into two lectures the first
one had given an overview on Center for Health Research and Studies and the second one had
discussed World Health Organization (WHO) experience to setting health research priorities at the
regional level. The second session had covered the concept of evidence based health policy and
the E-surveillance and national databases. The third session had touched upon challenges that face
health research industry. A panel discussion then took place followed by a closing remark.
At the planning phase, the following outcome had been identified to be achieved. First, to establish
an effective sharing of knowledge, practice, and technologies in support of reviewing research
priorities for health research. Second, to reach a common understanding of key challenges that
face health research industry in Saudi Arabia. Third, is to identify strategies for overcoming
sectorial intersection. Lastly, the development of focused work-group to examine various health
Concerns.
Although invitation letters were sent to nearly 80 professionals, 43 professionals had attended the
workshop. Attendees were researchers, policy makers and local experts in public health and health
policy researches.
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III. Participants
The target audience for were academics, public health professionals, epidemiologists, researchers
in the field of health science, and health informatics, policy makers, and research centers directors
The list below shows all speakers at the workshop. There is a complete list of all attendees,
speakers, scientific committee and organizers. (Annex 2)
Dr. Yagoub Al-Mazrou, General Secretary of The Saudi Health Council, carried out the opening
remark
The Speakers were:
Prof. Ahmad Mandil, World Health Organization
Dr. Ahmad Ayoubi, Minestry of Health, Al-Yamamah Women and Children's hospital
Dr. Abdullah Koja, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University
Dr. Nassir Bin Dhim, Saudi Electronic University
Dr. Fahad Arab, General Director of the Center for Health Research and Studies
The Chairpersons were:
Dr. Salih Al-Muhsen, Scientific Committee.
Dr. Ali Al-Zahrani, Director General of National Registry of Tumors.
Prof. Ibramim Bani, Community Medicine-KSAU-HS.
The Panelists:
Moderator: Dr. Fahad Arab
Panelist: Prof. Ahmad Madil, Prof. Tawfiq Khoja, Dr. Fatwan Al-Mohanna.
IV.
Opening Remarks
The workshop was launched by the General Secretary, Dr. Yagoub Al-Mazrou.
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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Session 1.
Moderator/chair: Dr. Salih Al-Muhsen
A. First Presentation “Center for Health Research and Studies; a panoramic
overview”.
Presented by Dr. Fahad Arab, Director of Center for Health research and studies
Key Points:





Overview of the vision, goals, roles and responsibilities of the center.
Stated why organizing this workshop on setting health research priorities and the
significance of collaboration between all sectors
Discussed the challenges that face health research industry
Significance of setting health research priorities
Research and Knowledge based economy.
B. Second Presentation “Approach to setting health research priorities; WHO
experience”.
Presented by Prof. Ahmed Mandil
Key Points:



Prioritization of health research is important for sound resource allocation and related
health policy making.
There are many tools for setting research priorities; no universal methods or standards
apply to all.
Steps of prioritization of health research on national scale include:
▪ Reviewing existing data on different public health concerns whether from diseasecontrol programs or from existing databases and relevant literature
▪ Identifying knowledge gaps (morbidity, mortality burden; determinants , risk
factors (biological / social; modifiable / non-modifiable), cost-effective interventions,
impact of their implementation)
▪ Understanding prospective challenges (research and interventions); converting
knowledge gaps into research domains; carrying out priority-setting exercises based on
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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


priorities of different programs (involving various related stakeholders); and sharing results
and converging on final decisions.
Such exercises need capacity building on health research prioritization and consensus
building mechanisms.
Work of WHO/EMRO with national healthcare delivery agencies / disease control
programs to yield information about health research priorities; converge and review
information by relevant departments / areas or work; carry out priority-setting exercises
with in-house technical units; and update lists, based on feedback / outcome of meetings.
In health research prioritization, we have to keep in mind:
▪ Technical feasibility (capacity building in epidemiology, biostatistics, research
methods & ethics, knowledge management & translation);
▪ Economic feasibility (effective national mechanisms for health research funding;
institutionalization of research & development within different healthcare delivery
agencies / disease prevention and control programs);
▪ Logistic feasibility
V. Session 2
Moderator/chair: Dr. Ali Alzahrani
A. First Presentation “The concept of evidence based health policy”.
Presented by Dr. Abdullah Koja
Key Points:






Public health context and scope
Importance of discussing evidence based public health (EBPH) when setting the national
health research priorities
Changing mindsets: Evidence-Based Medicine to Evidence-Based Public Health
Policy and Research in the public health practice cycle
Area of research and evidence development in health: The HEART model
Vision 2030 / 2020; the gaps (Research, proposed interventions)
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B. Second Presentation “E-surveillance and National databases”.
Presented by Dr. Bin Dehaim
Key Points:









Introduction to the Smart Health Project
Introduction about the Vital Statistics System
What is public health surveillance and how surveillance databases can be utilized?
Behavioral and Health Risk factors surveillance system
Example of successful risk factor surveillance system
Challenges of continuous and comparable health data in Arab countries
The Arabic Electronic Risk Factor Surveillance System (AERFSS)
The Components of the AERFSS and implementation updates
Future Improvement via utilizing real-time visualization analysis of key risk factors
overtime.
In addition, Dr. Dehaim further discussed:



The goals of the Smart Health Project are to improve global public health and to develop a
low cost reusable electronic health research tools
Q-platform “Sharik” is to target research methodologies and focuses on community
engagement strategy
Q-platform works with testing, sampling, and follow up
VI. Session 3.
Moderator/chair: Prof. Ibrahim Bani
A. Presentation “Challenges that face health research industry”.
Presented by Dr. Ahmad Alayobi
Key Points:




Suggesting a new concept of health research in Saudi Arabia
Recommended that CHRS becomes a national center for health research in Saudi Arabia
Focusing on building capacity for the center
Set the research ethics law in the kingdom
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


The center should be an independent body
Attract the best scientists and researchers in the kingdom
Unify the research terminology
VII. Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dr. Fahad Arab
Panelists: Prof.Ahmad Madil, Dr.Ali AlZahrani, and Prof.Tawfiq Koja
Presenter: Dr. Weam Banjar
Interactive discussion carried out to touch on:

What so far had been achieved since publication of 2009 priority document by KACST

Key challenges that face research industry Different research themes and focus areas
VIII. Closing Remarks
A. Lessons Learnt






Health research priorities should meet national health needs and public expectations
Public engagement is becoming a necessity
Multi-sectorial collaboration has to be enforced
Human capital planning should be in-line with national health research agenda
Health mapping is the first step toward understanding the magnitude and weight of public
health concerns and identifying the gaps
Periodical review and update is very important
B.
What we expect from participated organizations
It is expected from Center for Health Research and studies, Saudi Health Council, Executive
office- GCC, and WHO is to carry on what we started and discussed on priority setting.
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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C.




Recommendations
Establish national health research priorities list in addition to priorities assigned to special
population
Establish knowledge sharing interactive platform
Define themes for public engagement
Define scheme for collaboration with General Authority for Statistics
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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ANNEXES
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ANNEX 1-Workshop Scientific Program
8:00-8:30
Registration
8:30-8:45
Opening remarks
Dr. Yaqoub Almazrou
Session 1-Session chair: Dr. Saleh Al-Mohsen
8:45 – 9:00
Center for Health Research and Studies; a panoramic overview
Dr. Fahad Arab
9:00 -9:30
Approach to setting health research priorities; WHO experience
Prof. Ahmad Mandil
9:30 -10:00
Q&A
Coffee Break
10:00- 10:30
Session 2-Session chair: Dr. Ali Al-Zahrani
10:30-11:00
The concept of evidence based health policy
Dr. Abdullah Koja
11:00-11:30
E-surveillance and National databases
Dr. Nassir Bin Dhim
11:30-12:00
Q&A
Prayer and Lunch break
12:00-1:00
Session 3-Session chair: Prof. Ibrahim Bani
1:00-1:30
Challenges that face health research industry
Dr. Ahmad Alayobi
Q&A
1:30-1:45
1:45-3:00
Panel Discussion- Moderator: Dr. Fahad Arab
Panelist: Prof.Ahmad Madil, Dr.Ali Al-Zahrani, Prof. Tawfiq Koja
3:00 – 3:15
Closing remarks
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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Dr. Fahad Arab
ANNEX 2- List of all Attendees and Biography of Speakers
Scientific committee:
Brigadier-General Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Roba
Dr. Hisham Al-Khashan
Dr. Saleh Al-Mohsen
Dr. Taghreed Al-Ghaith
Dr. Turki Al-Harbi
Dr.Turki Al-Qurini
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education
Saudi Health Council
Armed Forces Medical Services
General Authority for Statistic
Workshop Attendees:
Prof. Abdullah Al-Dahmash
Prof. Ibrahim Bani
Prof. Tawfik Koja
Prof. Suliman Al-Hadlaq
Eng. Abdulaziz Abu-Habsha
Dr. Abdulaziz Abu-Melha
Dr. Abdelali Houdi
Dr. Abdullah Adlan
Dr. Abdullah Al-Saigul
Dr. Abeer Al-Tamimi
Dr. Ahmad Abu-Abat
Dr. Ali Al-Barrak
Dr. Ali Al-Jaloud
Dr. Ali Al-Zahrani
Ms. Halah Jishi
Dr. Hana Al-Sobayel
Dr. Hanan Balkhy
Dr. Hind Al-Mutlag
Dr. Malak Al-Thagafi
Dr. Mohammed Al-Hathloul
Dr. Mohammed kelya
Dr. Mohammed Al-Shehri
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King Saud University
King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University
Former director general of the executive office for the
GCC’s Ministry of Health Council
Saudi Electronic University
Ministry of Health
King Khaled University
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
Ministry of National Guard; Health Afairs
Public Health Information and Research Unit- Qassim
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital/
Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University
King Fahad Medical City
Al-Qassim University
General Organization for Social Insurance
Saudi Health Council
King Fahad Medical City
King Saud University
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
Saudi Health Council
King Fahad Medical City
King Saud University
Ministry of National Guard; Health Afairs
Ministry of Interior
Dr. Mohammed Al-Tannir
Dr. Mahmmod Al-Mahmmod
Dr. Mustafa Al-Tannir
Dr. Nasser Al-Qahtani
Dr. Rajaa Rdady
Dr. Randa Nouh
Dr. Sami Al-Mudaraa
Dr. Sulafa Al-Qutub
Dr. Sulaiman Al-Ghannam
Dr. Suliman Al-Hadlaq
Ms. Nouf Al-Ghamdi
King Fahad Medical City
Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University
King Fahad Medical City
Saudi Food and Drug Authority
King Abdulaziz University
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health- Jeddah
King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
Saudi Electronic University
Saudi Health Council
Biography of Speakers
Dr. Fahad Arab.
Dr. Fahad Arab is the Director General of Health Research & Studies Center at Saudi Health
Council, since 2015. He has interests in the health matter since graduating in 1992 from Britain.
He received his Doctorate in Medical Parasitology from university of Reading, UK. He worked
as an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University and Secretary-General of several
committees there. He joined the Ministry of Health as a consultant in 96/97 and was appointed as
an Assistant Deputy Minister for Research and Planning in 2000. Then ministerial decision has
issued of appointing him as an assistant Deputy Minister for Manpower 2002. Later, transferred
to the Ministry of Higher Education as a consultant of health education in 2007. Dr. Arab was
assigned to manage experts polarizing in the ministry and secretary of the National Committee
experts polarization، and provide consultancies and prepare plans and strategies for the health
specialties over the university level. He has more than 400 journals and articles about the health
planning, public health and some social issues. Also, has many professional and social
contributions during his work at King Abdul Aziz University and the Ministry of Health and the
Ministry of Education and Higher Education sector at the Riyadh region. Lastly, has many
professional and social contributions during his work at King Abdul Aziz University and the
Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education sector over the Riyadh
region level.
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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Prof. Ahmed Mandil.
Dr Ahmed Mandil is Coordinator, Research Development & Innovation, WHO/EMRO, Cairo,
Egypt (seconded from the High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, where he is
Professor of Epidemiology).
He received his bachelor degree in medicine and surgery degree (1981) and master’s degree in
Pediatrics (1985) from Alexandria University, Egypt. Subsequently, he received his Doctorate in
Public Health from UCLA School of Public Health, USA (1991).
Before joining WHO, he carried academic posts with different GCC institutions, including King
Faisal University (1996-2000), University of Sharjah (2004-2006) and King Saud University
(2008-2014) where he served as Supervisor, Community Medicine Unit and helped establish postgraduate programs as: Saudi Board in Community Medicine and KSU-Master’s in Public Health.
He currently serves as board member / peer reviewer of scientific journals including WHO Eastern
Mediterranean Health Journal (EMHJ), Journal of Epidemiology & Global Health (JEGH), and
Journal of Family & Community Medicine (JFCM).
He has more than 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed to the “Public Health
in the Arab World” book (2012), WHO publications as “emergency preparedness and response
national capacity assessment survey” (2008); and “non-communicable disease national capacity
assessment survey” (2001).
Dr. Abdulla Khoja.
Dr Khoja is an assistant professor and consultant of Public Health and Family Medicine (PH &
FM) at School of Medicine, Muhammad Ibn Saud University. In addition, he is the executive
director of the Health and Biomedical Research Center.
In addition, Dr. Khoja is a D.Ph. fellow at Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns
Hopkins School of Public Health, JHU. Dr. Abdullah has a wide range of skills and experience
that developed over the years of education and working with teams and leaders, volunteering, and
engaging with community and patients. His skills and interest are mainly connected with the
following areas: Evidence based policy development and implementation, concept of “Health in
all policy”, strategic planning, intermediate term project execution, need assessment, program
development, Programs’ Impact Assessment, project Management, business plans.
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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He is interested in Health systems chronic disease models implementations with community
integration at primary care levels, health economy and management. In addition to epidemiology
and Statistic skills. Skills in designing and conducting population-based research, Costeffectiveness, meta-analysis, using qualitative, quantitative and mixed, community participation
research.
His main research focus is on health service research, primary health care and chronic disease. Dr.
khoja has clinical interest (Chronic Disease, Asthma, Geriatric Health, periodic health assessment
and preventive medicine).
Dr. Nasser Bin Dhim.
Dr. Nasser F BinDhim is a researcher in public health with an interdisciplinary background in
pharmacy and health informatics. Currently, He is the Chair of Health Informatics department at
the Saudi Electronic University, and the Vice-Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
He is particularly interested in utilizing smartphone and Web technology to empower health
consumers and improve public health outcomes on a global level. Over the last few years he has
published more than 35 research articles covering policies and regulations, feasibility, efficacy,
and quality of smartphone health related apps, in various public health topics including smoking,
depression, asthma and cardiovascular risks. His publications received international recognition
and global media attention. In 2012,
He won the Health Informatics Society of Australia Health App Challenge and since then he was
selected to be a member of the award-judging panel. Recently, he founded the smart health project
developing a low cost reusable electronic health research tools. He is also a lecturer in public health
and health informatics in various universities.
Dr. Ahmed AL-Ayoubi.
Dr. Al-Ayoubi is a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Head of OB GYN Emergency
Department & Labor Room at Al-Yamamah Women and Children's Hospital, Ministry of Health,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He is a member and co-founder of the Critical Obstetric Care Group (COC) established in 2011,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition, he is a member of OMMAHAT initiative to improve maternal
health and safety, 2015.
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Dr. Al-Ayoubi is active in his field over the years. Since 2008, he showed special interest in
OBGYN emergency and critical care as a unique specialized unit serving high-risk population.
Since 2000, he had special interest in legal medicine and bioethics. Since 1995, he demonstrated
special interest in integrative and comprehensive medicine.
In addition, he is interested in healthcare informatics and information management. He is a women
rights activist and an advocate of women's healthcare enforcement; hence, she composes 2/3 of a
family health
ANNEX 3- Workshop Evaluation
Executive Summary.
“Setting Priorities for Health Research” Workshop was held on November 09, 2016 in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia. This workshop considered being the first workshop arranged by the Center for Health Research
and Studies to setting health research priorities in the fields of public health and health services. It was
targeting experts, academics and leaders in health researches field from different sectors.
The purpose of this evaluation form is to identify areas of weakness and help the Center improve on
future workshops and events. An evaluation form distributed to attendees and instructed to return at the
end of the workshop.
Methodology.
A One-page evaluation form with 15 questions (divided into four main categories) distributed to attendees
and instructed to return at the end of the workshop. In addition to an optional comments and suggestions
section. The four main categories are program, venue, sessions, and discussion. Besides a final question of
an overall assessment of the workshop. The form utilized the scale of 1 through 5 (1=Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Good,
4=Very Good, 5=Excellent). 43 copies of the forms were distributed; only 17 forms were handed in and
analyzed.
Analysis.
The mean and standard deviation of the questions responses were calculated (attached document); no other
statistical analysis like correlation is applicable to apply when response rates are low.
The data suggest that all responses on the questions were on the scale of (3) good and above. However,
distributing 42 copies and receiving back only 17 raise questions on how solid the results are. This low
response rate might be due to several reasons related to the form itself or other factors. These other factors
might be that respondents were not aware of the form due to communication failure, or that they are
unmotivated or unwilling to complete the form. In this workshop, the two factors might be the case. There
Setting Priorities for Health Research Workshop
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was mismanagement in distribution of the forms, as they were distributed at the first break. On the other
hand, many of the attendees left early and more that 50% did not complete to the end of the workshop.
The top two of responses were the registration arrangements and process (4.71), and the cleanliness of the
venue (4.94). The bottom response was the sequence of program and the allotted time (3.69) and second
session. The second session lowest scores were for information gained, accuracy of objectives to the session
presented, and the content presented. Both the clarity of agenda and schedule of sessions were (3.94) on the
borderline of very good.
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Beyond the quantitative results, an open-end question showed great overall satisfaction in the workshop as
a whole. The comments primarily centered around three ideas. The first revolved around the workshop was
not clear that it is one of the series of workshops to set health research priorities. The second was that they
expected to see representatives from other organizations who are part of the process. Finally, limit one
question per participant in the Q&A section.
Conclusions and Recommendations.
Overall, the respondents attended the “Setting Priorities for Health Research” workshop were pleased.
The only concern as mentioned previously is how true the results reflect reality due to low response rate.
The Center for Health Research and studies must make sure to distribute the evaluation forms prior of
time on upcoming events. In addition, further team analysis to understanding the lack of interest in more
than half of attendees in completing to the end of the workshop. The center must keep undertaking such
evaluation forms and feedbacks to improve its performance and understand its weakness.
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