Salman Bashzar; Vahid Yazdi Feyzabadi; Atefeh Ahmadi; Fatemeh Karami Robat; Masoomeh Shahsavari; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Bagher Amirheidari
Abstract
Background: Despite some obstacles, internationalization of medical education can promote the educational, research and clinical level of universities.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities, challenges, and solutions of the internationalization of higher medical education ...
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Background: Despite some obstacles, internationalization of medical education can promote the educational, research and clinical level of universities.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities, challenges, and solutions of the internationalization of higher medical education in Iran.Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted with Brown and Clark's thematic content analysis approach. Purposeful sampling was performed using the snowball strategy, and the data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The statistical population included Iranian students and professors residing in universities abroad, experts and key officials working in the Deputy of International Relations in Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the Vice-Chancellors of the International Relation Units of the country’s universities of medical sciences, and foreign students studying in Iran’s universities of medical sciences. The data were gathered by conducting 17 interviews with eligible individuals following the principle of data saturation. Finally, the data were subjected to thematic analysis by MAXQDA-10 software.Results: The data extracted from the interviews were categorized into 268 codes, 29 subcategories, and six categories. The themes identified were "specifications of an international higher education center", "advantages of internationalization", and "necessary items and requirements" in the field of requirements and criteria, "weaknesses and challenges of internationalization" in the field of challenges, "operational solutions for addressing challenges" and "successful domestic and foreign experiences of the internationalization of higher medical education centers " in the field of solutions. The subthemes of "weaknesses and challenges at the level of the university" and "hardware specifications" attained the highest frequency among open codes.Conclusion: A need to be responsive to many present and future needs of our country necessities that the higher medical education system moves in parallel with the globalization process and multicultural societies. In this regard, officials should pay attention to the requirements, criteria, challenges, and solutions of the internationalization of higher medical education in Iran based on the evidence disclosed in this study.
Milad Ahmadi Gohari; Abedin Iranpour; Salahodin Rakhshani Rad; Moghaddameh Mirzaee; Ali Akbar Haghdoost
Abstract
Background: Online education has become more vastly recognized as a powerful educational tool after the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides educational opportunities that were not previously possible because of time or place restrictions.Objectives: This study investigated the factors influencing students' ...
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Background: Online education has become more vastly recognized as a powerful educational tool after the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides educational opportunities that were not previously possible because of time or place restrictions.Objectives: This study investigated the factors influencing students' acceptance of online learning systems during the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: The study sample comprised 435 students from Kerman University of Medical Sciences. We used the external technology acceptance model (TAM) to determine the acceptance of online education systems by undergraduate students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to check the model hypotheses. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: In this study, 65% of the participants were men. The mean score for the items in the questionnaire was 53.1±19.3. The constructs of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness had a significant effect on students' attitudes, and students' attitudes and perceived usefulness strongly influenced their behavior in using the online education system.Conclusion: The results of this study show that the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the online education system indirectly affect students' behavior in using online education. Thus, educational policymakers at universities can emphasize the ease of learning and especially the easy use of mobile phones when choosing an online education system. In addition, the creation and expansion of the necessary infrastructure can facilitate student use of online education.
Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Reza Goudarzi; Maryam Ramezanian; Amir Javadi; Ali Darvishi; Ali Hosseinzadeh; Masoud Abolhallaje; Masoumeh Rahimi
Abstract
Background Because of resources deficiency, a well-funded budget system is very important for achieving organizational goals. Hence, providing a specific pattern for performance analysis is important to allocate funds to medical universities Objectives In this study, econometric method and linear regression ...
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Background Because of resources deficiency, a well-funded budget system is very important for achieving organizational goals. Hence, providing a specific pattern for performance analysis is important to allocate funds to medical universities Objectives In this study, econometric method and linear regression estimation were used to investigate the economic behaviour of the budget allocation process. Methods Data used in the present study were panel data from medical universities obtained during an eight-year period. The explanatory variables in this model included the numbers of faculty members and students. Also, separate linear regression was estimated as a dependent variable for the levels of expenditure budget and total budget. Results Our findings showed that if budgeting is done solely based on faculty members, allocation of public budget for each faculty member is 113.7 million Tomans, and if it is performed based on students, the allocated budgets are 9.8, 2.2, and 25.9 million Tomans for each undergraduate, professional doctorate (medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry) and postgraduate student, respectively. Conclusions In general, budget allocation for university education sector had a strong relationship with faculty members and students. However, the place of budget consumption and performance quality indicators still remain unclear. The results of this study can be applied for quantitative modelling to predict and allocate budget to medical universities.
Reza Dehnavieh; Saeed Hosseini; Somayeh Noori Hekmat; Mohammad Hossein Mehrolhassani; Nasim Pourdamghan; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Ali Reza Kalantari
Abstract
Background The main objective of medical education development centers is to improve the quality of medical education. However, after more than two decades since the formation of these centers, they are still facing numerous challenges. Objectives Given the importance of these centers, this study was ...
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Background The main objective of medical education development centers is to improve the quality of medical education. However, after more than two decades since the formation of these centers, they are still facing numerous challenges. Objectives Given the importance of these centers, this study was conducted to identify their challenges. Methods A qualitative study was carried out in 2013 on 40 managers of Iranian medical education development centers. Data was collected during a national conference held in Tehran in the form of a questionnaire and analyzed using content analysis. Results Key challenges of the centers were identified to be resource shortage, continuous modifications in policies, weak management, structural problems, lack of communication, regulatory problems and centralization in decision making. The key challenges were divided into 17 sub-challenges. Conclusions Although decades have passed since the formation of medical education development centers, they are still facing serious challenges. To unveil the true potential of these centers in improving the quality of education, integrated interventions were addressed in this study to help reduce identified challenges.
Reza Dehnavieh; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Somayeh Noorihekmat; Sara Poursheikhali; Ali Masoud; Reza Sheikhzadeh; Somayeh Borhani; Fatemeh Shiri; Atousa Poursheikhali
Ali Reza Kalantari; Noora Rafiee; Saeed Hosseni; Somaye Noori Hekmat; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Reza Dehnavieh
Abstract
Background Medical education development (MED) centers are established in order to improve the quality of medical education. It seems that after more than two decades since the establishment, the centers still have difficulties to perform some tasks. Objectives According to the important role of MED ...
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Background Medical education development (MED) centers are established in order to improve the quality of medical education. It seems that after more than two decades since the establishment, the centers still have difficulties to perform some tasks. Objectives According to the important role of MED centers, the current study aimed at adapting the performances of such centers with their assigned tasks. Methods The current qualitative applied study was conducted in 2013. The statistical population of the study included managers of MED centers in Iran. Data were collected through a questionnaire containing open questions. During a national meeting the questionnaire distributed among 40 managers of MED centers and then analyzed using content analysis. Results More than half of the major functions that the managers stated, were referred to the first, second, and fourth tasks of the centers, and only 18% of the major functions were related to other tasks (11 cases). About 28% of the functions performed in such centers had no direct correlation with any of the 14 tasks. Conclusions Despite the history of MED centers for several decades, they are not justified in respect to their duties. It is recommended that guidelines be developed to address all duties and adequately monitor their implementation.
Mahshid Loloie; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Azam Bazrafshan; Maryam Okhovati; Ali Mohammad Mokhtari; Morteza Zare
Volume 13, Issue 5 , January 2017, , Pages 505-514
Abstract
Background & Objective: academic failure has always been one of the major challenges of higher education institutions that could cause serious individual and social outcomes This study aimed to analysis the effect of potential factors on students academic failure in Kerman University of Medical Sciences ...
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Background & Objective: academic failure has always been one of the major challenges of higher education institutions that could cause serious individual and social outcomes This study aimed to analysis the effect of potential factors on students academic failure in Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This was an unmatched casecontrol study The study population consisted of all undergraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in two semesters in 2012 From 514 selected students 246 were assigned to the case group and the rest were studied in the control group Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire via consensus methodology The questionnaire consisted of three sections: individual family and academic factors Reliability of the questionnaire was approved by a group of faculty members and its internal consistency was estimated as 082 Data were analyzed using SPSS software Results: The mean age of studied students was 222 years The mean grade point average (GPA) of was 142 and 169 in cases and controls respectively Academic failure was 164 times more in boys than the girls (P = 002) and 159 times more in students who had a sense of frustration (P = 002) Students who reported using drugs tobacco or alcohol experienced academic failure 639 times more than the others (P = 001) Conclusion: Academic failure is a phenomenon affected by multiple factors Therefore reducing it requires the participation of a wide range of people taking part in students learning
Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Rezvan Ansari; Tahereh Changiz
Volume 12, Issue 4 , January 2016, , Pages 570-585
Abstract
Background & Objective: Recognition of the causes and correlates of academic failure which is one of the failures of the education system is an important practical issue in education researches Despite the large number of studies in this field in Iran no comprehensive reviews of all published documents ...
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Background & Objective: Recognition of the causes and correlates of academic failure which is one of the failures of the education system is an important practical issue in education researches Despite the large number of studies in this field in Iran no comprehensive reviews of all published documents in this respect have been carried out Thus the aim of the present study was the systematic review of all texts published during the previous 15 years and determination of the role of individual personality and social factors related to academic failure of students Methods: In the present study documents were systematically reviewed and information gathered Articles which were related to the causes of academic failure of students of medical universities in Iran and published from March 1999 until February 2010 were studied Using census method 1008 articles were screened The full text of 26 articles with minimum quality of research was available Results: Based on the findings of the study male gender higher age of entry to college marriage mental and physical problems lack of interest in the field of education lower average score of school diploma or previous degree longer duration of time from diploma to university admission lack of studying during the term greater use of the internet and lack of scientific and research activities are individual factors that can lead to academic failure in students Based on the systematic review of literature the causes of academic failure of students were having a second job living in the dormitory and a nonempirical diploma Among familial and social factors low education level of father and mother financial problems family problems large number of family members poor social activity and being an extrovert were associated with academic failure Conclusion: Despite the many studies on the causes of academic failure it seems that the standards and definitions used in different studies vary Therefore to promote the quality of work standardization must be performed The views of faculty members were largely consistent with the facts found in the literature This showed that university teachers experiences in this regard are reliable Moreover considering the major listed causes it seems that groups who are at higher risk of academic failure can be identified and preventive measures applied to them
Esmat Nouhi; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Mehdi Zareiyan; Zohreh Rahaei
Volume 11, Issue 3 , November 2014, , Pages 292-298
Abstract
Background & Objective: Evidencebased medicine (EBM) is a systematic review process for evaluating and using results of the best clinical trials for diagnosis and treatment of diseases It must comply with the values and specific circumstances of each patient in need of treatment Since very ...
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Background & Objective: Evidencebased medicine (EBM) is a systematic review process for evaluating and using results of the best clinical trials for diagnosis and treatment of diseases It must comply with the values and specific circumstances of each patient in need of treatment Since very few studies have examined the competence of different groups of medical professionals in this area this study was conducted to assess the competence of residents in EBM Methods: This descriptive crosssectional study was conducted on 90 residents from 4 main clinical departments in Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran in 2013 The data collection tool was the Berlin Standard Questionnaire The samples were selected using census method and data were analyzed using SPSS software Results: Among the participants in the study 422% were male and 578% female with the mean age of 3117 ± 332 years Based on the results of the study residents had little competence in the field of evidencebased medicine their scores ranged from 0 to 8 and their mean score was 254 ± 143 of a total of 15 Conclusion: Considering the mean score and low competence of residents in evidencebased medicine shortterm programs by the relevant departments seem essential to rapidly promote knowledge of evidencebased medicine
Vahidd Mirzai; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Fereydon Azizi
Volume 10, Issue 4 , February 2014, , Pages 413-420
Abstract
Background & Objective: Formative tests during the course means when the teacher is still teaching skills The present study aimed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of students and guide them Methods: In this crosssectional study seven universities were selected using cluster ...
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Background & Objective: Formative tests during the course means when the teacher is still teaching skills The present study aimed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of students and guide them Methods: In this crosssectional study seven universities were selected using cluster random sampling in different type and geographical locations Using a simple random sampling out of 98 residents 12 attending who were enrolled in the study Data collection was done by questionnaire and interviewing forms Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics Results: In the residents view in six items which were assessed in the questionnaire taking history physical presence of the residents clinical analysis and on time presence on the bedside were the highest items evaluated From the attending point views taking history timely presence of the residents diagnosis methods and exact physical exams were the most items being evaluated respectively There were significant differences between evaluated universities on the items such as timely presence on the bedsides and following cost effective treatments and patients care Conclusion: Relevant authorities should monitor the implementation of the current methods of teaching to achieve maximum benefits and not just evaluate items like physical presence It seems respecting for patients privacy and ethical obligations must also be considered
Maryam Esmaeili; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Amin Beigzadeh; Bahareh Bahmanbijari; Azam Bazrafshan
Volume 10, Issue 3 , October 2013, , Pages 298-311
Abstract
Background & Objective: Several factors play an integral role in the quality of higher education and improving its processes Professional role modeling is one of the most determining factors in achieving educational goals and fostering better learning Hence the aim of this study was to investigate ...
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Background & Objective: Several factors play an integral role in the quality of higher education and improving its processes Professional role modeling is one of the most determining factors in achieving educational goals and fostering better learning Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the scientific characteristics of positive and negative role models among medical educators from the viewpoint of the dentistry and pharmacy students in Kerman University of Medical Sciences (Kerman Iran) Methods: In this descriptive analytical crosssectional study a structured and selfadministered questionnaire was completed by 94 senior pharmacy and dentistry students The questionnaire contained prespecified items in 3 sections relating to the demographic characteristics of respondents and scientific characteristics of positive and negative role models Results: The highest mean scores for positive role models were given to features as being respectful to colleagues (875) being knowledgeable (852) having teaching competencies (849) being good tempered (845) and being kind (843) There was not a statistically significant difference between the positive role models [age gender education level (basicclinical)] and the scientific rank The highest mean scores for negative role models were given to the features as deserving blame (697) having no teaching competencies (641) not being kind (609) not being a good manager (608) and not being respectful to students (603) There was only a significant difference between the negative role models and scientific rank (P = 0029) Totally 2 positive and 3 negative characteristics were identified for professional and nonprofessional role models These characteristics can be classified into ethical behavior and communication educational and managerial skills and scientific competencies There was not a statistically significant difference regarding the association between the scientific characteristics of positive and negative role models and the general characteristics of the respondents in terms of age variable Conclusion: Our results suggested that the positive and negative characteristics of teachers formed a significant part in their acceptance and choosing them as role models from the perspectives of students To achieve the educational goals and improving our higher education system special attention should be given to these aspects as personality professionalism and scientific characteristics
Ashraf Adhami; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Payam Khazaeli; Marhamat Afzali
Volume 9, Issue 1 , July 2012, , Pages 58-64
Abstract
Background & Objectives: In order to improve the quality of teaching attention to the students academic progress is important In the present study the internal consistency of students scores has been used as an index for the evaluation of the validity of course exams Methods: All scores of Pharmacy ...
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Background & Objectives: In order to improve the quality of teaching attention to the students academic progress is important In the present study the internal consistency of students scores has been used as an index for the evaluation of the validity of course exams Methods: All scores of Pharmacy students graduated in 2007 and 2008 were collected from the of Kerman University of Medical Sciences We computed the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between course scores and grade point average (GPA) In addition coefficients between the mean score in subgroups of courses with GPA were computed Results : In most courses the correlation coefficient between the course score and GPA was in the range of 04 to 06 The lowest correlation coefficients belonged to sport course (004) and thesis (033) while the highest were for theoretical biochemistry (078) and practical chemistry (076) The correlation coefficient of male students scores was 049 and that of female students was 040 that shows significant difference (p < 001) In whole the scores of basic courses showed higher correlation compared to general and special courses The correlations in theoretical and practical courses were equal Conclusion: It seems that this convenient method for investigating the internal consistency of course scores can be used as an index for validity of corse scores Significant difference in correlation coefficients among different courses requires special attention to some courses for investigating the probable testing errors even though in most courses the coefficients were in the acceptable range
Seyed-Arash Tehrani Banihashemi; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Mohammed Amir Amirkhani; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Seyed-Moayed Alavian; Homa Asgharifard; Hamid Baradaran; Mozhgan Barghamdi; Saeid Parsinia; Sahar Fathi Ranjbar
Volume 4, Issue 1 , July 2007, , Pages 1-9
Abstract
Background & Objective: Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain process and understand basic health information and services required for making appropriate health decisions The aim of this study was to estimate the level of health literacy and to ...
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Background & Objective: Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain process and understand basic health information and services required for making appropriate health decisions The aim of this study was to estimate the level of health literacy and to determine the factors influencing it using valid instrument Methods: In a Populationbased household survey in 5 cities and 5 villages of Boushehr Mazandaran Kermanshah Ghazvin and Tehran provinces 1086 adults aged 18 and older were enrolled into the study Health literacy was measured by the questionnaire designed for test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) after validation Regression analysis was used to determine the association of demographic factors and level of health literacy Results: The average response rate was 708% in the studied clusters From all participants 614% were female and the rest were male Mean age of participants was 381 years Seventeen percent of the study population was illiterate and 36% had diploma or higher education The level of health literacy was adequate in 281% borderline in 15 3% and inadequate in 565% of the subjects Mean score of health literacy was 453 in males and 411 in females (P=0057) However after adjustment for educational level in the regression model health literacy was found to be higher in females (P=014) Limited health literacy was also associated with lower economic status (P=0004) Conclusion: This study indicates that the level of health literacy is low in Iran Educational level was the most important determinant of health literacy and the most increase was seen in subjects with more than 8 years education Lower health literacy in women older people and rural inhabitants was mainly due to lower educational levels in these groups
