Mahdieh Torkashvand; Matineh Pourrahimi; Hadi Jalilvand; Mojtaba Abdi; Ebrahim Nasiri; Fatemeh Haghi
Abstract
Background: Students’ academic failure is one of the educational problems causing the loss of allocated resources.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the academic failure of students and their viewpoints regarding the factors affecting educational achievement at Guilan ...
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Background: Students’ academic failure is one of the educational problems causing the loss of allocated resources.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the academic failure of students and their viewpoints regarding the factors affecting educational achievement at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran.
Methods: The present cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 375 students in medical, nursing, and other related fields. A valid and reliable multipart questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Based on the obtained results, the criteria for academic failure were extracted. Then, due to abnormal data distribution, Spearman nonparametric statistical test was used to analyze the data using both SPSS software (version 23) and GraphPad Prism software (version 7).
Results: According to the obtained results, the frequency of academic failure in the study population was 25.6%. Moreover, 28.46% of the students were satisfied with their field of study. Academic failure showed the strongest relationships with gender, regularity, and precision in the study. Furthermore, the most effective factors in educational achievement from the students’ viewpoints were student motivation, professor’s mastery over the subject, and student occupational future.
Conclusion: It is necessary to create a system to precisely investigate students’ academic failure and counseling needs to help them if necessary.
Seyedeh Azam Sajadi; Jamileh Mokhtari Nouri; Nahid Rajai
Abstract
Background: The quality assurance of doctoral nursing education programs is one of the priorities of educational systems, with significant effects on the development and improvement of educational programs. Therefore, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these programs through comparison ...
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Background: The quality assurance of doctoral nursing education programs is one of the priorities of educational systems, with significant effects on the development and improvement of educational programs. Therefore, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these programs through comparison can be useful.Objectives: This study aimed to compare the doctoral nursing education programs in Iran and Japan.Methods: In this descriptive and comparative study, which was based on the model proposed by Beredy, the Iranian doctoral program in nursing education was compared with that of Japan in four stages of description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison.Results: The doctoral nursing education program in Japan was older than its Iranian counterpart, based on historical records. The challenges of nursing education in Iran included the student admission system, inflexibility of the program, and emphasis on theoretical education. The strict rules regarding article publication in International Scientific Indexing (ISI) journals and the higher number of credits in the Iranian program, compared to its Japanese counterpart, were among the strengths of Iran’s program, increasing the level of students’ knowledge and preparation for research activities.Conclusion: Comparison of the educational systems of Iran and Japan indicated the need for a more flexible and community-based curriculum in Iran.
Fatemeh Alaee Karahroudy; Effat Sheikhbahaeddinzadeh
Abstract
Background: One of the most important tasks of a university is to assess weaknesses and build upon strengths. As the education and skill level of psychiatric nursing graduates in Iran is often unpredictable, we hope to improve the current curriculum by comparing it to a successful educational program.Objective: ...
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Background: One of the most important tasks of a university is to assess weaknesses and build upon strengths. As the education and skill level of psychiatric nursing graduates in Iran is often unpredictable, we hope to improve the current curriculum by comparing it to a successful educational program.Objective: This study compared the MSc psychiatric nursing curriculum in Iran with Canada.Methods: This is a descriptive comparative study conducted in 2018. The required information was collected from the Iran Health Ministry curriculum and Canadian universities offering psychiatric nursing graduate programs. The method used was a Beredy model that includes description, interpretation, neighborhood, and comparisonResults: The University in Canada has been established earlier than Iran. The educational program at Brandon University is focused on community needs. It is possible to complete program on a part- or full-time basis. Some courses are optional.Admission requirements include practicalpsychiatric nursing care experience and a relevant degree. In Iran the requirements are limited to a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an entrance exam. The program primarily focuses on theory, and was only offered on a full–time basis.Conclusion: The Iran educational program has weaknesses. In order to improve the quality of education, it is suggested students volunteer to have psychiatric nursing care experience. The curriculum should include administration, education, and practice. A more flexible curriculum based on the needs of Iranian society should be offered.
Amin Beigzadeh; Nikoo Yamani; Peyman Adibi; Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy
Abstract
Background: In order to improve clinical education, after evaluating the current situation and identifying the shortcomings and problems, it is essential to find strategies to change and improve the situation. This results in planning an efficient clinical education program and achieving the educational ...
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Background: In order to improve clinical education, after evaluating the current situation and identifying the shortcomings and problems, it is essential to find strategies to change and improve the situation. This results in planning an efficient clinical education program and achieving the educational goals.Objectives: This study aimed at identifying strategies for clinical medical education in Iran.Methods: This systematic review was conducted in 2017 to find strategies for clinical medical education in Iran. Bedside teaching, ward round teaching, ward round, teaching round, training round, grand round, clinical teaching, ambulatory education, and bedside round were the keywords searched in both Persian- and English-language databases. Related articles were carefully reviewed and the key information was extracted. Finally, the data were analyzed in MAXQDA software version 10.Results: After retrieving the related articles, the title and abstract of 593 papers were reviewed, and after excluding the irrelevant and duplicate ones, full-texts of 101 articles were reviewed based on the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The strategies for clinical medical education in Iran were classified into five categories including infrastructures, areas of clinical education, educational planning, and clinical teachers and students.Conclusion: Improving the quality of clinical education and the effectiveness of the educational system depends on the identification of appropriate strategies. The identified strategies pave the way for achieving targeted educational goals.
Ali Khaki Sedigh; Mohamad Reza Ahanchian
Abstract
Background: After the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions assigned by the National Committee on Combating Coronavirus (NCCC), the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) set up committees to trace and analyze the outcomes of the pandemic.Objectives: This paper aimed to explain ...
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Background: After the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions assigned by the National Committee on Combating Coronavirus (NCCC), the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) set up committees to trace and analyze the outcomes of the pandemic.Objectives: This paper aimed to explain the policies, programs, and activities executed by MSRT and analyze the points of strength and weakness.Methods: In this report, the MSRT experience during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Iran higher education (HE) system is briefly reported by referring to pieces of evidence documented by MSRT and analyzing strengths and, predicting the outcomes toward the future. The evidence was analyzed descriptively.Results: The policies, plans, and actions were based on three key policies including participation, adaptation, and tolerance.Conclusion: Iranian HE system has changed in many aspects during the recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MSRT instantly reorganized its activities to coordinate its decisions with NCCC.
Habibeh Ahmadipour
Fatemeh Zeynab Kiani; Ali Ahmadi
Abstract
Context Communication, as an essential human skill, is one of the most influential factors in the performance of healthcare workers. In fact, the establishment of effective communication with the recipients of healthcare services and patients can increase their satisfaction and quality of life. Due to ...
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Context Communication, as an essential human skill, is one of the most influential factors in the performance of healthcare workers. In fact, the establishment of effective communication with the recipients of healthcare services and patients can increase their satisfaction and quality of life. Due to the paucity of comprehensive research in this area, the present study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitating factors concerning communication among healthcare workers. Evidence Acquisition This systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MagIran, Iranmedex, Google Scholar, and SID databases, using the following keywords: “communication”, “communication barrier”, “communication facilitator”, “health system”, “nurse”, “physician”, “faculty member”, “teacher”, “student”, “health manager”, and “patient”. All searches were conducted within a 10-year period from 2008 to 2018. Results According to our literature review, 44 articles (38 quantitative and 6 qualitative) met the inclusion criteria. In these studies, “pleasant greetings” and “tidy appearance” were the most important factors facilitating the patient-physician relationship, “teacher’s modesty”, “patience”, and “respect for students” were the main factors facilitating the teacher-student relationship, and finally, “responsibility”, “empathy”, and “companionship” were identified as the most significant factors in the patient-health care worker relationship. On the other hand, the most important barriers to communication in the clinical setting were “poor introduction of the healthcare provider to patients”, “high workload and fatigue”, and “lack of training on the principles of communication skills and environmental factors”. Conclusions Based on the findings, identifying the facilitating factors and barriers to communication is the most important step in the management of health services. Communication skills training can have a beneficial effect on the health education programs for the healthcare staff. In addition, it can improve the efficacy of health services.
Amin Beigzadeh; Nikoo Yamani; Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy; Peyman Adibi
Abstract
Context In order to improve the quality of clinical education, it is necessary to investigate the current situation in clinical settings and identify its problems. This step is the most important part of modifying a clinical education program and meeting learning goals. The purpose of this study was ...
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Context In order to improve the quality of clinical education, it is necessary to investigate the current situation in clinical settings and identify its problems. This step is the most important part of modifying a clinical education program and meeting learning goals. The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges and problems of clinical medical education in Iran. Evidence Acquisition This systematic review was performed to determine the challenges and problems of clinical medical education in Iran in 2017. In order to retrieve articles, the following keywords: Clinical education, bedside teaching, clinical teaching, teaching round, ward round, ward round teaching, bedside round, teaching round, medical education, clinical round, ambulatory education, clinic education, grand round, and education in emergency were searched in reliable Persian and English databases. Then, the articles related to the research objective were carefully reviewed and key information was extracted. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software version 10. Conclusions The problems of clinical education are in different areas. Identifying these areas and planning for them can improve clinical education status, achieve educational goals, and provide medical students with a more effective education.
Parvin Rezaei-Gazki; Ali Delavar; Abdolwahab Samavi
Abstract
Background Academic commitment as a new specialized issue has attracted the attention of educational researchers. Despite of the conducting relevant studies, it was more considered by Human-Vogel and Rabe. Their designed research tool has not yet been used in Iran. Objectives The purpose of this study ...
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Background Academic commitment as a new specialized issue has attracted the attention of educational researchers. Despite of the conducting relevant studies, it was more considered by Human-Vogel and Rabe. Their designed research tool has not yet been used in Iran. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure and reliability of this tool in Iranian learners. Methods The primary tool consisted of 30 items and 5 dimensions (students’ satisfaction with their studies, level of commitment, investment, quality of alternatives, and meaningfulness). In this cross-sectional study, 449 pre-university students of Bandar Abbas city were selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were analyzed using AMOS and SPSS software. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine factor structure. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Gottman and Spearman-Brown split-half coefficients, were used to test the reliability. Results After examination the validity of the tool, five items were excluded and finally a questionnaire including 25 questions was obtained. Beta coefficients were greater than 0.4. Model fit indices, including root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), Comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), normed fit index (NFI), incremental fit index (IFI), and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) were obtained 0.04, 0.95, 0.91, 0.90, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively, indicating the fitness of this five-factor tool. A Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87, a Gottman’s split-half of 0.65, and a Spearman-Brown split-half of 0.68 were obtained, indicating the appropriate reliability of the instrument. Conclusions Based on the results, the final version of the tool seems to be suitable for assessing academic commitment in Iranian learners in the Iran educational systems.
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.
Seyedeh Azam Sajadi; Nahid Rajai; Jamileh Mokhtari Nouri
Abstract
Background Lack of suitable educational programs in nursing causes irreparable damage to the community’s health and reduces the academic credibility of universities. In Iran, the master of science in nursing (MScN) program is not tailored to the needs of the community, and graduates lack the required ...
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Background Lack of suitable educational programs in nursing causes irreparable damage to the community’s health and reduces the academic credibility of universities. In Iran, the master of science in nursing (MScN) program is not tailored to the needs of the community, and graduates lack the required nursing skills. Considering the distinguished quality of higher education in Japan, the aim of the present study is to perform a comparative analysis of MScN programs in Iran and Japan. Methods In this descriptive comparative study, an extensive electronic search was carried out in Persian and English databases, including PubMed, Iran Medex, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, scientific information database (SID), and MagIran among articles published during 1997 - 2016. The gathered data were categorized and compared according to the study objectives. Results In comparison with Iran, Japan has a longer history of postgraduate nursing programs, and its educational system has prominent strengths and advantages including: admission interviews; English language requirements for admission; versatility and flexibility of the educational curricula to facilitate student employment during education; integration of research-based units in the curricula; and attention to community-based and home care nursing. Conclusions Comparison of the educational systems of Iran and Japan highlights the need for more flexible curricula in Iran in accordance with the community’s needs.
Fatemeh Khademian; Mohtaram Nematollahi; Fariba Farahmand
Volume 13, Issue 6 , March 2017, , Pages 617-625
Abstract
Background & Objective: Studying at a university is one of the important stressful situations Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of stress on students physical and mental health The aim of the current study was to determine the sources of academic stress and its relation to demographic ...
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Background & Objective: Studying at a university is one of the important stressful situations Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of stress on students physical and mental health The aim of the current study was to determine the sources of academic stress and its relation to demographic variables in students at the School of Medical Management and Information of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted on 95 students (65 women and 30 men) with a mean age of 219 ± 1830 years (age range: 1830) The subjects were selected using stratified random sampling method Data were gathered using the Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods independent ttest the Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA Results: The findings indicated that the domain of difficulty managing work family and university had the highest mean score (402 ± 231) and the domain of difficulty with interaction at the university had the lowest mean score (261 ± 184) A significant negative association was found between age and the domain of difficulty managing work family and university (r = 0026 P = 001) In addition the mean score of second year students was significantly higher in the domains of difficulty with academic performance in class (P = 003) and difficulty with academic performance outside the class (P = 004) compared to other domains The most common stressors were observed in the domain of difficulty managing work family and university This domain was more important among younger students Conclusion: It is recommended that more attention be paid to this important issue in student educational and counseling programs
Hakimeh Hazrati; Vahedeh Zaregavgani; Mortaza Ghojazadeh; Leila Vahedi
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 246-254
Abstract
Background & Objective: The main prospect of medical education is improving the quality of health care provided by clinicians The quality and timing of services is related to medical education that can train researchers to solve the problems of the changing requirements of society Problembased learning ...
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Background & Objective: The main prospect of medical education is improving the quality of health care provided by clinicians The quality and timing of services is related to medical education that can train researchers to solve the problems of the changing requirements of society Problembased learning (PBL) as a studentcentered learning approach can provide the context for such medical education The aim of present study was to obtain appropriate information about the effective use of PBL in Iranian medical education from available studies through a systematic review Methods: In the present study 16 studies on the effect of PBL on learning satisfaction and efficacy of medical education were reviewed This systematic review was performed by searching the Google Scholar PubMed Magiran Iran Medex and SID databases using the keywords problembased learning medical education and Iran We included studies that were published from 2003 to 2015 in Iran The results of all studies were reviewed by two researchers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklists Results: From among the 130 selected articles 16 studies were included in the study The level of satisfaction with this type of training was reported as high The students performance was satisfactory with this educational method This method of training had a significant effect on the increasing of student learning particularly in the clinical and practical fields and strengthening of active learning selfdirection motivation and critical thinking Conclusion: According to the results of this study PBL can be used as an effective educational method for medical education in Iran
Khadijeh Jamshidi-Moghaddam; Ahmad Reza Nasr; Seyed Ebrahim Mirshah-Jafari
Volume 13, Issue 1 , April 2016, , Pages 20-33
Abstract
Background & Objective: Foreign students encounter educational problems which make studying in the host country difficult Given the importance of the educational problems of foreign students and identifying the factors which alleviate these problems this study examined the educational problems of ...
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Background & Objective: Foreign students encounter educational problems which make studying in the host country difficult Given the importance of the educational problems of foreign students and identifying the factors which alleviate these problems this study examined the educational problems of international students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This was a quantitativequalitative study with a descriptiveanalytical design In the qualitative section interviews were conducted with 14 foreign students and in the quantitative section 56 students were selected through random sampling proportional to sample size Semistructured interviews and a researchermade questionnaire were used to collect information Data analysis was conducted using categorization methods descriptive statistics univariate ttest ANOVA post hoc test and multiple regression in SPSS software Results: In the qualitative section the foreign students educational problems included weakness in understanding Persian different educational system the professors inappropriate teaching method and dissatisfaction with textbooks In the quantitative section the educational problems were not significant at a 005 level Moreover the students problems in terms of culture and the length of stay in Iran showed significant differences Conclusion: The results of predictor factors of educational problems revealed that cultural dissimilarity and short presence in Iran are the main predictor factors Therefore in order to motivate learning in foreign students and thereby decrease their educational problems it is necessary to familiarize them with Iranian customs and hold classes to introduce them to the Iranian educational system
Nasrin Tabasinejad; Narges Khanjani; Fatemeh Balali-Meybodi; Fatemeh Nazari; Mohabbat Mohseni
Volume 12, Issue 4 , January 2016, , Pages 618-625
Abstract
Background & Objective: Determination of priorities and suitable educational methods enable the optimal use of the limited resources available Due to the effective role of family physicians in health promotion and the necessity of educational planning according to needs assessment this study aimed ...
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Background & Objective: Determination of priorities and suitable educational methods enable the optimal use of the limited resources available Due to the effective role of family physicians in health promotion and the necessity of educational planning according to needs assessment this study aimed to assess the educational requirements of rural family physicians working in Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This crosssectional analyticaldescriptive study was conducted on 102 rural family physicians in 2014 Census method was applied for sampling Data were collected using a twopart researchermade questionnaire The validity of the questionnaire was approved by professors To determine the reliability of the research tool testretest method and Cronbachs alpha (096) were applied Statistical tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS software Results: The most required educational needs were circumcision biopsy of the skin and mucosa pulling nails speckle removal and surgical excision of skin verruca Continuing Medical Education was reported as the leading effective educational method There was significant relationship between educational requirements and total years of work experience and years of work experience as family physician However there was no significant relationship between educational requirements and physicians gender age place of education and educational interval gap Conclusion: To enhance knowledge and skills of family physicians in addition to revision of physicians educational curriculum educational planning based on needs assessment is required Thus it is suggested that the Health Care and Continuing Medical Education Office in Kerman University of Medical Sciences take the results of this study into consideration in order to promote the efficacy of the educational programs
Jahangir Haghani; Molouk Torabi; Armin Rafiee-Pour
Volume 12, Issue 4 , January 2016, , Pages 671-678
Abstract
Background & Objective: Clinical training is of great importance in dentistry and has a direct impact on health of the society and treatment of patients The present study was conducted with the aim to obtain students point of views about facilities physical environment and training methods in the ...
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Background & Objective: Clinical training is of great importance in dentistry and has a direct impact on health of the society and treatment of patients The present study was conducted with the aim to obtain students point of views about facilities physical environment and training methods in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology School of Dentistry of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This descriptive and crosssectional study was conducted on dental students who had had passed at least 1 unit of radiology course The participants were selected through census sampling method The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of 28 items in 5 scales and a section on demographic information The 5 scales consisted of evaluation of equipment quality of education in terms of diagnosis skills quality of education in terms of clinical skills practical education on patients and miscellaneous questions The questionnaire was designed by the researchers and its validity and reliability were evaluated Data were analyzed in SPSS software using ttest and analysis of variance (ANOVA) All Pvalues of less than 005 were considered significant Results: Of the 146 respondents 432% were men and 568% were women The mean score of the questionnaire was 7624 ± 1442 from a total of 140 Overall students satisfaction was at a moderate level Students satisfaction level with practical training in different techniques and bone and dental fractures diagnosis using radiography was low In the students view the quantity and quality of radiography devices was inadequate There was no statistically significant association between different inputs in terms of satisfaction and the students gender Conclusion: The students in the present study were relatively satisfied with radiology courses However in their opinion the quantity and quality of radiology devices were low Thus the repairing and updating of the radiography devices is recommended
Mahla Salajegheh; Bahareh Bahmanbijari; Mostafa Shokouhi; Askar Safipour Afshar; Amin Beigzadeh
Volume 12, Supplement , July 2015, , Pages 119-130
Abstract
Background and Objective: Outpatient educational environments are used for the teaching of a broad range of medical disciplines. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to assess these environments with valid and reliable tools. The Ambulatory Care Learning Education Environment Measure (ACLEEM) can be ...
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Background and Objective: Outpatient educational environments are used for the teaching of a broad range of medical disciplines. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to assess these environments with valid and reliable tools. The Ambulatory Care Learning Education Environment Measure (ACLEEM) can be used for this purpose. The objective of this study was to assess the educational environment at outpatient clinics in teaching hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study which was cross-sectional in nature was conducted in Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2013-14. The study population, based on census sampling, consisted of 70 residents specializing in internal, gynecological, pediatric, and surgical disciplines. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable questionnaire consisting of 2 sections, demographic questions and 50 questions in 8 domains. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive tests (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and analytical tests (ANOVA and t-test).Results: The total score of the questionnaire was 62.90 which showed the partially desirable status of the outpatient educational environment in the studied population. In terms of the total scores for each domain, the domains of clinical teacher competence (14.91 ± 2.99), clinical activity and patient care (12.85 ± 2.78), and time allocation for nonclinical activities (8.94 ± 2.93) obtained the highest scores, respectively. There was no significant relationship between sex, age, and educational year and mean score of each domain (P > 0.05). However, this relationship was significant for the field of study variable (P < 0.05). The highest mean score was related to gynecology residents (65.68 ± 5.7) and the lowest mean score was related to surgery residents (60.60 ± 5.9).Conclusion: The findings showed that the resident's perspective of the outpatient environment is not satisfactory. Therefore, it is expected that the related authorities provide a favorable and conducive environment for teaching and learning through planning.
Masoumeh Mangeli; OmeSalimeh Roudi Rashtabadi; Sakineh Sabzevari; Esmat Nouhi
Volume 12, Supplement , July 2015, , Pages 249-265
Abstract
Background & Objective: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of medical universities that have launched doctoral nursing education programs in their centers; thus, monitoring the quality of these programs to identify their strengths and weaknesses is very important. This study ...
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Background & Objective: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of medical universities that have launched doctoral nursing education programs in their centers; thus, monitoring the quality of these programs to identify their strengths and weaknesses is very important. This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of doctoral nursing education in a university center in Iran.
Methods: This descriptive and comparative study was performed on 33 lecturers and students/graduates using the census method in 2015. Data were collected using the quality of nursing doctoral education (QNDE) Questionnaire.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups, but this difference was significant in the program domain (P = 0.036). The participants’ answers only showed significant differences in a few statements of the program, resources, and evaluation domains (P < 0.050). A significant difference was observed between the views of lecturers and students in terms of advanced computer facilities and internet access, and appropriate research infrastructure for facilitating research and education (P < 0.050).
Conclusion: Weaknesses such as lack of resources, infrastructure, library holdings, and regular and timely feedback to program evaluators require attention in order to be decreased or resolved. Great differences in the scores of overall course quality and curriculum evaluation between the two groups revealed the need for further research for the identification of factors effective on the quality of doctoral education programs from the view of both groups.
Roya Vatankhah; Sakineh Sabzevari; Mohammadreza Baneshi
Volume 12, Supplement , July 2015, , Pages 281-287
Abstract
Background & Objective: Clinical environments have a crucial role on medical students' training. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess clinical environments based on the (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure) ...
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Background & Objective: Clinical environments have a crucial role on medical students' training. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess clinical environments based on the (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure) DREEM model from the viewpoint of interns and residents in hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2012.
Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic study. The data collection tool was the DREEM Questionnaire with 50 questions (5-point Likert scale) in the 5 domains of learning, teachers, educational environment, student's academic self-perceptions, and student's social self-perceptions. The study environment consisted of 4 main wards (internal, surgical, pediatrics, and gynecology) of hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The study subjects consisted of 63 interns and 73 residents. Data was analyzed in SPSS software using Students' t-test and ANOVA.
Results: Mean score of perception of educational environment in interns was 161.17 ± 22.30 and in residents was 157.45 ± 21.14. The comparison of different areas of clinical environment evaluation only showed a significant difference between the two groups in the area of student's social self-perceptions (P < 0.05). The interns' score was higher than that of the residents. No significant differences were observed between hospitals and the studied wards.
Conclusion: The students' perceptions of their educational environment in clinical wards were desirable. Despite different literature's recommendation of using DREEM in order to evaluate weaknesses and strengths of clinical environments, the concurrent use of other methods and instruments for the assessment of the efficacy of this questionnaire is recommended.
Esmat Noohi; Hamideh Montazeri; Mostafa Shokohi
Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2015, , Pages 1-9
Abstract
Background & Objective: The concept of active engagement or academic engagement is a certain understanding of the relationship between students and the university The university is an environment that provides learning opportunities that will lead to student learning The nature and level of ...
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Background & Objective: The concept of active engagement or academic engagement is a certain understanding of the relationship between students and the university The university is an environment that provides learning opportunities that will lead to student learning The nature and level of learning depends on the students way of using their environmental resources Positive engagement and an interactive supportive academic environment are essential elements in success in the learning process On the other hand isolation alienation and passiveness of students results in their academic failure The aim of the present study was to investigate academic engagement of medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran in 20112012 In this study 2 domains of academic engagement were investigated (active and participatory learning and level of academic challenge) Methods: In this descriptiveanalytical crosssectional study all medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences were recruited using stratified random sampling method The data collection tool was the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Results: In this study 211 medical students from different academic years with the average age of 226 ± 31 were enrolled The mean active engagement score of the students was 9864 ± 3233 Active and cooperative learning was at a significant level based on all demographic variables except employment The active and cooperative learning of male students differed significantly from that of female students married students from single students different academic years and native from local students Moreover students who were members of one of the academic centers had significantly higher active and participatory learning scores Mean active and participatory learning and level of academic challenge were 174 ± 56 and 217 ± 71 respectively Both domains were reported as unsatisfactory among students Conclusion: The results showed the unsatisfactory academic engagment status of the students of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences Thus it is hoped that with future planning to use more modern teaching methods which have a higher level of academic challenges and active and collaborative learning and by the appropriate support of the university university staff and faculty members we are able to take steps toward the improvement of academic engagement and thereby student success
Majid Zare-Bidaki; Sajad Sadrinia; Ali Rajabpour-Sanati
Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2015, , Pages 18-27
Abstract
Background & Objective: The core of each WBT system is an online software called learning management system (LMS) The existence of such a system in each university is the minimum requirement for the application and development of WBT methods The present study aimed to investigate the frequency ...
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Background & Objective: The core of each WBT system is an online software called learning management system (LMS) The existence of such a system in each university is the minimum requirement for the application and development of WBT methods The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of LMS usage in Iranian medical universities in comparison with the universities of developed countries Methods: This descriptive crosssectional analysis was performed in 2014 The study population consisted of Iranian medical universities and the universities of 4 developed Englishspeaking countries including USA Canada Australia and UK From among the Iranian universities a total of 52 universities were selected using the census method Moreover 58 universities were randomly selected from among 450 wellknown universities of developed countries The data from LMS of Iranian medical universities were collected through visiting university websites telephone calls and in some cases facetoface interviews The data were analyzed by descriptive methods Results: Of the 52 Iranian universities of medical sciences 33 universities (635%) did not have any LMSs for delivery courses in academic degree programs Of the 19 universities (365%) with LMSs Moodle ATutor Docebo and nativedesigned LMSs were found in 11 4 1 and 3 universities respectively In addition 16 Iranian universities used open source LMSs and 3 used commercial LMSs All 58 (100%) universities of developed countries used LMSs for delivery courses in their academic degree programs Blackboard Moodle Canvas Desire2learn and Sakai were used in 30 13 8 1 and 1 foreign universities respectively Moreover 2 universities were in transition stage and 3 universities used the Mooc system Conclusion: Iran universities showed a considerable difference from universities in developed countries in terms of frequency of LMS usage Educational and IT administrators in Iran should fill this gap especially at high ranking universities
Shahrzad Saravani; Maryam Yazdandoost; Hamed Basir-Ghafouri
Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2015, , Pages 28-37
Abstract
Background & Objective: Nearly two decades have passed since the establishment of evidencebased medicine (EBM) EBM is of great importance due to its ability to fill the information gap between medical research and clinical practice The aim of the present study was to evaluate the existing ...
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Background & Objective: Nearly two decades have passed since the establishment of evidencebased medicine (EBM) EBM is of great importance due to its ability to fill the information gap between medical research and clinical practice The aim of the present study was to evaluate the existing evidence of the application of EBM in published Iranian educational papers Methods: This is a systematic review of Iranian papers published in both Iranian and international journals The results were reviewed by two researchers separately to assess the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluate the level of evidence We used the Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) guideline for conducting the systematic review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) flowchart to present the selection process In addition the Medical Education Research Quality Index (MERSQI) was used for the evaluation of the quality of the studies Results: EBM was used in 11 fields which can be categorized as the 4 clinical educational research and policymaking groups The educational group consisted of 3 domains of holding a journal club case discussions and teaching and learning Only 6 studies were found to report the effect of education on the application of evidencebased medicine The evaluation of their quality showed average quality Conclusion: Although there are a limited number of studies on the effect of education on EBM application they present satisfactory and average quality evidence Despite the existence of various educational courses on EBM in Iran no high level and high quality evidence exists to show the effectiveness of education on knowledge attitude practice and behavior of healthcare professionals especially in the longterm Thus the designing and performing of high quality research is required in this field
Mohammad Amini; Hamid Rahimi; Zahra Gholamian
Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2015, , Pages 38-48
Abstract
Background & Objective: Classroom management is a key variable in creating a desirable environment for students training and learning Today equipping professors with managerial skills in planning for professional education especially medical education is necessary Thus the aim of this research ...
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Background & Objective: Classroom management is a key variable in creating a desirable environment for students training and learning Today equipping professors with managerial skills in planning for professional education especially medical education is necessary Thus the aim of this research was to investigate classroom management styles of faculty members in Kashan University of Medical Sciences Iran Methods: This was a descriptive survey The statistical population consisted of all faculty members of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (n = 182) Through stratified random sampling method 114 individuals were selected We used a standard questionnaire to assess classroom management styles The questionnaire consisted of 25 4point items and 3 styles of education management (questions 1 to 13) people management (questions 14 to 21) and behavior management (questions 22 to 25) based on 3 approaches (interventional interactive noninterventional) The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed using content validity The reliability of the questionnaire was also confirmed using Cronbachs alpha coefficient ( ;alpha = 082) Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (frequency percentage and mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (ANOVA and Students independent t tests) Results: The mean of each classroom management style was higher than the estimated average (25) The highest average was that of education management style (275) Based on the obtained means classroom management (6828) was an interventional approach Conclusion: Findings showed that university faculty members respectively have the highest regard for education management and people management and the least regard for behavior management
Zahra Azami; Hamid Salehiniya
Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2015, , Pages 49-55
Abstract
Background & Objective: Critical thinking skills in students are essential to making better decisions Obtaining information on the critical thinking skills of students is useful in curriculum planning Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate the critical thinking skills of students of ...
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Background & Objective: Critical thinking skills in students are essential to making better decisions Obtaining information on the critical thinking skills of students is useful in curriculum planning Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate the critical thinking skills of students of the School of Management and Medical Informatics Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iran in 2013 Methods: This was a crosssectional analytical study The study sample consisted of 338 students of the School of Management and Medical Informatics of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2013 The data collection tool used was the California Critical Thinking Skills TestForm B (CCTSTForm B) Data were analyzed using independent ttest and ANOVA in SPSS software Results: The mean score of critical thinking among female students was 762 ± 450 and among male students 747 ± 369 this difference was not significant ANOVA showed a significant relationship between critical thinking score and level of education (P = 0002) The highest mean score of critical thinking (898) was observed among MSc students Moreover a significant relationship was observed between critical thinking score and field of study (P = 0001) Conclusion: The results show that the critical thinking skills of the studied students were poor in all aspects hence training students in this respect is essential
Hossein Karimi Moonaghi; Roza Montazeri
Volume 11, Issue 4 , February 2015, , Pages 420-433
Abstract
Background & Objective: For greater success of the discipline of medical education and recognition of its weaknesses and strengths performing a comparative study and utilizing the experiences of successful universities is necessary This study was performed to compare the elements of the curricula ...
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Background & Objective: For greater success of the discipline of medical education and recognition of its weaknesses and strengths performing a comparative study and utilizing the experiences of successful universities is necessary This study was performed to compare the elements of the curricula of medical education discipline in the universities of Dundee (Scotland) Calgary (Canada) and Maastricht (Holland) with Iran Methods: Data were gathered by searching university websites and communicating with them The 3 universities of Dundee Calgary and Maastricht which had a high ranking in the medical education major were selected as the study sample The research model used in this study was the Beredy model that specifies the four stages of description interpretation proximity and comparison in comparative studies Results: The universities of Dundee Calgary and Maastricht in stating the general characteristics of curriculum have clearly focused on education in the field of medical sciences Elements of mission vision and value were not observed in their curricula In the universities of Dundee and Maastricht educational strategies and the reason for their application and the manner of course presentation had been explained All 3 universities enrolled bachelor students The course of research in education was emphasized by all universities Conclusion: Based on this comparative study the curriculum of medical education in Iran seems complete and comprehensive However for quality improvement the revision of goals and strategies of the discipline is necessary Moreover the presentation of courses in two forms of virtual and traditional education admission of bachelor (BSc) students replacement of compensatory course with prerequisite courses and emphasizing of research method in education courses are recommended
