A Systematic Review of the Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Learning, Satisfaction, and Efficacy of the Iranian Medical Education

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. Problem-based learning (PBL), as a student-centered 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, databases using the keywords problem-based 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, self-direction, 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. Key Words: Problem-based learning, Medical education, Systematic review, Ira

Which levels of education in medical sciences utilize most the Problem Based Learning?- A citation analysis study

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to illustrate the implementation of Problem Based Learning (PBL) at the levels of curriculum, course, or lesson of medical education through the Scientometrics analysis of articles indexed in both world and national databases in order to create evidence for changing the curriculum of medical education into PBL. Methods: The Electronic databases of Web of Science (WoS) and PubMed, and Iranian Databases of Iran Medex, SID and MagIran were searched during the period of 2003-2013 for related articles using rigorous search strategies. All related articles were extracted and critically appraised based on the levels of education. Results: The study revealed that PBL is mostly applied in educational level of lesson rather than the curricula or courses around the world. The U.S. and the field of medicine were identified as the leading national and active fields in implementing and reporting the use of PBL among others. Few studies have provided evidence to implementation of PBL in medical education Conclusions: This study suggests the use of hybrid model of PBL with other methods instead of total curriculum change. It also suggests conducting rigorous studies on the utilization of PBL in medical education in Iran to fill the considerable gap of studies among the published literatur

Determining Information literacy Competency of Faculty members and Post graduate Medical and Para medical Students in Using Medical Information Resources

Introduction: Information literacy(IL) is a set of abilities requiring individuals to identify when information is needed and have the competency to locate, evaluate, and use efficiently the required information. The very aim of this study is to recognize to what extend the medical and paramedical post graduate students and faculty members are able to use the variety of information resources. The study was done in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Iran) from October to December 2012. Methods and Materials: This study used the descriptive analytical method. The participants of this study were 80 faculty members and 80 postgraduate medical and paramedical students who referred to central library of university within the first two weeks of October (beginning of school year) for information seeking. All of participants in the study were selected. Dates were gathered through distribution of a standard questionnaire of information literacy. Data were analyzed through SPSS/16 and one way ANOVA Independent t-test were applied. Result: Information Literacy Competency was classified in three levels: Low, Moderate, and High. According to the results the majority of faculty members had moderate Information Literacy Level (%51), the minority of them had high Information Literacy Level (11.8%). And Information Literacy Level of majority of students was in moderate (57%). The result indicated that students have higher information literacy than faculty members. (T=0.015). Discussion and Conclusion: Information literacy Competency of faculty members and university students was moderate to low and Information literacy competency of students were higher than faculty members

Experiences of Selected Students in the Scientific Olympiad for Medical Students – A Qualitative Study

Abstract: Background: It is of great importance to identify the talented students in the Scientific Olympiad and pay attention to the upgrade of the quality of these competitions.‏ Aims: The purpose of this study was to explain the experiences of students about the Medical Students\u27 Scientific Olympiad. Methods: This research was a phenomenological qualitative study. Data were collected by open questionnaire (27 students) and semi-structured interview (13 students) who was selected in the Medical Students\u27 Scientific Olympiad. The analyzing of information was performed using the clayze method. Results: Students\u27 experiences were divided into two main themes, including motivating and restrictive factors. The scientific level, planning and implementation, and welfare issues were obtained as the three main categories by analyzing data. The participants suggested four recommendations of holding, side plans, facilities and the notification results. Conclusion: Students\u27 experiences showed that the Medical Students\u27 Scientific Olympiad in Iran is still at an early stage that challenges further the level of knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the academic facility to be able to design questions with high taxonomy. Also, the attention to the side programs, welfare amenities, and recreational programs, which are the motivating factors for the students to participate in these competitions

A Scientometric Analysis of Problem-Based Learning in Medical Education in Medline and Web of Science

Introduction: Scientometrics is one of the most effective ways of investigating and quantifying research in academic databases. It can help examine the scientific output of various countries, and the authors’ and articles’ impacts on different subject areas can be determined. The main objective of this study was to analyze global scientific productions of problem-based learning (PBL) found in scientific productions indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) and PubMed databases from 2003-2013. Methods: PubMed and WoS were searched for PBL-related articles with the keywords “Problem Based Learning” AND “Medical Education”, excluding the keyword “problem solving”. The analysis was done based on scientometric indicators, like number of publications, citation count and Journals Impact Factor. Results: Among the countries publishing research in PubMed and WoS, the USA was the most prominent producer, was identified as a leading and active contributor among others in the field of medicl education. A statistically significant relationship was found between geographical distribution of continents and PBL application in the specific field, authors’ articles and the continents of authors’ affiliations.Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the importance of problem-based learning in medical education, especially in developed countries, because a growing body of research suggests that it is necessary to train students who are researchers and can meet the needs of society

Problem-based learning in dentistry and interfiled comparison: a citation analysis study

Aim ― This study was designed to analyze the citations of medical education to measure primarily the research trend of Problem-based learning in medical education and to compare them in the fields of dentistry with medicine, nursing and pharmacology. Material and Methods ― This study was a descriptive study using scientometrics and systematic review of citations. Electronic data bases Web of Science and PubMed were searched during the 2003-2013 for related article were extracted and critically appraised based on the level of education visualize the application of Problem-based learning in dentistry and pharmacology, nursing and medicine. We analyzed data using SPSS 18. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results ― Dentistry 64(8%) was ranked three followed by nursing. The dentistry was ranked in the third on sharing articles of implementing Problem based Learning in education. The year 2007 was the apex of dentistry’s scientific productions on Problem based learning. Among the countries, the USA was identified leading country .All of the four fields of pharmacology, medicine, nursing, dentistry Problem based learning was the most applied in lesson than other levels of education. A statistically significantly association was found between Impact Factor and the number of citations in published articles (p<0.001, rs=0.43) and geographic dispersion (according to continental distribution) and PBL applications field (P<0.001). Conclusion ― These findings indicate gap Problem-based learning in the fields of medical sciences and future studies need to establish differences other fields and suggest appropriate solutions to resolve the dispute

Intercontinental comparison of caustic ingestion in children

PurposeTo investigate the caustic ingestion in children among different continents according to demographic characteristics (core purpose), main symptoms, common caustic agents, signs and symptoms, management, treatment and complications.MethodsThis systematic review was performed by searching the databases Science Direct, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and PubMed, electronically and manually. We included studies that were published from 1980 to 2013, at University of Medical Sciences of Tabriz, Iran. A strategic search was performed with keywords including caustic, corrosive, ingestion and children, and was limited to articles in English and Persian. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS ver. 18.ResultsOf 63 selected articles of caustic ingestion with 9,888 samples, the proportion of Africa was 3 articles (4.8%) and 95 samples (1%), America 9 articles (14.3%) and 305 sample (3%), Asia 29 articles (46%) and 2,780 samples (28.1%), Europe 17 articles (27%) and 3,002 samples (30.4%), and Oceania 5 articles (7.9%) and 3,706 samples (37.5%). The average age was in the Africa 3.07±2.02 years, America 3.17±1.83 years, Asia 3.34±1.58 years, Europe 3.58±2.09 years and Oceania 3.52±2.02 years. Sex distribution was in Africa 76 males (0.91%) and 19 females (0.23%), America 49 males (0.58%) and 41 females (0.49%), Asia 1,575 males (18.76%) and 1,087 females (12.95%), Europe 1,018 males (12.13%) and 823 females (9.8%), and Oceania 1,918 males (22.85%) and 1,788 females (21.3%). Statistical analysis of the data indicated higher consumption in Europe and Oceania in the boys with higher average age of years.ConclusionThe comparison of caustic ingestion indicated that the cause substances of caustic ingestion in children are different among continents, therefore prevention strategy and different treatment guidelines among continents will be needed

Experiences of Selected Students in the Scientific Olympiad for Medical Students – A Qualitative Study

Abstract: Background: It is of great importance to identify the talented students in the Scientific Olympiad and pay attention to the upgrade of the quality of these competitions.‏ Aims: The purpose of this study was to explain the experiences of students about the Medical Students\u27 Scientific Olympiad. Methods: This research was a phenomenological qualitative study. Data were collected by open questionnaire (27 students) and semi-structured interview (13 students) who was selected in the Medical Students\u27 Scientific Olympiad. The analyzing of information was performed using the clayze method. Results: Students\u27 experiences were divided into two main themes, including motivating and restrictive factors. The scientific level, planning and implementation, and welfare issues were obtained as the three main categories by analyzing data. The participants suggested four recommendations of holding, side plans, facilities and the notification results. Conclusion: Students\u27 experiences showed that the Medical Students\u27 Scientific Olympiad in Iran is still at an early stage that challenges further the level of knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the academic facility to be able to design questions with high taxonomy. Also, the attention to the side programs, welfare amenities, and recreational programs, which are the motivating factors for the students to participate in these competitions

Role of Talented Student Office in Encouraging Medical Science Students for Participating in Scientific Olympiads

Introduction: Scientific Olympiads and the Talented Student Office (TSO) are two strategies for the identification and training of gifted and talented medical science students. The aim of the present study is to identify students’ viewpoints about the facilities and privileges of the TSO in stimulating them to participate in the Medical Science Olympiad. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study and all participating in the 4th and 5 National Medical Science Olympiad in Iran from 2011 to 21012 were selected using the census method. The validity of a researcher-made questionnaire was confirmed by experts. The content validity index (CVI) was 0.95. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha (a=0.8) and the test-retest method (ICC=0.85). Descriptive statistics including frequency, percent, mean and standard deviation were calculated by SPSS 19. Results: In total, 261 students responded to the questionnaires. About 36% of participants in this study had low or very low familiarity with regulations of the TSO. Continuing education to higher levels (master’s, Ph.D., residency) and being recruited as a faculty member were the most motivational factors for participation and the least was the permission to select more courses (up to 27 units). Conclusion: Continuing education to higher levels and recruitment as a faculty member were two important factors for participating in the National Medical Science Olympiad. Therefore, personnel in the TSO and related managers should prompt medical students to these centers by highlighting the facilities

Determining Information Literacy Competency of Faculty Members in Using Medical Information Resources

Introduction: Information literacy (IL) is a set of abilities requiring individuals to identify when information is needed and have the competency to retrieve, evaluate, and efficiently use the required information. The aim of this study was to recognize to what extent faculty members are able to use the variety of information resources. The study was done in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Iran) from October to December 2012.Methods: This study used the cross sectional method. The participants of this study were 80 faculty members who referred to the central university library within the first two weeks of October (beginning of school year) for information seeking. All of the participants in the study were selected. Data were gathered through distribution of a standard questionnaire of information literacy. Data were analyzed through SPSS/16 and one-way ANOVA Independent t-test was applied, too.Results: Information literacy competency was classified in three levels: low, moderate, and high. The majority of faculty members had moderate information literacy level and a minority of them had a high information literacy level.Conclusion: Information literacy competency of faculty members was moderate to low. Academia had higher level of retrieving information and evaluating than ethics and rights of information resource and abilities in knowledge. There was a statically significant relationship between ageand level of academia with information literacy level