Evaluation of clinical education status from the viewpoints of nursing students

Introduction: Researching the current status of clinical education guarantees development of nursing profession in future. The aim of this study is to assess clinical education status from the viewpoints of nursing students. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study in Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences in 2008, 133 nursing students (in clerkship and internship course) were selected through convenience sampling. A researcher made questionnaire including 33 questions about strengths and weaknesses of clinical education was distributed among the samples. Data were analyzed by SPSS software through descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The mean and standard deviation of scores for clinical education status were 3.49±.78 and 3.14±.6 according to clerkship and internship students, respectively. The most important strength point in clinical education was for “students awareness of clinical evaluation at the beginning of practical period” with mean score of 4.64(clerkships) and 4.27(internships); and the most important weakness point was for “ the ward not cooperating with the students” with mean score of 1.4 and “inappropriate coordination of theoretical learning with clinical practice”(mean score of 2.1). Conclusion: Clinical education quality was estimated to be moderate. Improving positive aspects and modifying the weaknesses is an effective step in promotion of clinical education. Also, one may suggest education authorities to make an appropriate clinical learning environment

Relationship between Individual and Social Characteristics of Medical Students of Iran and Academic Failure: Systematic Review

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 non-empirical 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. Key Words: Systematic review, Medical sciences, Students, Academic achievement, Academ

Faculty Members' Attitude towards their Skills and Educational Needs in Teaching Practical Courses

Background & Objective : Identifying faculty members' educational needs and level of their skills in teaching affairs would improve planning for faculty members’ development and sublimity. This study was performed to assess attitude of faculty members who are teaching practical courses towards their educational needs and level of skills in teaching methods of practical courses. Methods : In this descriptive study, 83 faculty members teaching practical courses in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected by stratified random sampling and completed a reliable and valid questionnaire consisted of 14 items about educational needs and skill level of teaching methods in practical courses. Results : The mean (±SD) score of faculty members' skill level was 2.71(±0.4) out of four. Faculty members’ skill level was low (mean score less than 2.5) in analysis and interpretation of the test questions (38.9%), evaluation methods of practical skills (53.5%), designing performance tests (52.8%) and making educational films (47.9%). Mean (±SD) total score of educational needs was 3.45(±0.89) out of five. According to these results, faculty members were in need of all 14 aforementioned items. Educational needs included critical thinking, motivating methods and information resources in order of priority. Conclusion : Faculty members expressed need for education and improving their skills in teaching practical courses. Considering mentioned educational needs and skills, it seems that teaching method and student assessment workshops need to be revised and the content of the workshops should be designed according to faculty members’ educational needs together with implementing different educational methods. Keywords: Practical teaching, Faculty members, Teaching methods, Skill, Need assessment

Research priorities in medical education: A national study

Abstract BACKGROUND: One preliminary step to strengthen medical education research would be determining the research priorities. The aim of this study was to determine the research priorities of medical education in Iran in 2007-2008

Systematic Review of Studies in the Field of Competencies of New or Soon To-Be-Graduate General Physicians in Iran

Background & Objective: One method to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the general medicine curriculum is the collection of results of research in this field. In this study, research results on the extent of predefined general competency in the formal document of the minimum competencies of Iranian general physicians have been systematically integrated. Methods: The search strategy in this study included the searching of words doctor, student, interns, or graduate, and ability, competency, knowledge, skill, attitude, or performance, in the title, abstract, or keywords of articles. All papers published from 2002 to 2014 in Persian language journals were retrieved from the Irandoc, Iranmedex, Magiran, Medlib, and SID databases. Results: After the removal of irrelevant or duplicate papers, from 270 recorded papers, 24 articles were selected and analyzed. All studies were descriptive studies and most used self-reporting methods to assess the competency of physicians. Reviewed articles focused on only 48% of subdomains of the formal document of the minimum competencies of physicians. In 70% of assessed skills, physicians’ competencies were estimated as low to moderate. Conclusion: Although these studies did not assess all skills mentioned in the formal document of the minimum competencies of physicians, estimates show that the competencies of general physicians in assessed skills were not desirable. It is recommended that future studies in this field to be managed. Key Words: General practitioners, Clinical competence, Program evaluation, Educational achievemen

How Do Faculty Members See the Curriculum Leadership Role in Post Graduate? A Qualitative Research

Background & Objective: Leadership talent is the rarest resource in today's world that will have continuous conductivity the organizations to be successful in tomorrow's world. Considering the importance of curriculum leadership in educational department, this study was designed to answer the question "how do faculty members see curriculum leadership in the post graduate?" Methods: In a qualitative study with purposive sampling of desirable cases type, faculty members with management experience and expert in the post graduate were selected and interviewed using semi-structured method. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis including: data collection, data reduction, deduction, and analysis in the MAX.QDA software version 2007. Results: After interviewing 18 faculty members with sufficient experience and management experience in the postgraduate courses, we achieved a richness of information, saturation, and data replicate. 500 codes were extracted from research data under five main categories and were classified. These categories included: "educational atmosphere improvement", curriculum development", "curriculum implementation", "curriculum evaluation and supervision", "innovation and facilitate change and adaptation". Conclusion: Participants in this study suggested five main categories and 18 sub-categories that represented curriculum leadership roles. These roles are in the applicable and comparable area with curriculum cycle, including: the planning, implementation, supervision, evaluation and change. In addition, these roles were also emphasized on educational atmosphere improvement that is platform, background, supplier infrastructure and prerequisites for the curriculum cycle. Keywords Curriculum Leadership Higher education Postgraduate Qualitative stud

Contextual adaptation of the Personnel Evaluation Standards for assessing faculty evaluation systems in developing countries: the case of Iran

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Faculty evaluations can identify needs to be addressed in effective development programs. Generic evaluation models exist, but these require adaptation to a particular context of interest. We report on one approach to such adaptation in the context of medical education in Iran, which is integrated into the delivery and management of healthcare services nationwide.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a triangulation design, interviews with senior faculty leaders were conducted to identify relevant areas for faculty evaluation. We then adapted the published checklist of the Personnel Evaluation Standards to fit the Iranian medical universities' context by considering faculty members' diverse roles. Then the adapted instrument was administered to faculty at twelve medical schools in Iran.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The interviews revealed poor linkages between existing forms of development and evaluation, imbalance between the faculty work components and evaluated areas, inappropriate feedback and use of information in decision making. The principles of Personnel Evaluation Standards addressed almost all of these concerns and were used to assess the existing faculty evaluation system and also adapted to evaluate the core faculty roles. The survey response rate was 74%. Responses showed that the four principles in all faculty members' roles were met <it>occasionally </it>to <it>frequently</it>. Evaluation of teaching and research had the highest mean scores, while clinical and healthcare services, institutional administration, and self-development had the lowest mean scores. There were statistically significant differences between small medium and large medical schools (p < 0.000).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The adapted Personnel Evaluation Standards appears to be valid and applicable for monitoring and continuous improvement of a faculty evaluation system in the context of medical universities in Iran. The approach developed here provides a more balanced assessment of multiple faculty roles, including educational, clinical and healthcare services. In order to address identified deficiencies, the evaluation system should recognize, document, and uniformly reward those activities that are vital to the academic mission. Inclusion of personal developmental concerns in the evaluation discussion is essential for evaluation systems.</p