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Fatemeh Keshmiri, Atefeh Mosayebi ,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (11-2014)
Volume 8, Issue 4 (11-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In order to develop teaching competencies and prepare PhD candidates for future roles as faculty members of medical schools, the present study conducted to determine PhD candidates` educational needs and their skills concerning teaching competencies.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive- analytical and cross-sectional study that was conducted in year 2011. The Study population was PhD candidates who studied in Health School of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In the present study a “Teaching Competencies Assessment” questionnaire was used that included 2 part s the demographic information and 16- items of educational competencies and needs. The validity and reliability of th e questionnaire was approved by alpha Cronbach’s coefficient (educational need 94% & educational skill 87%). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS.
Results: The result of the present study showed that teaching skills of PhD candidates were at “familiar without implementation capability” level. The lowest candidate s` skill was “Student Assessment” field. The candidates had educational needs in all 16 areas of teaching skill fields (3.85:5). “Lecture Presentation” (4.1:5), “logical structure of Presentation” (4.02:5) and “Motivating methods” (4.01:5) fields were the highest educational needs of PhD candidates.
Conclusion: The results of the present study confirmed the need for systematic planning in order to develop teaching competencies and prepare PhD candidates for teaching role in future.
Mahmoud Nekoei-Moghadam, Sajad Delavari, Mohammad Hossein Ghorbani, Somaye Delavari, Mozhgan Fardid,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (11-2015)
Volume 9, Issue 4 (11-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Employee involvement and organizational adaptability are two key factors towards success in almost all organizations. Hospital managers must pay special attention to these two variables and always try to improve them. The present research, therefore, studies the relationship between employee involvement (empowerment, team orientation, and capability development) and organizational adaptability (creating change, customer focus, and organizational learning) in the educational hospitals of Kerman.
Materials and Methods: The population of this quantitative study includes all staff members of Kerman’s educational hospitals, estimated about 1370 individuals. A sample of 302 subjects was systematically selected based on Krejcie and Morgan’s table of sample size. The data collection tool was a questionnaire and the data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and Schefe post hoc test.
Results: According to the findings, employee involvement and organizational adaptability -- and their related indices -- were at an acceptable level and were almost equal to those of international organizations. Moreover, there was a positive and significant relationship between these two main variables and their related indices.
Conclusion: The results of this study can help hospital managers to verify the present situation of organizational adaptability and organizational involvement and their relationship. These findings could help hospitals to predict change priorities and select better strategies.
Batool Amini , Shoaleh Bigdeli, Mandana Shirazi, Seyed Mohammad Mirshahvalad ,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: InterProfessional Education (IPE) and collaboration is an inseparable part of professional team work to render efficient patient care. In addition, the readiness of medical students to take part in InterProfessional (IP) activities and considering IPE in undergraduate medical curriculum positively affects the IPE. This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to adapt the RIPLS for these contexts.
Materials and Methods: Permission to translate the questionnaire was secured from its developers (Parsell and Bligh). The questionnaire was translated to Persian and its face and content validity was confirmed by an expert panel (N=10). The adapted version was distributed among a random group of senior medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (N=40). Finally, Test- retest was performed and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was applied to assess reliability and internal consistency of the instrument. The Cronbach’s alpha’s cut-off point was 0.7 in this study.
Results: Experts confirmed face and content validity of the questionnaire, and it was internally consistent. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.92. The intra-class correlation (ICC) was above 0.7 in each subscale.
Conclusion: This study indicates that Farsi version of RIPLS questionnaire is valid and reliable and it can be used to assess interprofessional readiness in Iranian contexts.
Saman Ghasempour, Ramin Rahimniya, Zeynab Rajabnezhad, Hossein Dargahi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Today, regarding the role of accurate final information, and decision-making, designing and implementation of a sound costing system that can detect, identify and calculate the exact cost of the delivered services is of great importance. The aim of this study is to estimate the final cost of student education in the School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, through Activity-Based Costing method in 2013.
Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive and applied study. The study population included School of Allied Medicine. The consumed costs in financial year 2012-2013 was investigated with costs classification, and finalized costs by activity based costing method. After identification of calculated costs and changed to allocation costs, The accumulated costs according to shared basic principle was given to all of delivered services. Finally, the finalized costs for student education based on the number and kind of courses collected and calculated by Excel software 2010.
Results: The results indicated that the final cost for student education in PhD-level was 118,312,679 Rials, which was the highest amount, and was 76,714,824 Rials in MSc. level, and the lowest amount was related to BSc. student as 42,312,537 Rials.
Conclusion: Paying attention to activity-based costing system with complete flexibility reveals the drawbacks of the traditional programs used by universities. The reason for higher costs in higher levels is due to the fewer number of students, particular facilities in these level and their own special expenses
Mehrangiz Haghgoo, Karamollah Daneshfard, Seyed Jamaledin Tabibi,
Volume 11, Issue 5 (1-2018)
Volume 11, Issue 5 (1-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Conditions, advantages and limitations of professional ethics have not been discussed. The present study aimed to determine the framework, dimensions and requirements of professional ethics in selected countries in order to review their experiences.
Materials and Methods: The present study was comparatively conducted in 2017. Considering inclusion criteria in designing study including purposeful and specified activity in terms of professional ethics, five countries of United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, Turkey and United States of America achieved the conditions to enter the study. For data analysis, comparative tables were used which included dimensional comparison obtained from professional ethics development study in the selected countries.
Results: Medical and nursing associations and headquarters units in Ministries of Health, prepare appropriate utilization of professional ethics principles. Using temporary or permanent and regular committees in line units, also includes other characteristics of attention to the professional ethics concept in the selected countries. In Malaysia and Japan, professional ethics is taught in different courses and majors.
Conclusion: Applying professional ethics concept requires information transparency and factors such as education, organizational structure set up and their establishments and institutionalizing must should be discussed more and to be localized on the basis of the countries situations.
Materials and Methods: The present study was comparatively conducted in 2017. Considering inclusion criteria in designing study including purposeful and specified activity in terms of professional ethics, five countries of United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, Turkey and United States of America achieved the conditions to enter the study. For data analysis, comparative tables were used which included dimensional comparison obtained from professional ethics development study in the selected countries.
Results: Medical and nursing associations and headquarters units in Ministries of Health, prepare appropriate utilization of professional ethics principles. Using temporary or permanent and regular committees in line units, also includes other characteristics of attention to the professional ethics concept in the selected countries. In Malaysia and Japan, professional ethics is taught in different courses and majors.
Conclusion: Applying professional ethics concept requires information transparency and factors such as education, organizational structure set up and their establishments and institutionalizing must should be discussed more and to be localized on the basis of the countries situations.
Mojtaba Ghiasi, Ahmad Sarlak, Hadi Ghafari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (11-2018)
Volume 12, Issue 4 (11-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In the past studies, few researchers have addressed the simultaneous effects of human capital in health and education indicators on the economic growth of the country, and especially, provinces of the country. Therefore, the current study examined the simultaneous effects of human capital in health and education indicators on the economic growth in Iran s’ Provinces
Materials and Methods: This was an applied, analytical, descriptive study, and the research community consisted of the country's provinces. The data were collected through documentary-library research and from the databases of Iran Office for National Statistics, and Central Bank; afterwards, they were analyzed via unit-root and chow tests, using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Eviews 9.
Results: The results showed that each percent of rise in family health expenditure, fertility rate, and life expectancy increased the provincial economic growth by 0.033%, 0.71%, and 1.83% respectively. In addition, 1% rise in mortality rate decreased the provincial economic growth by 0.43%. Educational expenditure influenced the provincial economic growth by a coefficient of 0.08, and credit capital asset acquisition, by a coefficient of 0.048.
Conclusion: Human capital is considered a long-term investment in health and education sectors which should be an important priority on the agenda of provincial policymakers.
Materials and Methods: This was an applied, analytical, descriptive study, and the research community consisted of the country's provinces. The data were collected through documentary-library research and from the databases of Iran Office for National Statistics, and Central Bank; afterwards, they were analyzed via unit-root and chow tests, using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Eviews 9.
Results: The results showed that each percent of rise in family health expenditure, fertility rate, and life expectancy increased the provincial economic growth by 0.033%, 0.71%, and 1.83% respectively. In addition, 1% rise in mortality rate decreased the provincial economic growth by 0.43%. Educational expenditure influenced the provincial economic growth by a coefficient of 0.08, and credit capital asset acquisition, by a coefficient of 0.048.
Conclusion: Human capital is considered a long-term investment in health and education sectors which should be an important priority on the agenda of provincial policymakers.
Mohammad Hossein Ronaghi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (11-2019)
Volume 13, Issue 4 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course and is an instructional approach that allows hundreds of thousands of students to access -- typically free of charge -- online courses anywhere around the world. The continuous and rapid growth of MOOCs has attracted the attention of educational community and has gained widespread popularity among many universities. Therefore, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, an applied research was conducted to study medical students' acceptance to use MOOCs.
Materials and Methods: It is a descriptive survey that has been done in 2019. The sample consisted of 367 randomly selected students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). The data collection tool was a questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were confirmed. The data were analyzed by SPSS and LISREL 8.8 software.
Results: An important part of the results revealed that there was a positive meaningful relationship between "performance expectancy" and "behavioral intention", "effort expectancy" and "behavioral intention", "facilitating conditions" and "use of the system", and "behavioral intention" and "use of the system".
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, MOOC managers' motivation to implement the system effectively strongly depends on the behavioral intention of users, especially students' willingness to accept and use the system.
Materials and Methods: It is a descriptive survey that has been done in 2019. The sample consisted of 367 randomly selected students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). The data collection tool was a questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were confirmed. The data were analyzed by SPSS and LISREL 8.8 software.
Results: An important part of the results revealed that there was a positive meaningful relationship between "performance expectancy" and "behavioral intention", "effort expectancy" and "behavioral intention", "facilitating conditions" and "use of the system", and "behavioral intention" and "use of the system".
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, MOOC managers' motivation to implement the system effectively strongly depends on the behavioral intention of users, especially students' willingness to accept and use the system.
Lia Mirsafaei, Hassan Kaviani,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (2-2020)
Volume 13, Issue 6 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Given the increasing research, the purpose of this study was to explain the effectiveness of this training and its effective factors.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a mixed and explanatory project. In the first step to obtain the effectiveness of self-care education through quantitative meta-analysis and secondly to examine its effective factors the qualitative method of the case study was used. Statistical population of the first stage includes all relevant internal research and secondly, it included all cardiologists in Isfahan province. The data gathering tool is firstly a researcher-made checklist and for the second stage, the semi-structured interview method was used. To analyze the first stage data Comprehensive statistical meta-analysis software CMA Version II and for the second step, coding methods were used.
Results: The results showed that self-care education interventions were highly effective in cardiac patients(ES=1.616, P<0.05) In other words, the average effectiveness of self-care education in (experimental groups) 94% were more effective than control groups. On the other hand, the results of the second stage showed Factors affecting effectiveness include seven factors: education, personal control, physical activity, nutrition, emotion control, optimism, and continuous follow-up.
Conclusion: Heart disease self-care based on the above mentioned factors, as the most effective factor in controlling and improving heart disease this will lead to a longer life expectancy and a better quality of life for patients with heart disease.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a mixed and explanatory project. In the first step to obtain the effectiveness of self-care education through quantitative meta-analysis and secondly to examine its effective factors the qualitative method of the case study was used. Statistical population of the first stage includes all relevant internal research and secondly, it included all cardiologists in Isfahan province. The data gathering tool is firstly a researcher-made checklist and for the second stage, the semi-structured interview method was used. To analyze the first stage data Comprehensive statistical meta-analysis software CMA Version II and for the second step, coding methods were used.
Results: The results showed that self-care education interventions were highly effective in cardiac patients(ES=1.616, P<0.05) In other words, the average effectiveness of self-care education in (experimental groups) 94% were more effective than control groups. On the other hand, the results of the second stage showed Factors affecting effectiveness include seven factors: education, personal control, physical activity, nutrition, emotion control, optimism, and continuous follow-up.
Conclusion: Heart disease self-care based on the above mentioned factors, as the most effective factor in controlling and improving heart disease this will lead to a longer life expectancy and a better quality of life for patients with heart disease.
Mohammad Hossein Ronaghi,
Volume 14, Issue 5 (1-2021)
Volume 14, Issue 5 (1-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are immersive technologies that integrate virtual and real-world elements. These technologies have been used to help and improve human capabilities in many fields. Virtual and augmented systems are used in various medical situations. They are effective options in most stages of patient treatment and performing medical procedures. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the applications of virtual and augmented reality technologies in the field of medicine and rank them.
Materials and Methods: This applied research was conducted in two phases using mixed-method approach in 2020. Library resources were used in the qualitative phase and a questionnaire in the quantitative phase. The applications of virtual and augmented reality technologies were ranked by a panel of experts having 13 members. Finally, Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis(SWARA) method was used to rank the applications of technologies in medicine.
Results: The results of SWARA method showed that education (0.252), surgery (0.216), health games (0.188), patient control and diagnosis (0.186), and pharma (0.158) were the most important applications of virtual and augmented reality in medicine.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be acknowledged that medical education and surgery are the most important applications of augmented and virtual reality technologies in medicine. Therefore, policymakers and hospital managers must use this ranking for the development of virtual and augmented reality technologies in their organization to provide better services to the customers and patients.
Materials and Methods: This applied research was conducted in two phases using mixed-method approach in 2020. Library resources were used in the qualitative phase and a questionnaire in the quantitative phase. The applications of virtual and augmented reality technologies were ranked by a panel of experts having 13 members. Finally, Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis(SWARA) method was used to rank the applications of technologies in medicine.
Results: The results of SWARA method showed that education (0.252), surgery (0.216), health games (0.188), patient control and diagnosis (0.186), and pharma (0.158) were the most important applications of virtual and augmented reality in medicine.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be acknowledged that medical education and surgery are the most important applications of augmented and virtual reality technologies in medicine. Therefore, policymakers and hospital managers must use this ranking for the development of virtual and augmented reality technologies in their organization to provide better services to the customers and patients.
Javad Mirzaei Nasirabad, Alireza Mahboub Ahari, Mahdi Zeynali, Rasoul Baradaran Hasanzadeh, Mohammad Taghi Bagheri Shadbad,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Traditional costing systems are not efficient enough to calculate up-to-date costs and analyze training costs in education organizations. The present study was conducted with the aim of establishing an activity-based costing system in Tabriz School of Management and Medical Informatics.
Materials and Methods: The current multi-method study was conducted in academic year 2017-2018, aimed to establish cost accounting system which we called Beyond Activity Based Costing System (BABCS). First, using Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN), 3,729 activities inside 384 processes were identified, then illustrated and finalized in Bizagi-Modeler software. Overhead costs, were allocated initially to final activity centers then to cost objects based on the workload and time duration of activities. Data management was conducted in Excel and cost analysis was performed via Dptsco cost accounting platform.
Results: Despite the capability of the ongoing accounting system (Nezam Novin) in registering and description of the budget and spending of the faculty, it still needs to be reviewed and upgraded to achieve the objectives of accrual accounting. The total cost of the faculty in the study year is equal to 61,872,545 thousand Rials, of which 57,159,882 thousand Rials are related to education and 4,812,663 thousand Rials are the share of research activities. Based on the results obtained from the BABCS system, the average cost of each course unit in the college was calculated to be 5,102 thousand Rials and the average cost of student education was calculated to be 356,092 thousand Rials. The maximum and minimum cost of student education related to the field of Master of Management and Reforms in the Health System (MPH) was calculated at 800,130 thousand Rials and the Bachelor of Health Information Technology was calculated at 100,171 thousand Rials.
Conclusion: Tabriz School of Management and Medical Informatics has spent most of its resources on staff salaries and benefits. Establishment of activity-based costing system and its connection with other Portals and database of the university can play an effective role in managing the work flows and improving staff productivity and efficiency of the faculty organization.
Materials and Methods: The current multi-method study was conducted in academic year 2017-2018, aimed to establish cost accounting system which we called Beyond Activity Based Costing System (BABCS). First, using Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN), 3,729 activities inside 384 processes were identified, then illustrated and finalized in Bizagi-Modeler software. Overhead costs, were allocated initially to final activity centers then to cost objects based on the workload and time duration of activities. Data management was conducted in Excel and cost analysis was performed via Dptsco cost accounting platform.
Results: Despite the capability of the ongoing accounting system (Nezam Novin) in registering and description of the budget and spending of the faculty, it still needs to be reviewed and upgraded to achieve the objectives of accrual accounting. The total cost of the faculty in the study year is equal to 61,872,545 thousand Rials, of which 57,159,882 thousand Rials are related to education and 4,812,663 thousand Rials are the share of research activities. Based on the results obtained from the BABCS system, the average cost of each course unit in the college was calculated to be 5,102 thousand Rials and the average cost of student education was calculated to be 356,092 thousand Rials. The maximum and minimum cost of student education related to the field of Master of Management and Reforms in the Health System (MPH) was calculated at 800,130 thousand Rials and the Bachelor of Health Information Technology was calculated at 100,171 thousand Rials.
Conclusion: Tabriz School of Management and Medical Informatics has spent most of its resources on staff salaries and benefits. Establishment of activity-based costing system and its connection with other Portals and database of the university can play an effective role in managing the work flows and improving staff productivity and efficiency of the faculty organization.
Rajabali Daroudi, Mahmoud Zamandi,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (1-2023)
Volume 16, Issue 6 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The role of accurate information in decision-making and programs implementation has highlighted the need to design an appropriate costing system. The present study aimed to estimate the cost of student Training in the Department of Health Management and Economics at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences using activity-based costing.
Materials and Methods: This research was an applied, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. In this study, all information was collected through interviews with seven officials, financial and administrative staff, and also by using available documents in the faculty. To analyze the costs, the administrative and educational sections were classified into three levels including overhead, middle, and final activity centers, and, using appropriate bases and Microsoft Excel 2013 software, costs of overhead, middle, and final activity centers, and finally, the total cost of each student was calculated.
Results: In this study, the total cost of education for each Ph.D. and master’s student in the department of health management and economics was estimated as 1.95 billion and 376 million IR Rials, respectively. So that the cost of each year of Ph.D. and master’s student education was 433 and 150 million IR Rials, respectively. Out of the total costs of the Department of Health Management and Economics, only 22% of the costs were related to overhead and middle activity centers, and 78% of the costs were exclusive to the final activity center, and the majority of these costs (97%) were related to the personnel, especially the faculty members.
Conclusion: The cost of training Ph.D. students due to the high coefficient of the degree and thus increasing the importance (cost share) of the field, receiving a scholarship from the Ministry of Health and a longer period of study, was estimated to be about 5 times that of a master’s degree. The Ministry of Health and universities can design and implement targeted research programs with the help of faculty members and graduate students, especially Ph.D. students, to solve problems and improve the health of the community, thus improving resource efficiency and productivity.
Materials and Methods: This research was an applied, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. In this study, all information was collected through interviews with seven officials, financial and administrative staff, and also by using available documents in the faculty. To analyze the costs, the administrative and educational sections were classified into three levels including overhead, middle, and final activity centers, and, using appropriate bases and Microsoft Excel 2013 software, costs of overhead, middle, and final activity centers, and finally, the total cost of each student was calculated.
Results: In this study, the total cost of education for each Ph.D. and master’s student in the department of health management and economics was estimated as 1.95 billion and 376 million IR Rials, respectively. So that the cost of each year of Ph.D. and master’s student education was 433 and 150 million IR Rials, respectively. Out of the total costs of the Department of Health Management and Economics, only 22% of the costs were related to overhead and middle activity centers, and 78% of the costs were exclusive to the final activity center, and the majority of these costs (97%) were related to the personnel, especially the faculty members.
Conclusion: The cost of training Ph.D. students due to the high coefficient of the degree and thus increasing the importance (cost share) of the field, receiving a scholarship from the Ministry of Health and a longer period of study, was estimated to be about 5 times that of a master’s degree. The Ministry of Health and universities can design and implement targeted research programs with the help of faculty members and graduate students, especially Ph.D. students, to solve problems and improve the health of the community, thus improving resource efficiency and productivity.
Miss Maryam Eslami, Javad Jahangirzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (1-2023)
Volume 16, Issue 6 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The curriculum as the heart of the educational system is one of the effective factors in achieving the goals and mission of the university and its evaluation is of particular importance. Since medical education deals with human life and clerkships also play an essential role in shaping the professional abilities of medical students, this research was conducted with the aim of determining the desirability of clerkship programs from the point of view of medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the Covid-19 pandemic based on the nine elements of Francis Klein.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a descriptive-survey method was used. The statistical population was 487 medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, who were undergoing the clerkship stage at the time of the research, and the questionnaire was provided to them in the form of a census. The number of samples was determined based on Morgan’s table of 215 people. The research tool was a standard questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by professors in the field of educational sciences, and its reliability was calculated using the Cronbach’s alpha method of 0.794. Descriptive statistics (including statistical tables, graphs, central and dispersion indices) and inferential statistics (including one-sample t-tests and independent two-sample t-tests) were used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that clerkship programs from the point of view of medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the covid-19 disease, considering that the t-statistic of all research variables is less than 1.96 (educational objectives t=-4.735, educational content t=0/666, learning activities t=-7.812, teaching strategies t=-4.246, educational materials and resources t=-0.970, grouping of learners t=-5.223, learning space (place) t=-4.029, learning time t=-5.043, and learning evaluation t=-7.348) were not desirable in terms of all elements. It was also found that there is no significant difference in attitudes between male and female students regarding the desirability of these programs except for the element of educational goals.
Conclusion: According to the results of the research, the medical clerkship programs of Tehran University of Medical Sciences are facing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a program that is compatible with the conditions and can meet the educational needs of the learners.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a descriptive-survey method was used. The statistical population was 487 medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, who were undergoing the clerkship stage at the time of the research, and the questionnaire was provided to them in the form of a census. The number of samples was determined based on Morgan’s table of 215 people. The research tool was a standard questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by professors in the field of educational sciences, and its reliability was calculated using the Cronbach’s alpha method of 0.794. Descriptive statistics (including statistical tables, graphs, central and dispersion indices) and inferential statistics (including one-sample t-tests and independent two-sample t-tests) were used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that clerkship programs from the point of view of medical students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the covid-19 disease, considering that the t-statistic of all research variables is less than 1.96 (educational objectives t=-4.735, educational content t=0/666, learning activities t=-7.812, teaching strategies t=-4.246, educational materials and resources t=-0.970, grouping of learners t=-5.223, learning space (place) t=-4.029, learning time t=-5.043, and learning evaluation t=-7.348) were not desirable in terms of all elements. It was also found that there is no significant difference in attitudes between male and female students regarding the desirability of these programs except for the element of educational goals.
Conclusion: According to the results of the research, the medical clerkship programs of Tehran University of Medical Sciences are facing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a program that is compatible with the conditions and can meet the educational needs of the learners.
Mouna Rafizadeh, Reza Safdari, Jaleh Shoshtarian Malak, Shaban Alizadeh,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (5-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 2 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Simulation-based Mobile Education is one of the necessities of the new era as well as an escalating field to meet the needs of different educational systems and levels. Considering the increasing application of simulation-based technologies, and the popularity of Augmented Reality (AR) in the field of education, the present research aims to facilitate the initial steps in understanding the technical requirements and software used in developing these types of apps.
Materials and Methods: The data required for this research was collected by searching in library resources to identify the commonly used platform/software in designing and developing AR-based educational apps. At the same time, the included studies’ app features/sections were also extracted, and the total of this information was presented in a table. After indicating the mainly used software in the development of these types of apps, a simple app architecture and a how-to-develop model using the most practical software were illustrated.
Results: “3D Model display” and “multiple-choice questions” were identified as the minimum (basic) features of an AR-based educational app. To identify the most commonly used software in creating AR-based educational apps, articles were reviewed, required information was extracted, and gathered in form of a table. The results of the review showed that Unity 3D and Vuforia have the highest usage statistics in creating these types of apps. Finally, a simple model of the process of developing AR-based educational app and a sample output of this type of app were presented based on this information.
Conclusions: Simulation-based education is one of the prominent and growing topics worldwide. Augmented Reality is one of the most renowned and widely used technologies in this field. The results of this study encompass a set of basic features of an AR-based educational app as well as the software that can be used to create such apps. Therefore, this study can assist researchers interested in this field in navigating the simplest path to developing an AR-based educational app by providing them with an initial technical understanding of AR-based education.
Materials and Methods: The data required for this research was collected by searching in library resources to identify the commonly used platform/software in designing and developing AR-based educational apps. At the same time, the included studies’ app features/sections were also extracted, and the total of this information was presented in a table. After indicating the mainly used software in the development of these types of apps, a simple app architecture and a how-to-develop model using the most practical software were illustrated.
Results: “3D Model display” and “multiple-choice questions” were identified as the minimum (basic) features of an AR-based educational app. To identify the most commonly used software in creating AR-based educational apps, articles were reviewed, required information was extracted, and gathered in form of a table. The results of the review showed that Unity 3D and Vuforia have the highest usage statistics in creating these types of apps. Finally, a simple model of the process of developing AR-based educational app and a sample output of this type of app were presented based on this information.
Conclusions: Simulation-based education is one of the prominent and growing topics worldwide. Augmented Reality is one of the most renowned and widely used technologies in this field. The results of this study encompass a set of basic features of an AR-based educational app as well as the software that can be used to create such apps. Therefore, this study can assist researchers interested in this field in navigating the simplest path to developing an AR-based educational app by providing them with an initial technical understanding of AR-based education.
Samaneh Dehghan Abnavi, Afshin Karami Varnamkhasti , Mostafa Roshanzadeh, Fatemeh Kazemi Najafabadi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Communication skills are considered as the most important feature required for health care workers and provide the basis for the development of professional ethics. Since working in the operating room requires team effort and establishing communication between team members, the importance of communication skills in operating room nurses is more visible. Therefore, in the present study was performed, with the aim of determining the effect of virtual training on the principles of professional ethics on communication skills of operating room staff of Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar hospitals of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a single-group plan before and after in 2020 was performed on 35 operating room staff of Kashani and Hajar teaching hospitals in Shahrekord who were selected by random sampling. Demographic information questionnaire and Queen Dam communication skills questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software using independent t test, Analysis of variance, paired t-test and ANOVA statistics.
Results: Paired t-test showed that the mean of communication skills after the intervention was significantly different from before (P<0.001). The mean of communication skills before the intervention was 65.85±24.52 and after the intervention was 139.77±5.70. No significant relationship was reported between communication skills and age, service history and number of working hours (P>.0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the average of communication skills according to the variables of gender, marital status, field of study and degree (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that professional ethics training was able to improve the communication skills of employees. Therefore, it seems necessary to compile virtual professional ethics training for health care providers and other groups providing health services who do not have enough time to participate in face-to-face classes. According to the results obtained, managers of health systems are recommended to use strategies such as holding workshops on the principles of professional ethics to develop communication skills in their employees.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a single-group plan before and after in 2020 was performed on 35 operating room staff of Kashani and Hajar teaching hospitals in Shahrekord who were selected by random sampling. Demographic information questionnaire and Queen Dam communication skills questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software using independent t test, Analysis of variance, paired t-test and ANOVA statistics.
Results: Paired t-test showed that the mean of communication skills after the intervention was significantly different from before (P<0.001). The mean of communication skills before the intervention was 65.85±24.52 and after the intervention was 139.77±5.70. No significant relationship was reported between communication skills and age, service history and number of working hours (P>.0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the average of communication skills according to the variables of gender, marital status, field of study and degree (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that professional ethics training was able to improve the communication skills of employees. Therefore, it seems necessary to compile virtual professional ethics training for health care providers and other groups providing health services who do not have enough time to participate in face-to-face classes. According to the results obtained, managers of health systems are recommended to use strategies such as holding workshops on the principles of professional ethics to develop communication skills in their employees.
Afshan Tajbakhsh, Nadjla Hariri, Mohammad Hassanzadeh,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The development of the internet and the digitalization of higher education have facilitated the possibility of online course delivery, enabling instructors and students to interact through virtual education. Virtual learning can enhance access to educational resources and services through communication technologies, regardless of time and location. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to design a virtual education model for teaching information literacy skills on the websites of medical university libraries across the country.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted with a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the first stage, the meta-combination method and the study of previous researches were used according to the research topic and the components were extracted, and after several checks with experts, the necessary concepts and components for the design of the model were extracted. Then, using the Delphi method, experts’ opinions were applied to the output of the meta-combination stage, and the final questionnaire was designed and made available to the statistical community, and finally, in the fourth stage, modeling and validation and fitting of the model took place.
Results: The final model was developed using meta-synthesis and validated by experts, comprising 7 main categories, 14 subcategories, and 102 indicators. The main categories include technical factors, strategic factors, instructor-related components, structural factors, educational factors, content-related factors, and assessment and evaluation factors. From the users’ perspective, the content-related subcategory recorded the lowest value, with a score of 0.518 for users and 0.533 for instructors. Conversely, the assessment and evaluation subcategory achieved the highest scores, with 0.916 from the instructors’ perspective, 0.953 jointly from both users and instructors, and 0.842 for structural factors from the users’ perspective.
Conclusion: The results of the research showed that there is a significant relationship between the virtual training of information literacy skills on the website of the libraries of medical sciences universities of the country and the mentioned factors. Therefore, the model obtained in this study can be a basis for designing and compiling a framework for electronic learning of information literacy. Acquiring information literacy skills and fostering an information-literate society is a crucial necessity in the information age, particularly for graduate students whose work and activities are inherently tied to research and problem-solving.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted with a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the first stage, the meta-combination method and the study of previous researches were used according to the research topic and the components were extracted, and after several checks with experts, the necessary concepts and components for the design of the model were extracted. Then, using the Delphi method, experts’ opinions were applied to the output of the meta-combination stage, and the final questionnaire was designed and made available to the statistical community, and finally, in the fourth stage, modeling and validation and fitting of the model took place.
Results: The final model was developed using meta-synthesis and validated by experts, comprising 7 main categories, 14 subcategories, and 102 indicators. The main categories include technical factors, strategic factors, instructor-related components, structural factors, educational factors, content-related factors, and assessment and evaluation factors. From the users’ perspective, the content-related subcategory recorded the lowest value, with a score of 0.518 for users and 0.533 for instructors. Conversely, the assessment and evaluation subcategory achieved the highest scores, with 0.916 from the instructors’ perspective, 0.953 jointly from both users and instructors, and 0.842 for structural factors from the users’ perspective.
Conclusion: The results of the research showed that there is a significant relationship between the virtual training of information literacy skills on the website of the libraries of medical sciences universities of the country and the mentioned factors. Therefore, the model obtained in this study can be a basis for designing and compiling a framework for electronic learning of information literacy. Acquiring information literacy skills and fostering an information-literate society is a crucial necessity in the information age, particularly for graduate students whose work and activities are inherently tied to research and problem-solving.
Seyyedeh Fatemeh Mousavi Baigi, Reyhaneh Norouzi Aval, Masoumeh Sarbaz, Khalil Kimiafar,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Proficiency in medical terminology is a basic competency of most medical students, which ensures communication with other healthcare providers. Facing the lack of motivation and involvement of students, applications, and games based on smartphones are considered as a possible educational option. Due to the rapid expansion of these applications, a correct evaluation of their quality is often not provided. This study investigated and evaluated the quality of smartphone applications and games for teaching medical terminology.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in August 2024, in the official stores of Bazaar and Google Play applications. The two main keywords “medical terminology” and “medical vocabulary” were searched in Persian and English. Two evaluators independently downloaded and evaluated smartphone-based applications and games for teaching medical terminology. The same checklist was used for data extraction. The quality of apps was measured using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The points of each section, the final score of the retrieved applications, and the mean and standard deviation were obtained.
Results: In total, eighteen programs were included in this study, four of which were games. The average quality of the programs was between 2.70 and 4.30 (average 3.80) on a scale from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent). The best scores are in performance (mean: 3.91), followed by information quality (mean: 3.15). Aesthetics (mean: 2.56) and mental quality of the program (mean: 2.58) had the lowest scores. Two applications offered data privacy, and four had privacy statements. The game ‘Dean Vaughn’ and the application ‘MediTerm’ received the highest overall scores.
Conclusion: This study provides an analysis and description of smartphone-based applications and games for teaching medical terminology to help students and users choose high-quality applications that suit their needs and tastes, and on the other hand, it provides the possibility of identifying research and operational gaps to strengthen and design more effective and better applications for the developers of these applications. The applications evaluated were generally of good overall quality, particularly in terms of functionality and information. However, some applications need to improve aspects such as aesthetics and subjective quality to increase their impact on users and ensure better security and privacy.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in August 2024, in the official stores of Bazaar and Google Play applications. The two main keywords “medical terminology” and “medical vocabulary” were searched in Persian and English. Two evaluators independently downloaded and evaluated smartphone-based applications and games for teaching medical terminology. The same checklist was used for data extraction. The quality of apps was measured using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The points of each section, the final score of the retrieved applications, and the mean and standard deviation were obtained.
Results: In total, eighteen programs were included in this study, four of which were games. The average quality of the programs was between 2.70 and 4.30 (average 3.80) on a scale from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent). The best scores are in performance (mean: 3.91), followed by information quality (mean: 3.15). Aesthetics (mean: 2.56) and mental quality of the program (mean: 2.58) had the lowest scores. Two applications offered data privacy, and four had privacy statements. The game ‘Dean Vaughn’ and the application ‘MediTerm’ received the highest overall scores.
Conclusion: This study provides an analysis and description of smartphone-based applications and games for teaching medical terminology to help students and users choose high-quality applications that suit their needs and tastes, and on the other hand, it provides the possibility of identifying research and operational gaps to strengthen and design more effective and better applications for the developers of these applications. The applications evaluated were generally of good overall quality, particularly in terms of functionality and information. However, some applications need to improve aspects such as aesthetics and subjective quality to increase their impact on users and ensure better security and privacy.
Taleb Khodaveisi, Hamid Bouraghi, Tooba Mehrabi, Javad Faradmal, Mahdiye Shojaei Baghini, Ali Mohammadpour,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (11-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 5 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Identifying the educational needs of health information technology staff is essential before implementing any continuous education programs. This comprehensive study investigates these needs among health information technology personnel working in hospitals in the Hamadan province, considering both the general and specialized aspects of the field.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The study population comprised staff from the reception, medical records, statistics, and coding departments. Data were gathered using a validated and reliable standardized questionnaire. Collection methods included both in-person and remote approaches. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, with results reported through descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: The results of this study showed that among the generally accepted needs, items such as information technology (96.7%), legal aspects of medical records (87.6%), and communication skills (76.7%) had the highest percentage. Additionally, educational needs varied across different units: Coding unit staff required more training in the principles of diagnosis documentation (92.9%), familiarity with the coding guidelines for causes of death (85.7%), and familiarity with the coding guidelines for procedures (85.7%), statistics unit staff needed training in statistical software, and reception and medical records staff required education on relevant regulations. There was also a significant correlation between educational needs and certain individual characteristics such as work experience, education level, gender, and field of study.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that designing effective educational programs for health information technology staff requires consideration of individual characteristics, such as gender, work experience, and education level. Additionally, the training should be continuous, tailored to the distinct needs of each group, and delivered at appropriate intervals.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across 11 hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The study population comprised staff from the reception, medical records, statistics, and coding departments. Data were gathered using a validated and reliable standardized questionnaire. Collection methods included both in-person and remote approaches. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, with results reported through descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: The results of this study showed that among the generally accepted needs, items such as information technology (96.7%), legal aspects of medical records (87.6%), and communication skills (76.7%) had the highest percentage. Additionally, educational needs varied across different units: Coding unit staff required more training in the principles of diagnosis documentation (92.9%), familiarity with the coding guidelines for causes of death (85.7%), and familiarity with the coding guidelines for procedures (85.7%), statistics unit staff needed training in statistical software, and reception and medical records staff required education on relevant regulations. There was also a significant correlation between educational needs and certain individual characteristics such as work experience, education level, gender, and field of study.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that designing effective educational programs for health information technology staff requires consideration of individual characteristics, such as gender, work experience, and education level. Additionally, the training should be continuous, tailored to the distinct needs of each group, and delivered at appropriate intervals.
Maryam Jahanbakhsh, Mahnaz Noroozi, Majid Jangi, Fateme Ghadiri Kofrani,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (11-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 5 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Education on sexually transmitted diseases and functional disorders in Iranian women’s society are two important issues that should be addressed as aspects of sexual health. The evidence suggests that mobile phone-based applications can be a suitable tool to improve education in the field of sexual health. Therefore, in the current research, the design of the content model of the mobile phone-based application with an emphasis on diseases transmitted through sexual contact and functional disorders of women has been discussed.
Materials and Methods: The present study is applied-descriptive and was conducted in 3 stages as follows: determining the requirements of the application content model, designing it, and evaluating it. First, information needs were identified and extracted through a civilian review and a review of the App Store, Google Play, and Cafe Bazaar application stores. Then, the results were scientifically organized and reviewed and presented in the form of the application content form to a panel of 7 sexual health experts. The content model was reviewed by the experts and designed through UML diagrams and approved by technical specialists.
Results: The findings of the needs assessment phase consisted of compiling the content requirements of the application in the form of 6 areas: 1- sexual attitude and knowledge 2- improving the quality of sexual life 3- sexually transmitted diseases 4- HIV/AIDS 5- genital infections 6- dysfunction disorders and 41 sub-areas were approved by experts. The compiled model was drawn through the diagrams of the application, sequence, business process and state diagrams and was confirmed and developed during the evaluation with activity diagrams and display screens.
Conclusion: Mobile applications, which are not only more accessible than other technologies, but also provide a space for education, free from any shame and worry due to the one-way nature of the communication, are a suitable platform for increasing Iranian women’s attitudes and knowledge about their sexual health. The designed content model can serve as a Persian, scientific, and native prototype for the development and design of an application that can be implemented on mobile phones to educate women’s sexual health.
Results: The findings of the needs assessment phase consisted of compiling the content requirements of the application in the form of 6 areas: 1- sexual attitude and knowledge 2- improving the quality of sexual life 3- sexually transmitted diseases 4- HIV/AIDS 5- genital infections 6- dysfunction disorders and 41 sub-areas were approved by experts. The compiled model was drawn through the diagrams of the application, sequence, business process and state diagrams and was confirmed and developed during the evaluation with activity diagrams and display screens.
Conclusion: Mobile applications, which are not only more accessible than other technologies, but also provide a space for education, free from any shame and worry due to the one-way nature of the communication, are a suitable platform for increasing Iranian women’s attitudes and knowledge about their sexual health. The designed content model can serve as a Persian, scientific, and native prototype for the development and design of an application that can be implemented on mobile phones to educate women’s sexual health.
Mojtaba Salimi Bani, Mehdi Ghassabi Chorsi, Roghayeh Ershad Sarabi,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (2-2025)
Volume 18, Issue 6 (2-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Malaria is one of the health challenges in many countries worldwide. Iran is among the countries that have prioritized a malaria elimination program, aiming to interrupt local transmission of the disease by 2025. Health workeres (community health workers) play an important role in primary healthcare for identifying, controlling, and preventing malaria. Keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date through continuous training can be effective in the success of this program. Virtual training is a modern educational method that facilitates such training courses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual retraining courses on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of konarak health workers in implementing the malaria elimination program in 2022.
Materials and Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a single-group pre-test and post-test design. The population included 69 individuals who were enrolled using a census method. Initially, a pre-test was conducted to assess the baseline level of knowledge, attitude, and performance of participants regarding malaria elimination strategies. Then, the educational intervention was delivered virtually, followed by a post-test to evaluate the outcomes. The educational content was provided in eight 45-minute sessions by an instructor from the Health worker Training Center using the Sky Room platform. Data collection was performed using a researcher-made questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed, and its reliability was assessed in a pilot study prior to the training by the responsible expert; the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the questionnaire items was calculated at an acceptable level (r=0.83). Data were analyzed using SPSS software and paired t-tests.
Results: Out of 69 participants, 40 (58%) were male and 29 (42%) female. Comparison of pre-test and post-test results showed that the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and performance of health workeres increased by 1.05, 1.2, and 1.17 units respectively after the training, and these differences were statistically significant (P=0.000).
Conclusion: Based on the results, considering the advantages of virtual training such as easy access, lower cost, and wide coverage, this method is recommended as a strategy for educational programs for healthcare staff.
Materials and Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a single-group pre-test and post-test design. The population included 69 individuals who were enrolled using a census method. Initially, a pre-test was conducted to assess the baseline level of knowledge, attitude, and performance of participants regarding malaria elimination strategies. Then, the educational intervention was delivered virtually, followed by a post-test to evaluate the outcomes. The educational content was provided in eight 45-minute sessions by an instructor from the Health worker Training Center using the Sky Room platform. Data collection was performed using a researcher-made questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed, and its reliability was assessed in a pilot study prior to the training by the responsible expert; the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the questionnaire items was calculated at an acceptable level (r=0.83). Data were analyzed using SPSS software and paired t-tests.
Results: Out of 69 participants, 40 (58%) were male and 29 (42%) female. Comparison of pre-test and post-test results showed that the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and performance of health workeres increased by 1.05, 1.2, and 1.17 units respectively after the training, and these differences were statistically significant (P=0.000).
Conclusion: Based on the results, considering the advantages of virtual training such as easy access, lower cost, and wide coverage, this method is recommended as a strategy for educational programs for healthcare staff.
Shiva Mohajel Nayebi, Azra Daei, Vahideh Gavgani Zarea,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The continuous specialization and rapid evolution in medical and health sciences, combined with the growing influence of information and communication technologies, have created an urgent need for specialized education in Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS). As universities transition toward the fourth and fifth-generation models, characterized by innovation, networking, and entrepreneurial orientation, academic disciplines are expected to become more dynamic and responsive to technological and societal change. This study aimed to identify emerging community-based educational specializations, explore the related challenges and enabling factors, and develop policy recommendations for establishing a new specialization in MLIS.
Materials and Methods: This multi-methods research was conducted with the goal of informing educational policy and curriculum development. In the first phase, a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist was carried out to identify existing and emerging specializations in health-related information sciences. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) involving eight domain experts explored perceived challenges, influencing factors, and potential strategies for specialization development. Finally, in the third phase, a simple Delphi technique was applied with ten policymakers in Medical Library and Information Science to prioritize the proposed specialization options. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, using coding and categorization to identify recurrent patterns and themes.
Results: The scoping review included 22 eligible studies, from which 11 educational specializations related to health information and librarianship were initially extracted. After merging overlapping domains, eight distinct specializations remained. Following expert and policymaker prioritization, four educational specializations were selected as feasible and necessary for integration into the MLIS curriculum. The main challenges identified were: Ensuring disciplinary sustainability in the face of rapid scientific and technological change; Promoting structural and curricular reform to align educational programs with real-world health information needs; Overcoming institutional and cultural resistance to organizational change. Policymakers emphasized curriculum modernization, specialized educational tracks, and needs-based program design as essential strategies for strengthening MLIS education and its alignment with health system priorities.
Conclusion: The study recommends that universities establish new educational specializations or formal short-term programs tailored to national and regional needs in health information science. Implementing the proposed policy options can enhance the long-term sustainability, relevance, and innovation capacity of the MLIS discipline while increasing the employability and professional competence of graduates. Strengthening educational responsiveness to societal and technological transformation will position Medical Librarianship and Information Science as a key enabler in evidence-based health systems and digital health development.
Materials and Methods: This multi-methods research was conducted with the goal of informing educational policy and curriculum development. In the first phase, a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist was carried out to identify existing and emerging specializations in health-related information sciences. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) involving eight domain experts explored perceived challenges, influencing factors, and potential strategies for specialization development. Finally, in the third phase, a simple Delphi technique was applied with ten policymakers in Medical Library and Information Science to prioritize the proposed specialization options. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, using coding and categorization to identify recurrent patterns and themes.
Results: The scoping review included 22 eligible studies, from which 11 educational specializations related to health information and librarianship were initially extracted. After merging overlapping domains, eight distinct specializations remained. Following expert and policymaker prioritization, four educational specializations were selected as feasible and necessary for integration into the MLIS curriculum. The main challenges identified were: Ensuring disciplinary sustainability in the face of rapid scientific and technological change; Promoting structural and curricular reform to align educational programs with real-world health information needs; Overcoming institutional and cultural resistance to organizational change. Policymakers emphasized curriculum modernization, specialized educational tracks, and needs-based program design as essential strategies for strengthening MLIS education and its alignment with health system priorities.
Conclusion: The study recommends that universities establish new educational specializations or formal short-term programs tailored to national and regional needs in health information science. Implementing the proposed policy options can enhance the long-term sustainability, relevance, and innovation capacity of the MLIS discipline while increasing the employability and professional competence of graduates. Strengthening educational responsiveness to societal and technological transformation will position Medical Librarianship and Information Science as a key enabler in evidence-based health systems and digital health development.
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