Journal of Advances in Medical Education & Professionalism

Editorial

Considering social accountability in rehabilitation therapy school

HAJAR SHIEH; MITRA AMINI; FATEMEH MIR; PARISA NABEIEI; JAVAD KOJURI

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 93-94

Abstract

As you know, there is increasing attention insocial accountability concept for medicaland other health professional schools. Despite theuniqueness of the concept of social accountability,it ... Read More As you know, there is increasing attention insocial accountability concept for medicaland other health professional schools. Despite theuniqueness of the concept of social accountability,it has different definitions in various fields. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) has describedsocial accountability generally as follows: “theobligation to direct education, research andservice activities toward addressing the priorityhealth concerns of community, region, ornation”(1). Applied to health professional schools,the idea of social accountability recognizes it’sprospective for transforming community byacting throughout the educational, researchand healthcare delivery, on a mixture of socialdeterminants of health factors and for helpingto make a proficient and equitable health system.One of the health professional schools inShiraz University of Medical Sciences is theSchool of Rehabilitation Therapy. This school iscommitted to lead and stimulate positive changesthat improve quality of lives through rehabilitationeducation, research and practice. As part of thiscommitment, the mission of this school is to teachoccupational therapists, physiotherapists andphysiotherapy scientists who contribute to wellbeingand welfare of the community. This schoolis recognized for excellent social accountability.In a qualitative study, we developed theindicators for assessing the concept of socialaccountability in this school based on the extensiveliterature review and expert opinions. Finally,57 indicators were determined for assessing thesocial accountability and used for assessment ofsocial accountability in this school (2).The results showed that considering thehealthcare needs of the community for educationand research, provision of interdisciplinaryeducation for students, addition of the idea ofsocial accountability in the accreditation system,teaching professionalism to students before theclinical courses, and cooperation with otherstakeholders (including academic health centers,physician communities, and other relevantparamedical schools) were reported as some of thestrengths of this school. Some of the weaknessesof this school were lack of continuous evaluationprograms for precise analysis of the currentneeds of the society and lack of correspondencebetween some of the elective training programswith the accountability approach. What’s more,the willingness of the community to participatein the health programs, lifestyle changes andchange in the public approval for services ineducational fields are some of the existing trendsin this school.It seems necessary that social accountabilityconcept of rehabilitation therapy schools shouldbe further taken into consideration as a meansof improving the outcomes of rehabilitationeducation, research and services.In conclusion, all health professional schools should contribute to the needs of society byeducating their students well in this field. Throughaccomplishment of these aims, these schools canplay the maximum effective role in the health ofthe community.

Evidence-based medicine in pre-clinical years: a study of early introduction and usefulness

YOGESH ACHARYA; M.V. RAGHAVENDRA RAO; SATEESH ARJA

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 95-100

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) has establisheditself as a strong predictor of future medical practice by medicalstudents. The purpose of this study was to determine theeffectiveness ... Read More Introduction: Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) has establisheditself as a strong predictor of future medical practice by medicalstudents. The purpose of this study was to determine theeffectiveness of EBM in pre-clinical years and reflect on selfassessmentskill of 4th semester medical students regarding theunderstanding of EBM and its various determinants.Methods: All of the 4th semester (MD4) medical students at theAvalon University of Medical School, Curacao who had completedtheir EBM curriculum were asked to voluntarily participatein a cross sectional student survey containing qualitative andquantitative questionnaires in a 10-point scale. The students’responses were analyzed statistically and the results reported.Results: Twenty-three students participated in the survey. 91%of them reported that EBM had helped them to better understandresearch process and 95% believed that EBM was necessary todevelop clinical skills in the future. 78% of the students agreedthat they were provided with enough resources for effectiveimplementation of EBM in the university. All participants(100%) self reported that they could appraise the research articleseffectively (mean score 8.26, S.D-1.45).Conclusions: EBM is an integrative and comprehensive way tosuccessfully adopt concepts of acquired medical knowledge foreffective medical practice. Early introduction of EBM in preclinicalyears proved favorable in students and better equipped them withthe ability to critically apprehend and appraise new research andinnovations in medicine for optimal learning experience. Thereis a definitive need for scientific and systematic design of thecurriculum for early introduction of EBM in pre-clinical years,best suited for the students. The principles should be directedtowards further research for the effective implementation of EBMto enhance clinical skills.Keywords: Evidence-based medicine; Medical education; Medical students; Curriculum; Evaluation

Evidence-based practice in Physiotherapy curricula: A survey of Indian Health Science Universities

VRUSHALI P PANHALE; BHARATI BELLARE; MARIYA JIANDANI

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 101-107

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the conscientious,explicit and judicious use of the current evidence in clinicaldecision making. The physiotherapy profession has expressed ... Read More

Social accountable medical education: a concept analysis

MOHAMMADREZA ABDOLMALEKI; SHAHRAM YAZDANI; SEDIGHEH MOMENI; NADER MOMTAZMANESH

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 108-115

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the pervasiveness of social accountablemedical education concept around the world and the growingtrend of literature in this regard as well as various interpretationsmade ... Read More

Self- directed learning barriers in a virtual environment: a qualitative study

NOUSHIN KOHAN; KAMRAN SOLTANI ARABSHAHI; RITA MOJTAHEDZADEH; ABBAS ABBASZADEH; TAYEBEH RAKHSHANI; AMIRHOUSEIN EMAMI

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 116-123

Abstract

Introduction: There is a growing trend in online education coursesin higher education institutes. Previous studies have shown thathigh levels of self-direction are essential for successful ... Read More

Balancing power: A grounded theory study on partnership of academic service institutes

FATEMEH HESHMATI NABAVI; ZOHREH VANAKI; EESA MOHAMMADI; SHAHRAM YAZDANI

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 124-133

Abstract

Introduction: Governments and professional organizationshave called for new partnerships between health care providersand academics to improve clinical education for the benefit ofboth ... Read More

A study on capabilities required in military medicine to develop modular training courses: a qualitative study

ALI DANA; MOJGAN MOHAMMADIMEHR

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 134-147

Abstract

Introduction: The main mission of military medicine in the worldis to support the health and treatment of the military in relationto issues, risks, injuries and diseases that arise ... Read More

Program evaluation of an integrated basic science medical curriculum in Shiraz Medical School, using CIPP evaluation model

AZADEH ROOHOLAMINI; MITRA AMINI; LEILA BAZRAFKAN; MOHAMMAD REZA DEHGHANI; ZOHREH ESMAEILZADEH; PARISA NABEIEIE; RITA REZAEE; JAVAD KOJURI

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 148-154

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years curriculum reform and integrationwas done in many medical schools. The integrated curriculum isa popular concept all over the world. In Shiraz medical ... Read More Introduction: In recent years curriculum reform and integrationwas done in many medical schools. The integrated curriculum isa popular concept all over the world. In Shiraz medical school,the reform was initiated by stablishing the horizontal basicscience integration model and Early Clinical Exposure (ECE)for undergraduate medical education. The purpose of this studywas to provide the required data for the program evaluation ofthis curriculum for undergraduate medical students, using CIPPprogram evaluation model.Methods: This study is an analytic descriptive and triangulationmixed method study which was carried out in Shiraz MedicalSchool in 2012, based on the views of professors of basic sciencescourses and first and second year medical students. The studyevaluated the quality of the relationship between basic sciencesand clinical courses and the method of presenting such coursesbased on the Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) model.The tools for collecting data, both quantitatively and qualitatively,were some questionnaires, content analysis of portfolios, semistructuredinterview and brain storming sessions. For quantitativedata analysis, SPSS software, version 14, was used.Results: In the context evaluation by modified DREEMquestionnaire, 77.75%of the students believed that this educationalsystem encourages them to actively participate in classes. Courseschedule and atmosphere of class were reported suitable by 87.81%and 83.86% of students. In input domain that was measured by aresearcher made questionnaire, the facilities for education wereacceptable except for shortage of cadavers. In process evaluation,the quality of integrated modules presentation and Early ClinicalExposure (ECE) was good from the students’ viewpoint. Inproduct evaluation, students’ brain storming, students’ portfolioand semi-structured interview with faculties were done, showingsome positive aspects of integration and some areas that needimprovement.Conclusion: The main advantage of assessing an educationalprogram based on CIPP evaluation model is that the context, input,process and product of the program are viewed and evaluatedsystematically. This will help the educational authorities to makeproper decisions based on the weaknesses and strengths of theprogram on its continuation, cessation and revision. Based on the results of this study, the integrated basic sciences course forundergraduate medical students in Shiraz Medical School isat a desirable level. However, attempts to improve or reformsome sections and continual evaluation of the program and itsaccreditation seem to be necessary.Keywords: Integration; Medical students; Basic science; Curriculum

Letter to Editor

The effect of gender bias on medical students and career choices: a cross-sectional study

AKANKSHA GARG; ANURADHA BHIDE

Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, Pages 155-155

Abstract

Gender equality amongst healthcareprofessionals is no doubt paramount to allowboth equal opportunity and provision of goodquality healthcare. The General Medical Councilencourages that ... Read More Gender equality amongst healthcareprofessionals is no doubt paramount to allowboth equal opportunity and provision of goodquality healthcare. The General Medical Councilencourages that all colleagues should be treatedfairly, but studies have previously demonstratedgender bias against female medical students(1). Whether this might have any impact on thestudents’ decision-making process and careerpathways has yet to be explored.We aimed to evaluate whether doctors gavestudents gender-specific advice and the extentto which this advice influenced the students.Furthermore, we explored whether students felttheir gender affected their career choices. Wecarried out a cross-sectional national study ofBritish clinical medical students. A standardisedquestionnaire was completed by 94 students(54.3% female). The response rate was 88.7%.Results showed that 43.6% (n=41) of studentsreceived career advice based purely on theirgender, and 63.4% (n=26) of these said that thiswould influence their career choices. Importantly,82.9% (n=34) of the students who receivedgender-specific advice were female.Additionally, 41.2% (n=21) of females felttheir gender would restrict their career choicescompared with only 11.6% (n=5) of males(p=0.00142). 37.3% (n=19) of females thoughttheir gender would unfairly disadvantage theircareer progression compared to 4.65% (n=2) ofmales (p=0.00016).Our results highlighted that doctors gave moregender-specific advice to females compared tomales, and that this advice significantly impactsstudents’ decision making process. Furthermore,females disproportionately felt their careers wouldbe disadvantaged and restricted compared withmales. This shows an enormous disparity betweenmale and female attitudes towards medical careers.This can have both long and short-term effects ontraining, career choices and patient interaction.Further research investigating why females feeltheir gender will restrict their careers, and whydoctors give gender-specific advice, particularlytargeted at females must be undertaken to identifythe root cause of the problem.We therefore advocate that medical schools: 1)promote gender equality through seminars, talksand increase accessibility to good female rolemodels; and 2) train clinical teachers to impartgeneric career advice as opposed to genderspecificcareer advice.

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Volume & Issue: Volume 5, Issue 3, July 2017 (24)

Considering social accountability in rehabilitation therapy school

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine in pre-clinical years: a study of early introduction and usefulness

Abstract

Evidence-based practice in Physiotherapy curricula: A survey of Indian Health Science Universities

Abstract

Social accountable medical education: a concept analysis

Abstract

Self- directed learning barriers in a virtual environment: a qualitative study

Abstract

Balancing power: A grounded theory study on partnership of academic service institutes

Abstract

A study on capabilities required in military medicine to develop modular training courses: a qualitative study

Abstract

Program evaluation of an integrated basic science medical curriculum in Shiraz Medical School, using CIPP evaluation model

Abstract

The effect of gender bias on medical students and career choices: a cross-sectional study

Abstract