Educational needs assessment of faculty members in research at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Research and research skills of faculty members are essential for the development of higher education and sustainable development. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop needs assessment of faculty members in research at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. Of 848 faculty members at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 262 members participated in the study, determined based on Morgan’s table. A researcher-created questionnaire with 5-point Likert-type closed-ended questions was used for collecting data. Validity and reliability were determined with content and construct validity and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Data were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 22. Results: Factor analysis showed that the educational needs of the faculty members in research at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences can be classified into eight topics that were not different in terms of the academic rank, but there was a significant difference in terms of gender and faculties. Faculty members in the pharmacy, dentistry and nursing faculties reported higher educational needs than the faculty in medicine and other faculties. Conclusion: The results showed that women reported higher educational needs, differing across faculties. It is suggested that research management training courses be prioritized, and key reasons or factors influencing the research in the faculties of dentistry, pharmacy and nursing be investigated.