Utilization of Medical Education research studies: A survey among participants in Iranian National Conference on Medical Education

Abstract

Introduction: Conferences and scientific meetings are valuable opportunities to transfer and exchange research findings. In Iran, National Conference on Medical Education is held annually, with more than 1500 participants from different disciplines. Participants’ competency in utilizing research findings, research finding readiness for utilization, and perceived organizational support are three domains that contribute to the enhancement of research utilization in medical education. This study was conducted to assess the conference participants’ own competency on research utilization, viewpoints about research readiness and perceived organizational support for research utilization in medical education. Method: This is a survey study on a convenient sample of participants in the conference; researcher-designed, self-administered questionnaire was applied. It consisted of 19 items in four domains (baseline characteristics, scientific activities, Competency for research report utilization, Research findings readiness for utilization and, organizational support for research utilization).The face and content validity of the questionnaire was approved by experts in the field, and its reliability was 0.94.Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, one way ANOVA and stepwise linear regression tests.Results: 130 questionnaires were filled (response rate was 52%). 36% had a medical education degree. Faculty members rated their competency in the utilization of research report, viewpoint toward readiness of research report for utilization, and organizational support above the average. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between research utilization competency and the number scientific articles they had written, journal clubs participated and their work experience. The stepwise linear regression test revealed that journal club participation is the main factor of competency in research report utilization predictive model.Conclusion: Participants’ competency and viewpoint about research utilization were not desirable. The medical education must invest in training researchers and utilizers to earn essential competencies and change their mind about the important role of research findings in decision making. A limited study in this field implies the need to do more studies on research utilization in medical education.