EVALUATION OF "RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM" IN EGE UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Project no. 148 · Status: Kapanmış · 2018
Summary
Introduction and Objective: The Research Training Program (RTP), which is carried out in Ege University Faculty of Medicine, aims to provide students with critical perspective and essential skills to design, conduct and present a scientific research. The purpose of this project is to evaluate RTP through views of students and faculty members. Methods: This phenomenological study, included two groups; students of RTP and faculty members, who contributed to RTP. In-depth interviews were conducted with the research group whose selection was determined by maximum variation technique. The data analysis was conducted independently by two researchers using the code list created, and then the themes and categories were determined. Results: A total of 21 RTP students and 14 faculty members were interviewed. As a result of data analysis, 39 codes and four theme categories were determined. Of these four theme categories, two (Being an RTP Student; RTP Outputs) consisted of one, one theme category (Training Program) consisted of two and the other (Operation of RTP) consisted of four themes. The main motivation that directs students to participate in RTP is scientific curiosity and their desire to learn how to do research. Although RTP is an original program of Ege University, all participants agree on its insufficient recognition. Theoretical training introduces students to critical thinking and provides the basic competencies whilst research. However, program needs to be improved in terms of practical trainings. It was reported that during the project process students needed more intensive guidance especially in finding a subject and a project consultant. Also, the importance of presenting reports on their progress, in order for students to learn time management, has emerged. The inability to complete the program by not fulfilling the project phase is at a remarkable frequency. For all that, the students who successfully completed RTP learned the inception, planning, execution and writing processes of a scientific research through self experience. Conclusion: RTP enables students who want to be scientists, to take the right steps towards their goals and make progress. Novel routes and methods should be developed from the gains of RTP, of which the university and all students of the medical school can both benefit.