مجله ایرانی آموزش در علوم پزشکی
سال یازدهم شماره 9 (پیاپی 38، اسفند 1390)

Regarding the importance of ambulatory education and its challenges, this study was done to investigate Teacher-Student and Teacher-Patients Interaction Time in educational ambulatory settings in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, Teacher-Student and Teacher-Patients Interaction Time of 45 teachers was investigated in educational ambulatory settings in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during the academic year of 2007-200. Teacher - student interaction and teacher- patients interaction time and the number of visiting patients per hour was investigated by researcher. The gathered data was analyzed statistically using descriptive statistical indexes frequency percentile. Teacher –patient interaction was less than 5 minutes in more than 50% of ambulatory settings. Teacher –students interaction was less than 5 minutes in less than 50% of ambulatory settings. The number of visited patients during an hour in 70% of the health centers was one patient. The finding showed that teacher- students and teacher -patient interaction time were low and suggested some solution for this problem.

As a method of instruction in adult education, Self-directed Learning has been widely used in universities across the globe. This study aimed to validate Self-directed Learning Scale (SRSSDL) in Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In this cross-sectional survey study, 400 students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences completed a self-directed learning questionnaire including 60 items and 5 factors. The raw data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and Principle Axis Factoring. The results of principle axis factoring revealed that 53 out of 60 items of this scale were placed in 12 factors instead five. Seven items were eliminated due to lack of factoring effect. The results of the study affirmed high validity and reliability of this scale having 12 factors and 53 items.

Critical thinking is a pivotal and required qualification for all students that can mostly be improved through curriculums. The present study was designed with the purpose of evaluation of student's critical thinking skills in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences for two sequence semesters in 2010. In this descriptive-longitudinal study, the critical thinking skills of 250 students of Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were assessed in two stages (Two sequence semesters). Data collection was done through a researcher-made questionnaire as well as California critical thinking skills test (B Form). The mean of students’ score in both universities was 7.48±2.22 in first stage and 5.94±2.00 in second stage. It showed a significant decrease (P=0.000). Although the critical thinking scores in both universities had not a significant difference, but in both universities the scores of the second stage decreased significantly (P=0.000). The results indicated decreasing in all area (i.e. inference, deductive reasoning and total score) except evaluation (P=0.000). The results prove that attending to critical thinking is a serious challenge in higher education. In addition, students do not have suitable critical thinking skills to the extent that with passing time the critical thinking did not increase. Therefore, review of curriculum can be an effective suggestion to solve this difficulty.

There is a global inclination towards collaboration and team work led to increasing emphases on the necessity of preparing health students through inter professional education. This study aimed to assess readiness of postgraduate students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences for inter professional learning as well as examine its correlation with some demographic variables. this was a cross-sectional descriptive study in 2011. Samples were recruited through convenience sampling method from postgraduate students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered through the Readiness for Inter Professional Learning Scale (RIPLS). Two hundred students filled the questionnaires among which 183 questionnaires were subjected to analysis. They were recruited from nursing (25. 7 %), medicine (48. 6 %) and other disciplines (24 %). Mean، score was 70. 47 (5. 34). The mean score for nursing discipline was 72. 1 (4. 91), for medicine was 69. 83 (5. 58) and for other disciplines was 70. 25 (4. 85). There were no significant correlation between readiness for inter professional learning and contextual variables consisted of age, gender, history of attendance in inter professional education programs, history of clinical practice, history of teaching, education grade and discipline. Regarding the acceptable (higher than mean score) postgraduate students’ readiness, we suggest opportunities for development of interprofessional learning. Insignificant relationship between the students’ readiness and contextual variables implies the broad applicability of the interprofessional education, robust to the contextual differences. Nevertheless, future researches would be necessary to ensure applicability of this approach, and to explore factors influential to this process.

Happiness is the most fundamental concept in positive-oriented psychology. Students are influential and generating forces that need happy environment and mood. This Study aimed to determine factors affecting happiness of students who live in dormitories of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences This Study was conducted on 120 male and female students living in dormitories using an open questionnaire. Data were coded and categorized and reported as frequency and percentage. Results showed that the most important factors affecting student's happiness before entering the university, were sports (26/4%), television (13/05%), and walking (11/86%). the most recreation programs after entering university were sports (22/9 %), television and video room (12/84 %), computer and internet (8/33 %). Students suggested some programs to improve conditions and increase the happiness. They were providing some inside and outside camps (15/21%), improving beautify of campus (12/64%) and providing recreational facilities and sports competitions (10/5 %). The findings of this research aimed improving student's happiness can be considered by officials and policy makers of dormitories. This aim will be achieved through expansion of existing facilities and purposeful long-term planning.

Today with development of university, that have the responsibility for scientific and ethical training of educated generation, plagiarism is not limited to special people and its ignorance especially in academic area will bring terrible consequence. Thus, it is necessary to discover reasons of plagiarism for preventing its growing development. This study aimed to explore experiences of faculty members in Isfahan University of medical science about the reasons of plagiarism.

This is qualitative study using in-deep interview. Participants were faculty members experienced at Isfahan University of Medical Science in 2011-2012. Purposive sampling was used. Sampling was continued until achieving data saturation.

based on emerged finding reasons of plagiarism in academic community were categorized in the five groups: cultural, economic, upbringing, social and educational reasons.

Final findings were classified in internal and external categories. Internal factors are related to personal talents, self-perceptions and understanding that is achieving through family and social channels. External factors are environment force, which are effective on person's action. Person is influenced by environment consciously or unconsciously.

Hospitals goals are health improvement and maintenance. In addition, they are learning organizations. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the application of organizational learning and demographic features of staffs working in pediatrics medical center in Tehran. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 148 staff working in pediatrics medical center in Tehran in 2011 was selected through stratified random sampling. Data gathering was done by organizational learning questionnaire, which its cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was calculated 0.86. Mean score of applying organizational learning was 52.58±9.01. There was a significant relationship between open environment, experimentation, knowledge transferring and integration, gender, and applying organizational learning. It is necessary to pay attention to four dimension of organizational learning for its achievement. Hospital managers in all organizational levels should consider the importance of learning and creating and transferring knowledge in hospital as an optimal investment. This consideration helps them to change people's behavior and performance for achieving hospital goals.

knowledge is a valuable property that is the basis for constant growth and is a key to sustainable competitive advantage of an organization. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and team learning among staffs in selected hospitals of Isfahan University of medical sciences. This is a descriptive analytic survey. 196 staff working in selected hospitals of Isfahan University of medical sciences was selected through stratified random sampling. Data gathering was done via team learning (TL) and knowledge management (KM) questionnaires which its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean score of Team Learning (TM) was 41.2 ±20.7 and Knowledge Management (KM) was 39.9 ±20.1. In general there was a significant relationship between KM and TM (p<0.05). Since KM and TL scores were low, hospital managers should plan for production, dissemination, and transmission of knowledge and team learning culture.

Maps can create a deeper insight of our surrounding environment. The map can also be used in curriculum for its reforming, and developing and ultimately improving teaching-learning process. This systematic review aimed to identify applications and benefits of curriculum mapping. Seven search engine and websites were searched using the keywords including curriculum mapping, curriculum map (s), medical, curriculum development and planning. 1100 article was found and 179 article were enrolled in the study. Then the relevant article (i.e. 36 articles) were selected and analyzed. 112 advantage and 111 applications were found in reviewed articles. 32 advantage and 29 applications were listed after removing repetitive cases and merging some cases. The most common mentioned advantage was developing a participation culture (students and teachers participation in curriculum). Most applications of these maps were curriculum monitoring and evaluation from different perspective regarding to the required competencies for students. Various users including curriculum planners, administrators, professors and students use curriculum mapping according to their needs. Regarding the benefits of curriculum mapping and its various applications in the educational system, it is suggested that teachers and administrators in each department, design a curriculum map in a project. In this regard, computer programmers can increase accuracy and speed in the project.

Educational courses specially clerkship should be improve an active learning and student's personal and professional development and in addition must be tailored to the needs of society. In each educational system, it is necessary to change educational programs in order to meet social needs and reflect the latest scientific achievements. This study aimed to compare two educational programs for first clerkship course of MSc health services management students. This quasi-experimental study was undertaken on 10 MSc health services management students who were passing first clerkship course during 2010-2011. They were divided in two groups. We compared the effect of implementing a routine method (which was based on approved curriculum) in the first group versus system-integrated education (which was according to the hospital accreditation standards) in second group. Results were measured in three following areas: student's satisfaction, student's participation in clerkship fields and their linkage, student acquaintance with updated and current concepts in managerial levels of health system. Data was collected using 18-point questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent T-test. Mean score of all areas in the second group was significantly higher than the first group. Satisfaction mean score was 2.48±0.58 in first group and 3.28±0.39 in second group (p=0.02). Students participation in clerkship fields and their linkage was 2.32±0.54 in first group and 3.85±0.54 in second group (p=0.01). Student acquaintance with updated and current concepts was 2.62±0.74 in first group and 2.95±0.54 in second group (p=0.04). Attention to new managerial concepts of health system can enrich the clerkships and be effective on student's motivation. Educational groups can direct training into need–based approaches with considering health system requirements as well as basic approved curriculum. Therefore, they can provide more effective and appropriate training programs.

Cloning technology has been strengthened a long human desire for eternal life. The possibility of human cloning is the new challenges in medical education and medical ethics. The present study discussed the different perspectives in this field. This study is a review article. Related books and some database such as SID, Irandoc, Elsevier, PubMed, Magiran were searched using keywords including human cloning, therapeutic cloning, reproductive cloning, ethics and medical education. The retrieved documents were reviewed. Application of this technique for human being is condemned and opponents believed that this technique impairs human dignity and takes him down to the level of worthless merchandise. Different perspectives show that opponents consider fear of human dignity failure and its consequences as the most important points. It seems that cloning technologies are ahead of the law. Given the well-developed laws in Iran, Iran University of Medical Science can initiate this new science and technology in regional level.

One of the main goals of education is thinking development. Thinking about thinking for improving the thinking process is the heart of critical thinking. This paper aimed to provide different definitions of critical thinking. This review was conducted on some published articles during 1990 to 2007 in the field of critical thinking Various experts have used different terminology to describe function and activities of critical thinking. While provided definitions have tried to identify the different aspects of thinking and critical thinking, its trend is obvious. It means that evaluation and analysis of content of a target subject is done through a robust review process for understanding its content Critical thinking is a kind of purposeful, logical and deep thinking for decision-making and problem solving.

Active participation of students in teaching is the one of the effective way of learning in science education according to large investigation. By this way students understand current level of knowledge, increasing the student’s eagerness and their attraction for learning. This study was designed to explore the effect of active student involvement in teaching and learning of the bacteriology in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, faculty of Medicine. Total of 100, medical (n= 50) and nutrition (n= 50) students were participated in this research during two semesters. We started up the session with 2 minutes warming up, 2 minutes for review of previous lecture with asking questions, 35 minutes lectures with repeating and asking questions with students, 5 min summary and end up asking them. We asked students to fill out the questionnaire with 6 questions at the end of semester. The results of questionnaire analysis showed that there is agreement among students that the bacteriology teaching according to collaborative teaching enhance student learning. Interactive learning environments well serve the variety of students studying bacteriology. In summary, there is large data ccollected by researchers in bacteriology teaching and learning that the traditional lecture base method is not effective in promoting theoretical learning in bacteriology. There is also wide-ranging data that active learning method facilitate well in many different environments.

Teaching and learning are interdependent in educational process. Teaching effectiveness, therefore, should be investigated both from teacher's and learner's viewpoints in order to achieve a better education. This study was conducted to determine and compare the factors related to effective clinical education from teacher's and student's viewpoint in School of rehabilitation in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 23 faculty members and 107 senior students selected through census sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher made questionnaire consisted of demographic information and factors related to clinical education which contained 5 general areas (individual features of the learner, individual features of clinical teacher, clinical environment, educational planning, and clinical evaluation). 32 questions related to these areas were scored based on a five point likert scale. The data was analyzed by SPSS 18 software. Individual features of clinical teachers (3. 04±0. 74) and students (2. 96±0. 67) got the most scores in two groups (faculty members and students). The effect of clinical environment and clinical evaluation were found to be significantly different between students and teachers (p <0. 05). Students’ scores were higher than teachers in term of clinical environment (2. 49±1. 14 vs. 1. 90±0. 8) and clinical evaluation (2. 56±1. 09 vs. 1. 99±0. 98). Two areas of individual features of clinical teachers and students are، more influential on clinical teaching than other areas. Therefore, attention to and strengthen the individual features of clinical teachers and students, systematic providing and revision of curriculum, providing proper clinical environment (in term of facilities and personnel)، regular and accurate evaluation of internship course and giving feedback to the educational authorities could be important in the effectiveness of clinical education.

One of the key elements of success of health institutions is Standardization. This study introduces the methods and stages of electronic medical records standardization. The present study is a narrative review of the studies on the stages and methods of electronic medical records standardization. The process of standardization of electronic medical records includes several phases in which demand for a standard stands in the first phase. In the next phases, standard is developed, turns to a prototype and will be examined. Finally, in case of obtaining positive results, it will be approved and disseminate. Standard developing organizations along with professional health care organizations play important role in standardizing electronic medical records. Nevertheless, a number of general standards of information technology had tremendous effect on developing health care information systems.

This study aimed to assess relationship between affective self-regulation and study skills with educational performance of students of Isfahan University of Medical Science. 313 students who were selected randomly from the available male and female students in terms of 2-8, among the seven faculties answered the provided questionnaires. The instruments include three questionnaires: affective self-regulation questionnaire, the Weinstein' learning and study strategies inventory and educational performance questionnaire. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between affective self-regulation and study skills with educational performance of students. The results of analysis of regression can explain the %45/2 total average variance. Affective regulation (0.365 percent) has the highest contribution in explaining the level of academic performance. There was significant relationship between component of study skills and affective self-regulation with educational performance. Subscales of independent variables could explain 53.8 percent of the variance in academic performance. In addition, there was significant relationship between component of study skills, affective self-regulation and educational performance with student's mean score. Regression analysis showed that through the variance of linear combination of sub-scales of independent variables can explained 45.2 percent of total average variance. Improving and planning of students’ study skills and increasing of emotional self –regulation are critical issues.

According to the results of previous studies confirm the advantages of group discussion than lecture method and the importance of deep learning, it was decided as part of PhD students studying Histology and results presented to the group discussion on learning to survive with compared to usual This study Was Carried out in Department of Anatomical Sciences on Ph.D. Students at the first semester of the academic year 90-89. Teaching in 8 sessions of the course Histology advanced was lecture and 8 the next meeting-style was discussion procedure. Assessment of learning through the end of semester exam was performed. At 3 months after the previous questions were used to examine the survival and continuity of learning materials. Data using the software SPSS. 12 analysis and comparison of mean scores using Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. The results of this study showed that the mean scores between the two methods of presentation was statistically significant (P<0.01). Even, three months later, the difference between the mean scores in the discussion and lecture methods was significant (P<0.01). Difference in mean scores at the end of two semesters with lectures and discussions after three months was not statistically significant (p=0.56). Although the students believed that more time is needed for preparation and presentation of learning and understanding the contents but the method is much more discussion than lecture. Students due to the large volume of paperwork and time constraints, using a combination of both teaching methods were proposed.

Educational psychology researchers have examined learning from different perspectives and their findings for explaining learning phenomena have led to different theories.Each of these theories can provide principles, rules, and specific requirements for classrooms.This study aimed to provide some examples of applications of learning theories in public health.

Some databases including Sid, iranmedex, irandoc and magiran were searched using key words such as social cognitive learning, learning theory, behavioral theory, cognitive theory, constructive theory, and Bandura and Ausubel. Some related books were also investigated.

The low of reward thorndike's used in correspond health project. Stimulus discrimination used in insectology for discriminated between insect. Learning – social theory used for instruction of prevention of HIV. Top- down instruction used in teaching of research method in health scinces.

learning theories used very low in public health but these theories susceptible to use. It seems that it is best to plan and implement some programs in order to familiarize faculty members with learning theories. Thereby it can provide a context for application of learning theories in teaching and learning process.

The gap between theory and practice in clinical fields, including nursing, is one of the main problems that many solutions have been suggested to eliminate it. In this article, we have tried to investigate its solution through active learning. In this review article, searching articles published during 2000-2012 was done through library references, scientific databases. Among many essays and other sources, 36 articles, which were more related to active learning and its role in reducing theory-practice gap, were selected. In this article, we have tried to consider new methods that were not much regarded in Persian sources. Most active learning methods, especially task-based learning, practice-based learning and performance-based learning in which learner participate in the learning process and prepare for deep learning are effective to eliminate the gap. Since these methods are less used in training nurses in our country, this article explained these methods and how to use them in practice.

Accreditation is a quality assurance system in higher education in order to make sure universities meet the minimum accepted standards. In this study, the institutional accreditation system for Iran’s Medical Universities was designed as was ordered by Ministry of Health and Medical Education and with the goal of continuous improvement of quality of education, research and service provision. The accreditation system was developed through a three stage project, each stage consisting of several steps. In the first stage, several groups investigated the history, methods and standards of accreditation systems in different countries. In the second stage, the accreditation standards and criteria were written using the viewpoints of experts and stakeholders in each area and through consensus in each expert group. In the third stage, in order to achieve national consensus, the standards were sent for 1171 experts and faculty members in 40 medical universities throughout the country. Achieving the consensus of experts from different medical universities and respecting the accepted socio-cultural values as well as the rules and regulation of Islamic republic of Iran, the institutional accreditation standards were developed in 10 areas with 95 standards and 504 criteria. The standards with more than 70% agreement, were considered as “must” standards and the rest as “should” standards. Through compliance with national accreditation standards, the medical universities will play an important role in promoting the health system in the country. Also, the medical universities could have a better position among international societies by establishing the national accreditation system based on the results of this project.

There are increasing advances in science. Medical science must move with this growing trend. Therefore, it is necessary to change the content and setup of medical education curriculum especially basic sciences courses. This study aimed to review literatures about integration in medical curriculum and to present concepts, importance, types and stages of integration in medical science.

In this review article, Google Scholar, Pub Med, books and journals were search using following key words: curriculum planning, medical education, and integration. Search was limited to published literature during 2000-2011. Fifty articles were obtained through this search strategy. Finally, 31 articles and book reviews were selected and reviewed.

Concepts, importance, types, stages, and effectiveness were extracted from selected literature. Generally, integration means creating a whole or combining separate systems into an integrated system. There are two main types of integration (horizontal and vertical integration) in medical education. Integrated learning through learning environment is more emphasized in clinical courses. Harden offers eleven stages to turn a subject-based education to an integrated curriculum

Integration is an important strategy and complex concept in medical education. The most appropriate step in integration for a medical school depends on some factors such as existing program, teacher's experience and attitude, medical school and the overall goals of curriculum. Integration of basic and clinical sciences based on body organs lead to increased learning. It is necessary to know that matching and arranging information about an organ is not necessarily equal to the integration for learners. Integration by learners and faculty members is different.

Electronic education system using advanced and varied technology tries to improve quality of teaching-learning process. This research aimed to design and implement the new electronic teaching system in histology courses (theoretical and practical) at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

This action research was conducted in department of anatomy and molecular biology on medical students who were studying histology (theoretical and practical) in 2010-2011. Required hardware and software for electronic teaching was provided. All related instructors (8) and some students were interviewed for evaluating this process. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

The new electronic system for teaching histology courses (theoretical and practical) was designed and implemented for medical students of basic sciences. Data analysis showed improvement in teaching- learning process.

Electronic teaching system as a new mechanism that integrates various learning and teaching methods can lead to more students and teachers’ satisfaction. It can provide flexibility in learning, and using advantages of both methods (e-learning and education system). Therefore, it increases learning. It is suggested as an effective education method in all Universities of Medical Sciences.

Action research is a means for creating meaning and promoting understanding of complex social situations, and improving the quality of human interactions and performance in those situations. Action research is one of the words that can be heard now frequently in the educational cycle, but there are several definitions for it. Literature review shows that several writers have referred to this concept and have mentioned several categories of action research. They identify its models, types, approaches, typologies, and taxonomy or action research views. In general, action research is an umbrella that encompasses a range of research traditions and several established methodology. This paper deals with describing them.

Interprofessional education (IPE) as one of the educational methods has been emphasized in many literature. It is believed that it can increase Interprofessional collaborations and improve the quality of patient care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the concept, teaching- learning process and effectiveness of IPE in health professionals’ training.

This was a review article for doing which we searched the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases as well as Google search engine with appropriate keywords. The retrieved results were limited to review and meta-analysis papers as well as the ones in English language.

In total 45 document including articles, books and web pages were reviewed and categorized. First, The concept of IPE was examined from different points of view. Then the theoretical bases, teaching approaches and also teaching and learning factors of IPE were addressed in the next section. And in the final section, the effectiveness of IPE was discussed.

In regarding to the role of IPE in increasing knowledge, attitude and skills of healthcare professionals, more attention has to be paid to IPE in Medical Sciences education.

The tendency to read and study is one of the most important indicators of growth and development. This is an effective factor for avoiding one-dimensional thinking and developing human talents in various fields. This study aimed to determine the relationship between non-school study and mental health in student s of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2010-2011.

In this descriptive –correlational study, 300 third year students (out of 1054 students) of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected through stratified, randoms ampling. Data gathering tools were a researcher-made questionnaire and general health questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was calculated 0.86 for researcher-made questionnaire and 0.83 for Goldenberg and Hiller mental health questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive and the inferential (t-test, ANOVA and Tukey test) statistics.

The mean of facilitating factors for non-school study was at the intermediate level. The mean of barriers was less than the average level. 53.2 percent had mental health, 44.6 percent had pathological symptoms and2/2percentdid not respond questions related to mental health. Subject shad mental health in term of "somatization" and "depression" sub-scales, and they had pathological symptoms in "social function failure", "anxiety and "insomnia" sub-scales. The correlation coefficient between facilitating factors and mentioned sub-scales(i.e. somatization, anxiety, insomnia, social function failure and depression)was significant (P>0.05). Facilitating factors and somatization, anxiety, insomnia and depression sub-scales had the inverse association. Facilitating factors and social function failure sub-scales were directly associated. The correlation coefficient between barriers and mentioned sub-scales(i.e. somatization, anxiety, insomnia, and depression)was significant (P>0.05). Therefore, there is a direct relationship between barriers and somatization, anxiety and insomnia and depression sub-scales.

The ability to study is one-way for improving the thinking and logical thinking ability. Its leasteffect is intellectual system activation. It has a positive impact on the mind, intelligence, thinking, behavior and ethics.

Action research is a research methodology with a dual purpose (action and research). Action research as other research approach is led through a paradigm or a philosophical perspective. This article briefly describes paradigm, research paradigm and discuss about “which paradigm (positivism, interpretive, or praxis) does cover action research?”.

Achieving the organization goals depend on management and effective leadership styles. This is true in all organizations including academic centers. This study aimed to investigate leadership effectiveness and styles among the middle level managers of Isfahan University of Medical Science. This descriptive study was conducted on all middle level managers (head or deputy of faculties) of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was done using a questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics, Metzcus & Burden’s leadership style questionnaire, and Ramazani’s effective leadership questionnaire. Leadership styles was classified into three categories: liberal (democratic), arrogant (authoritarian or dictator) and consolidated. The principles of effective leadership, based on obtained scores, were described as strong leadership, good leadership, leadership that requires more effort, and poor leadership. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistical methods. Based on results, mean age was 44.9 years, 76% were men, mean work experience was 17.5, management experience was 7 years and mean training duration was less than one month. 87% of managers had postdoctoral degree. 60% of managers were dictator, 26% were consolidated and 13 percent of managers had a democratic leadership style. 84% of managers believed that their leadership is strong, 16 percent believed they are good leaders and none of them believed that their leadership requires more effort or is poor. It seems that current managers were selected based on their degree not they major. For most of them leadership was equal to duty performance. They believed that utility is in higher productivity and they paid less attention to its human aspects. University administrators need to pass formal and informal management courses in order to have an effective leadership and they should not be selected merely based on their academic degree.

Application of proper approaches as a logical framework for creating core curriculum prevents making additional information in curricula. This study aimed to introduce some useful approaches for determining core curriculum in medical science. This review study was done by electronic searching (PubMed, ERIC, Google Scholar) as well as manual searching (library resources). Key words were core curriculum, approach and outcome-based curriculum. 105 papers were obtained. 32 cases were eligible according to considered criteria. So far, Curriculum planners have adopted or proposed several approaches for determining core curriculum in medical education. This review introduced some effective approaches in medical education. Curriculum planners need to use effective approaches in medical education in order to provide essential and required content for learners according to community needs. It is necessary for them to consider curriculum revision and reduction of extra curriculum content.

Studying patients’ (as consumers) and nurses’ (as care providers) expectations is very important. This study aimed to determine the differences between patients and nurses’ expectations of nursing service and medical cares in Alzahra teaching hospitals in Isfahan. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan in the second half of 2011. 120 nurses and 114 patients were selected randomly. Data were collected through self-rating questionnaire and data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential (t-test) statistical methods. Results showed significant differences between patients and nurses’ expectations of nursing care. In all dimensions, the mean scores of patients’ expectations were consistently higher than nurses’ mean score. In both group (nurses and patients) the highest rating was related to tangibility. In nurses’ view, the most important item was “Having a clean and tidy appearance” and in patients’ view, it was “Considering the cleanliness and hygiene of the patients'’ room”. Therefore, it is necessary to consider these items to improve the service quality and satisfaction.

Continuous evaluation of student's academic achievement in different periods is the basic and inevitable principle for improving the quality of the educational system. Since any change in the planning, management and action for improving quality needs to assess the current situation, this study aimed to assess the educational status of all graduate students at Shahed University. This cross-sectional study was designed and implemented at Shahed University during 2011-2012. Subjects were all medicine students entered 1993 and graduated in 2011. The checklist has been prepared according to goals. Demographic information and history of students’ academic achievement has been extracted from students’ educational records. All students who have entered this university from 1993 -2003 were assessed. Data analysis was done by descriptive and inferential statistics (T-Test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation). During these 10 years, 46 percent students used the Shahed quota and 54% had free quota. The mean diploma score was 15.86±2.79. Minimum input average was in 1372 and maximum was in 1379. Analysis showed positive correlation between mean diploma score with mean scores of basic sciences, apprenticeship and clerkship. There was inverse correlation between the mean diploma score and the number of probation period. There were significant differences between male and female students’ mean score of diploma, basic Sciences, apprenticeship and clerkship. Girls’ scores were higher than boys’ scores. This difference was observed in frequency of academic probation. Male students had more probation. Institutions are required to review the status of their students and revise necessary items and monitor these revisions. It is essential to pay more attention to students who enter with weak background of secondary school, students who are rejected or have the probation during first years.

The purpose of education is learning. Several theories have been raised about learning, which have tried to explain how learning occurs. They help teachers to choose teaching methods, prepare learning environment and determine student's activities. Given the importance of learning theories in education, this study aimed to review application of learning theories in nursing education. In this study, some related published literatures during 2000-2010 were selected using key words including learning, theory and nursing education. Then the selected materials were reviewed for extracting application of learning theories in nursing education. Application of behavioral learning theories, cognitive theories (including Gestalt theory, information processing, Ausubel meaningful learning, constructivism, Bandura's social learning) and adult learning theory in nursing education were discussed in this article. Some applications of behavioral theories are teaching in a sequential, simple to complex pattern; teaching the skills; using behavioral objectives for determining learning outcomes and assessment; and providing teaching plan; using the nursing process and nursing care plans and positive reinforcement. Principles of Gestalt theory have been used in mental organization towards simplicity, directed balance and equilibrium, and selective stimulus perception. Writing narratives and portfolio are samples of the application of constructive theory. Role models have been used in social cognitive theory. Based on adult learning theory, learners should be active and taught material should be applicable for them. Each learning theory has the particular application. Nursing educators must apply proper learning theories regarding student's experience and target material.

Clinical education will be possible with involving patients. Many patients who seek medical and diagnostic care can be involved in clinical training. Therefore, teachers and students need to know the legal aspects of patient involvement and adhere to these aspects in order to attract patients’ participation and satisfaction. This study reviewed the importance and necessity of legal aspects, including patient consent, confidentiality and privacy during clinical education. This article described how to take patient consent for participating in training as well as several measures to maintain patient privacy. Giving informed choices without a threat to the patient is emphasized. Finally, it is suggested to prepare leaflets about how to obtain patient consent and maintain confidentiality to inform teachers and students in this regard.

It is necessary to choose and implement proper teaching and evaluation method for implementing an effective education. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation quality and to determine suitable teaching methods in department of anesthesiology at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all anesthesiology residents (40) who participated in class in 2011 were selected. Data collection was done through a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. The questionnaire response rate was 100 percent. Mean age and duration of medical practice were 34.75±3.9 and 7.6±4.8 years, respectively. 85.5 percent of participants had the high satisfaction with quality of program implementation, 12.5 percent had moderate and 2 percent had poor satisfaction. The most preferred teaching method was lecture along with showing films and PowerPoint presentations and the least one was lecture without film and slide. There was no significant difference between female and male residents regarding to the satisfaction of teaching method and program implementation (P>0.3). Using educational material and active teaching methods involving students in teaching process is effective in learners’ satisfaction and teaching quality.

The importance of biochemistry as a basic subject in biomedical sciences evokes its active learning through motivation of the students. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of, problem solving method with lecture-based method in the teaching of metabolic biochemistry. Method This study was done as a semi-experimental method among 43 nutrition undergraduate students of Isfahan university enrolled in metabolic biochemistry during the second semester at 2009. After introducing the problem solving method to the students, they made their own group work to study and search about the presented, problem solving method subject (pentose phosphate pathway). A valid questionnaire completed by students was used to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of the applied method. The questions were divided in to 3 different fields consist motivation, interest and participating in group work. Student also took part in an exam including two types of questions related to traditional method and PBL. Data analysis was carried out by t-test and Q-square with SPSS software. Results The 83.7 percent of the students appreciated the value and necessity of biochemistry as one of the most important courses of their curriculum. The student's satisfaction of applying flexible educational methods for more effective and better learning is about 88.4%, as well as 66.7% for using, problem solving method. The mean and variance of motivation and interest, learning, and participation in group work were (66+16),(68+16) and (70 +17), respectively. But any significant difference between student's exam scores in the traditional method and PBL was not seen. Conclusion The results show that implementations of, problem solving methods encourage students’ motivation and improve life-long and active acquired knowledge.

Medical education is changing. Therefore, teachers need to evaluate their performance and try to maximize learning. Learning theories can provide insight in this important issue. This study aimed to review the strengths and weaknesses of learning theories including behavioral, cognitive and humanistic theories. In this study, some literatures related to learning theories including books and articles were selected. Then the selected texts were examined in terms of strengths and weaknesses of learning theories. Results showed that behavioral theories are simple, and easy to use. Learner focused on a clear goal. Cognitive learning theories such as information processing, Gestalt and constructive theories promote critical thinking and problem solving. Therefore, learner can face better to real life. In humanistic learning theory, learner focuses to learn his or her own required things, which their ultimate need is self-actualization. Self-learning is one of the most famous educational principle in this approach which is led to self-direction. Each theory deals with one aspect of learning. Thus, each one has the specific strengths and weaknesses. Instructors and educational planners need to consider these cases for its best application.

Euthanasia is one of the most frequent question and challenging issue in clinical education. This paper aimed to investigate different views in this matter. This review article was prepared through searching scientific databases and literature that was published during 2000-2011. Considering the ethical and religious principles, current views about euthanasia are different and some sometimes are opposite. Even in the societies that agree to Euthanasia, there are many limitations. Therefore, it seems that answering for the question "Euthanasia Yes or No?" is still a dilemma in medical education. Since there are many limitations for its fulfilling in societies which agree to euthanasia, and considering that not all the conditions can be meet, it seems that answering for the question "Euthanasia Yes or No" is still a dilemma and needs further investigations and studies.

Clinical education will be possible with involving patients in teaching-learning process. One of the patient’s legal and moral rights is patient's right to decide to participate in this process or not. This study aimed to examine medical students’ attitude toward patient's consent to participate in clinical training. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Isfahan University of medical science in 2011. Ninety students who were passing clinical courses in Al-Zahra hospital took part in study. Data collection was done using a researcher-made 12-item questionnaire. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. 55% were female and 45% were male, 58% were apprentices and 34% were interns. There was significant difference between mean attitude of apprentices and interns. Interns’ attitude was good but it was moderate for apprentices (p <0/05). Most students (81/3%) believed that patients should not be informed about student's ability level before examination. Despite a more positive interns’ attitude than apprentices, it is necessary for medical school and faculty members to prepare leaflets in this matter and emphasize on informed consent to improve students’ knowledge and attitudes.

Learners have very different learning styles depend on their preference, psychological preparedness as well as physical condition of their senses. Identification of proper learning styles plays an important role for choosing effective teaching methods, transferring concepts, and finally improving education quality. This study aimed to identify learning style of first year nursing and midwifery students in Ilam University of medical science.

In this cross-sectional study, 50 first year nursing and midwifery students at Ilam University of Medical Sciences were studied, in 2009. Data collection was done using VARK questionnaire.

56% of samples (n=28) were female. 44% (22 students) preferred a single learning style (Uni-modal) and 56% preferred multi-modal learning styles. Students, who preferred only one style, preferred reading/writing style to other styles. While other students who preferred more than one styles, used quad-modal.

In this study, the preferred learning styles were reading/writing, aural, kinesthetic and visual, respectively. Determination of desired learning styles of first- semester students can be helpful for choosing appropriate teaching methods by educational groups and faculty members, which lead to achieving educational goals.

Self-Assessment is one of the final evaluation methods, which is complete formative evaluation. This study aimed to assess clinical competencies of graduated students in Isfahan dental school. In this descriptive-analytical study, thirty-three graduated students were completed a 93-items questionnaire which was based on ability to carry out independently dental services. Data analysis was done using cronbach’s Alpha, ANOVA, Tukey HSD, Spearman and Chi-Square. The Cronbach’s Alpha of the questionnaire was estimated 0.979. The average ability to carry out independently dental services was 2.92-3.74. Dental students’ competencies were moderate-to-good. There was no significant difference between the skills taught in different parts. In addition, there was no significant difference between male and female graduates.

One of the issues facing humanity and it is the death. The fundamental change is defined as death from medical community. And with regard to organ transplantation and its association with brain death, The main question is whether brain death as death is certain? The purpose of this study is the basis of brain death and medical education on this topic. This study is a literature review that was done by the books and databases such as Iranmedex, SID, Google Scholar. Advocates tell a soul, seizing body through higher cells of the brain, so that any damage to the brain cortex, between mind and body can cause a association to leave. On the other hand, opponents are expressed that In connection with matters of life and death should consider the safety policy. Since organ transplantation is a crucial role in saving lives as holy religious, has placed special consideration to life and human health as the most important imperatives, it can be said with proper understanding of man; privacy of research, education and human treatment will be determined and community health and human survival depends on this understanding. Also for medical staff and social awareness and positive attitudes toward organ donation, recommended training programs need to be considered in this regard.

Graduated students in healthcare should be competent to be accountable for social needs. This study aimed to determine the most frequent patient's diseases in Isfahan. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 64 physicians (general practitioners) in Isfahan. Data gathering was done through valid and reliable questionnaires for determining the frequency of pediatrics, surgical, gynecologic and internal diseases referring GP. Referral times for each disease was determined in 5-point likert scale (rare, sometimes, weekly to monthly, daily to weekly and daily). 28 male and 36 female physicians with mean age of 39.0±7.0 and mean experience of 11.3±5.9 years completed questionnaires. The highest referral times score in measured different areas were common cold, nonsurgical abdominal pain, vaginal discharge and diabetes mellitus respectively. The lowest scores were ariboflavinsis, abscess of pancreas, coriocarcinoma and sarcoidosis respectively. In this study, encounter rate of general practitioners in Isfahan to different diseases was determined. Although these data are useful for decision makers to plan curriculum, but determination of other factors such as severity of less common diseases are necessary.

The discipline of family nursing is a specialty in nursing is designed to provide preventive services. Despite the emphasis on family nursing, this curriculum has not been designed in Iran. This study aimed to develop a task-based family nursing curriculum in Iran. This descriptive study was conducted in 2010 – 2011 in Iran. Curriculum planning was done using need-assessment, regular focus groups, discussion with nursing educators, medical education and curriculum planning specialists, nurses and postgraduate nursing students and medical education students. A task-based curriculum was developed based on the structure of the curriculum, which is recommended in the ministry of health and medical education in four seasons. Its courses were health status, chronic illness, family crisis and mental health, family health, geriatric nursing, research methods and statistics, nurse management, information systems, family and patient education, and family's thesis. This study provided a task-based family nurse curriculum that can be used to run this course in Iran. It is hoped that its implementation can decrease some problems resulting from the prevalence of chronic disease and its complications

it is important to identify factors, which lead to academic achievement and impede academic failure. Some psychological elements including positive and negative perfectionism, anxiety and self-esteem seem to be related to academic achievement. This study aimed to measure relationship between psychological profile and academic achievement of medical and dental students at Isfahan University of medical science. This research was a descriptive-analytic study. Subjects were all medical and dental students who were volunteered to participate in basic sciences comprehensive exam. PANPS scale, SAS scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used for collection data. Their relations with academic achievement (average score and basic science comprehensive exam score) were studied. Comparing means of negative perfectionism showed that there was significant difference between the second group of medical students and dental students (p=0.01). There were significant negative correlations between negative perfectionism with average score (r=-0/44 p=0/01) and comprehensive exam score(r= -0/40 p=0/02 in dental students). There were significant positive correlations between self-esteem and average score (r=0/37 p=0/03) and comprehensive exam score (r=0/45 p=0/00). The Relationship between psychological profile with academic achievement in medical and dental students is difference. It seems that student's academic achievement is also influenced by other factors.

Thesis is the last part of graduate programs, especially general medicine program, in which students engage in research work related to their academic disciplines, and publish the results of the thesis (according to the existing regulations). Assessment of Interns’ view about existing thesis-related rules can lead to revision and qualitative and quantitative improvement of thesis process (i.e. topic approval, research skills, budgeting, thesis defense, and research line). This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on medical interns who defend their thesis and graduated in 2010. 82 interns were selected through census method. Data gathering was done using a researcher-made questionnaire (alpha cronbach coefficient= 0.86). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The Results showed the mean score of thesis topic approval process in educational group (16.92.06), thesis topic approval process in the research council (10/472/03), research skills (21/023/08), budgeting process (21/114/02), defense process (13/11/38), and research line (7/011/61). Based on the results, most interns had very little satisfaction. It seems that it is necessary to plan some workshops about research methodology, writing proposals, budgeting, writing a thesis and papers for interns.

In recent years, ministry of health and medical education has approved a regulation for accepting top students for postgraduate courses without entrance exam that leads to many critiques and discussions. This article addressed students’ and teacher’s view about this regulation. This was a qualitative study at school of nursing and midwifery, Isfahan University of medical sciences. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. Undergraduate students in 7th and 8th semester (who were not eligible for acceptance without entrance exam), postgraduate students and faculty members were selected using purposeful sampling. Data saturation was achieved with 8 interviews. 3 main themes and 11 subthemes were obtained. They were Justice (selecting only one outstanding student, inappropriate selection criteria, little differences and big outcome, ignoring differences between universities, deserve to be accepted); Ethical problems (destructive competition, bad communication with student who is accepted, negative attitude toward classmates); knowledge improvement (encouraging students in getting knowledge, optimized application of free higher education). The most frequent mentioned theme was injustice. However, decision-making for accepting students should be according to the public justice and higher education goals, and it must lead to a perfect policy and decision-making. There is no a standard and obvious strategy for student selection in higher education institutes, and it is hoped to consider the best strategy.

Development of critical thinking and clinical education has remained a serious and considerable challenge throughout the nursing educational system in Iran. Education experts believe that effective teaching methods such as concept mapping and nursing process are practical strategies for critical development. Thus, this study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of clinical concept mapping and nursing process in developing critical thinking skills among nursing students. This is a clinical trial. 41 nursing students who studied in 4th semester at Isfahan University of medical sciences were randomly divided in nursing process, and clinical concept mapping groups. They were asked to prepare a concept map or nursing process for their patient weekly. They were filled The California Critical Thinking Skills (form B) in the first and last day of their course as well as 1 month after study. Data analysis was done using t-test and ANOVA. The results indicated that the students within the clinical concept-mapping group had not developed in any of the 5-fold critical thinking skills. There was no significant difference between their scores (in the first and last day of their course as well as 1 month after study). On the contrary, the results showed that the students’ critical thinking skill in the nursing process group had developed in inference and inductive thinking throughout the study. In 1 month after study, there was a significant difference between the mean score of this group’s critical thinking skills. In the two groups, in each point of study, the total mean of critical thinking scores were not statistically significant. Even though it is impossible to draw a definite conclusion due to sample size and time limitation, the present evidence indicated that nursing process could be more effective in critical thinking development. Further research with more time can be useful for evidence-based decision-making.

In educational hospitals, sometimes the patients that seek medical health care are involved in teaching and learning process without enough knowledge about medical students’ skills. This study aimed to examine medical training team’s attitude toward patient's consent to participate in clinical training. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Isfahan University of medical sciences using a researcher-made 12-item questionnaire with 5-point Likert Scale. From the target population including all of the professors and residents of Isfahan University of medical sciences, 61 took part in study. Forty two point five percent of the participants were residents and 57.5% were professors. The overall mean attitude score was 34.9 ±3.03 that was considered moderate. The mean attitude score for professors and residents were 35.58±3.35 and 33.88 ±3.03, respectively which were not significantly different. Most of the participants believed that patients should not be informed about student's ability levels before examination. It seems that the concern of the medical training team about lack of patient cooperation in teaching and learning process results in ignoring in patient's rights in making an informed choice. Conducting further studies in order to find the causes and solutions to improve and upgrade the existing situation is suggested.

One of the most effective factors on quality of learning is using appropriate communication skills by faculty. Appropriate communicational foundation cause to pass information to students as well. The present study aimed to evaluation interpersonal communication skill levels in lecturers of Ilam University of Medical Sciences.

In this descriptive-analytic study, 60 lecturers of Ilam University of Medical Sciences with randomly sampling were selected in 2009. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire of Interpersonal Communication skills test. The questionnaire has 34 questions and based on 170 scores. Data was analyzed using SPSS software ver.16 and t test and Pearson correlation.

Mean age ± standard deviation of participants was 36.03±7.86 years and 80% were male. Overall, 30% of participants were assistant professor and 45% had more than 5 years educational experiences. Mean score of communication skills of lecturers was 106.53 ± 8.59 that it was significantly associated with their gender (p<0.04). While, this relationship not found for age of lecturers, teaching experiences and their scientific ranking.

Based on results, Interpersonal communication skill levels of lecturers study were evaluated average. Conducting of educational workshop on interpersonal communication for lecturers is one of the methods to improve their effective communications which can cause to increasing learning and promoting communicational skills of students.

Recently, peer assessment is especially noticed as a progress evaluation method. Although it is a known method, it is a novel method in many countries that they use traditional methods. Then the topic of current review article is peer assessment in medical education. The documents related to peer assessment, advantages, disadvantages, applications and how use it extracted of articles, books and report of researches in reliable sources. Peer assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of peer student performance and activities. The main aim of using this method was to produce more correspondence to own learning and peer learning. Of advantages for this method might be mentioned like increasing in student perception of his/her learning, encourage students to accept accountability for their learning, give and get feedback, encourage students to deep learning. The peer assessment is used in evaluation for communication skills, professionalism and effective domain. In peer assessment we should notice to some points: determine assessment criteria, discussion between students after peer assessment, confidence of sufficient time and educating it to students. Also we should notice to some limitations like the correlation between characteristics and results of assessment. Peer assessment is an evaluation method, that if it was used correct and proper, it could be an effective method in formative evaluation for some domains of medical education like affective domain. It is necessary, according to the gap in evaluation of these domains of medical education, we use better of this cheap and accessible tool.

Although analyzing suicide is related to religion, ethics, social psychology and sociology, its consequences affect medical education and health systems intensively. In this review study, data bases and texts on the subject were reviewed. Suicide is an unacceptable phenomenon in religion and also ethics.Challenging this ever increasing phenomenon requires extensive intersectional cooperation.

Given the importance and impact of test resources on medical student’ learning, this study aimed to assess the time devoted to study books and notes during the semester and exam time. This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on all medical students (120) who were passing internship period at Isfahan University of medical sciences in 2011. Devoted time to study books and notes was determined. Data analysis was done using t test. The mean and standard deviation of time devoted to study book for students who their mean score were above average (15.89±0.96) was 34.61±4.08. This was 23.12±5.30 for students who their mean score were less than average. It had significant difference. The results of this study showed that, students with lower mean score were more interested in studying notes during the semester and test time. Therefore, it is suggested to conduct further studies to investigate the study sources of students in different academic degree levels.

Most scholars of educational, organizational climate and curriculum are important Vnvavry is the source of educational innovation. According to deepen and expand the culture of educational innovation as one of the essential needs of educational institutions, major attention to training in this field be.The purpose of this research was to study of relationship between organizational dimensions climate and acceptance of curriculum innovation in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. This study was applied one and the research method was descriptive – correlative (survey).Statistical population included all 687 faculty members at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 124faculty members at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were chosen as statistical sample. Research instruments were two questionnaires. A questionnaire for organizational dimensions climate(rules, discipline, democracy, social and cultural factors organizational image, total goal) which designed by Gole(2008) that has 37 question's questionnaire was for acceptance of curriculum innovation(innovation goals, innovation content, innovation learning – teaching, innovation evaluation).The reliability of these questionnaires was examined by the view of experts and their validity was calculated by Cranach Alpha and estimated 96%.To analyze data in the level of inferential statistics, multi Regression, Levin and MANOVA were employed. Findings showed that:1) There was positive and significant relation between organizational dimensions climate and acceptance of curriculum innovation.2)There was positive and significant relation between organizational dimensions climate and acceptance of curriculum innovation goals, curriculum innovation content, curriculum innovation learning – teaching, and curriculum innovationevaluation.3) There was a significant difference between averages of organizational dimensions climate in terms of university, college, tenure, academic trips grade of academic faculty members at faculty members at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (p<0.05),4)There was not a significant difference between averages of organizational dimensions climate in terms of sex faculty members at university of Isfahan and faculty members at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (p<0.05). The effect of organizational climate in educational policies and educational programs, and revised in accordance with the conditions that caused curriculum the new education is inevitable. Requiring faculty members to observe the educational innovations in the teaching process, integrated and convergent approaches in the content of such postings education today.

Although it is obvious that nutrition has a clear impact on incidence, prevention, and treatment of many diseases, it has not been addressed properly in medical education. Therefore, physicians’ educational needs assessment is the first step of improving physicians’ skills in nutrition and diet therapy. It is a cross-sectional study. In this study, a focus group was hold. Then essential topics for training physicians was developed using the job analysis approach (Including determining the tasks; sub tasks; skills and items that can be corrected through training). Five main tasks that must be learned were achieved. They were nutritional status assessment, patient’s data analysis, determining the diet suitable for patient’s condition, planning the diet therapy, its implementation, and evaluation. 19 sub tasks were defined for these main duties. There was a well consistency between our findings and earlier studies around the world. These results can be used to raise the nutritional knowledge of general practitioners whether through academic courses included in their curricula, or continuing education programs.

Clinical education is one of the most crucial parts of nursing education in shaping the professional identity. Successful education in this path requires effective approaches along with update knowledge, clients and patients’ needs. These approaches can provide necessary preparations for learners. Service learning that is aimed to train responsible and accountable students has found new position in the health professionals’ curriculum including nursing. This study aimed to discuss importance of application of service-based learning in clinical nursing education. This study is a review article. Related books and some database such as SID, Irandoc, Elsevier, Pub Med, Magiran during 1999-2011 were searched using keywords including clinical education, nursing, Service-learning and students. Nurses should have strong leadership skills, management, citizenship commitments and respect to human diversity for entering real action areas. All these capabilities can be achieved in clinical practice as a part of nursing education. It seems that service- based- learning provides opportunities for students’ professional development and clinical competencies. Nursing education authorities can use interactive and participatory strategy such as service- learning for creating more coordination between colleges and hospitals, and converting hospitals to suitable training settings. This can help to reach clinical education goals as more as possible.

Medicine is the most scientific way of humanity, and the most humanistic science. Its Professional communications are important due to its sensitivity and responsibility. One the most emphasized relation is patient’s dignity. Evidence has shown that the correct relationship rarely will establish between physician and end stage patient and this communication is always associated with many shortcomings. This study aimed to address the patient’s dignity, especially in the end stages of life. Definition and nature of dignity, human rights, patient rights, human dignity in medical practice and medical education was discussed. In addition, important issues in patient-centered communication in order to maintain patients’ dignity, especially at the end life (include: accurate information to patients, how to announce bad news, privacy, confidentiality, reliability, choice and decision-making, dealing with requests for inappropriate treatment, euthanasia and unconditional respect) was considered.

Reflective practice is a generic term for intellectual and affective activities that create new understanding and appreciation of experiences. Various studies have emphasized on the benefits of reflection in nursing. This article reviewed benefits and barriers of reflective practice in nursing. In this review article, library references, some scientific databases (Elsevier, pub med and sid) was search using following keywords reflective learning, reflective practice and nursing care. Related articles published during 1995-2010 were retrieved. There has been an increasing interest in reflective practice in nursing. Nursing literature mentioned its importance specifically to reduce theory-practice gap. Although, everyone can be reflective, educators must not assume students know how to reflect. Students require guidance about how to be reflective. However, reflecting is an intentional and skilled activity that requires analyzing actions and making judgments about its effectiveness. Nurses could be empowered through reflective practice that provides them better understanding, and motivation for changes and quality improvement.