Assessment of the Educational Requirements of Rural Family Physicians in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Determination of priorities and suitable educational methods enable the optimal use of the limited resources available. Due to the effective role of family physicians in health promotion and the necessity of educational planning according to needs assessment, this study aimed to assess the educational requirements of rural family physicians working in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

This cross-sectional, analytical-descriptive study was conducted on 102 rural family physicians in 2014. Census method was applied for sampling. Data were collected using a two-part researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by professors. To determine the reliability of the research tool, test-re-test method, and Cronbach's alpha (0.96) were applied. Statistical tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS software.

The most required educational needs were circumcision, biopsy of the skin and mucosa, pulling nails, speckle removal, and surgical excision of skin verruca. Continuing Medical Education was reported as the leading effective educational method. There was significant relationship between educational requirements, and total years of work experience and years of work experience as family physician. However, there was no significant relationship between educational requirements and physicians’ gender, age, place of education, and educational interval gap.

To enhance knowledge and skills of family physicians, in addition to revision of physician’s educational curriculum, educational planning based on needs assessment is required. Thus, it is suggested that the Health Care and Continuing Medical Education Office in Kerman University of Medical Sciences take the results of this study into consideration in order to promote the efficacy of the educational programs.