Results Of The Needs Assessment Survey Of Lecturers For Establishing An Office Of Medical Education In A Medical School In Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Medical education is undergoing tremendous changes in the 21st century. These changes are driven by changing societal demands and expectations of physicians and health care professionals . Globalization has brought about the need for global professionals who are able to function efficiently in any part of the world.
As a result Offices of Medical Education are becoming an integral part of medical schools . They exist to support the curriculum and assist medical schools in achieving their goals by helping lecturers acquire skills for professionalism in teaching . They also engage in medical education research to ensure that products of medical school meet the minimum essential international standards. The College of Medicine University of Nigeria as a first step in establishing an Office of Medical Education carried out a survey of the faculty members to determine their need for an office of medical education.
This paper analysis the result of the survey. Method: A questionnaire to assess the faculty needs for establishing an office of medical education was developed and administered by the authors to both preclinical and clinical faculty member . Information sought included demographics, use of instructional technology, participation in medical education workshops etc Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS. Result: One hundred and twenty two (122) questionnaires were distributed. Fifty four were completed and returned giving a 44% return rate . This was acceptable as it probably represented those lecturers with an interest in medical education
A high percentage of both clinical and basic science lectures 89% and 96% respectively indicated a felt need for professional development in teaching. Eighty six percent of respondents stated that they would like to participate in teaching skills training programs.
Discussion/ Conclusion: The survey found that a majority of faculty members recognize the need for services provided by an office of medical education and are in support of the establishment of the office of medical education in the college.

Keywords: Office Medical Education Faculty Needs

Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 11 (2) 2007: pp. 19-25