Developing strategies to increase faculty members effective attendance in educational activities in medical science universities

Introduction. Several studies have shown that the effective educational attendance of faculty members have been substantially decreased. This is due to many different factors. Lack of a comprehensive analysis of this issue has led the university managers to implement ineffective, arbitrary strategies to force the faculty members to increase their attendance in the educational activities. In order to find the most suitable way to increase faculty attendance, we have chosen a problem-solving method and have involved various stake-holders from small and large universities. The aim of the study was to find the factors affecting this attendance and to develop strategies to reduce their effect. Materials and methods: In literature review, relevant studies both inside and outside Iran were reviewed and all of the possible factors affecting the educational attendance of faculty members were extracted. This list of factors was completed by the ideas generated in brainstorming sessions. Viewpoints of the students, residents and hospital staff were also gathered. Letters and testaments, newspaper articles and abstracts from the 4th national medical education seminar were also scrutinized for relevant data. To define the most important factors, several structured and deep interviews were held with stakeholders and the resultant factors were incorporated in the previous list. The factors thus elucidated were categorized in 8 major categories and the stakeholders were asked to give their relevant points of importance regarding different criteria.(matrix prioritization). Expert idea was used to develop related strategies to increase the educational attendance of faculty members. The experts prioritized the strategies using predefined criteria. Results: 13 major strategies were prioritized as below Solving management problems in university managers and managerial systems Increasing motivation in the university (students, staff, faculty members) Renewal of appointment and appraisal methods of faculty members Increasing faculty members’ dignity Redesigning payment methods of faculty members Correction of cultural attitudes regarding faculty members Amending the selection methods of faculty members Supplying suitable infrastructure for research and education Increasing the involvement of faculty members in university administration Implementing proper evaluation system for faculty members and giving feedback Increasing the quality and quantity of recreational facilities for faculty members Defining the exact responsibilities and authorities of faculty members Increasing the scholarships and correction of the methods for their appointment Conclusion. The current decrease in the effective attendance of the faculty members is one of the crucial defects of our higher medical education system and needs a comprehensive survey to elaborate the proper strategies. This qualitative study used experts’ idea method to elucidate the 13 most appropriate strategies to solve this problem. The operational plans will be developed by the related departments of the deputy of ministry for education and university affairs.