Prioritization of Educational Needs of Faculty Members in Medical School of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Identifying the educational needs is an essential step in planning faculty development and plays an important role in promoting the quality of education. The aim of this study was determination of the educational needs and its prioritization of faculty members in medical school of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was developed using the indices identified in an opinion poll, reviewing the literature and similar foreign and Iranian studies, and a guideline about six areas of faculty members' job description. The questionnaire was sent to all basic faculty members of school of medicine (n=70). The items were scored from one to 20 according to the importance of the educational need. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using the mean and standard deviation statistical indices. Results: Different areas of educational needs were respectively prioritized as administrative and executive activities, personal development, research, and education, specialized activities outside the university and health services and health promotion. Conclusion: Faculty members need all these six major areas specially the area of administrative and executive activities. The area of education was not fully regarded as expected. It is recommended to determine the weight development of all these six areas using a standard method.