Medical Interns' Perspectives on the Educational Environment in Cardiology and Dermatology Settings at an Iranian University

Maryam  Zare; Mahdi  Hashempour; Fatemeh Tahmasebi  Boldaji; Zohreh  Khoshgoftar

doi:10.18502/acta.v64i4.21985

Maryam Zare Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahdi Hashempour Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Tahmasebi Boldaji Department of Medical Education, Education Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Zohreh Khoshgoftar Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v64i4.21985

Keywords: Educational environment; Clinical education; Outpatient education; Dundee ready education environment measure (DREEM); Ambulatory care learning educational environment measure (ACLEEM)

Abstract

The quality of the educational environment is one of the key determinants of students' learning experiences and academic performance. This study aimed to assess medical interns' perceptions of the educational environmental quality in dermatology and cardiology wards at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS). A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) and the Ambulatory Care Learning Educational Environment Measure (ACLEEM). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24, employing parametric tests for statistical analysis, including independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. Among 146 questionnaires distributed, 123 were completed (84% response rate) out of which 54.5% were female, 78.9% single, and mean age was 25.80±1.299 years. The total mean DREEM score was 119.03±23.71, indicating a moderate educational environment, with dermatology scoring significantly higher than cardiology (P<0.05). The total mean ACLEEM score was 104.92±27.03, with dermatology rated as optimal and cardiology as semi-optimal (P<0.05). Significant differences were noted in perception of learning, teachers, and atmosphere. Married interns had more positive perceptions. Age was mildly correlated with DREEM scores. While the educational environment in dermatology and cardiology wards at AJUMS is perceived as relatively favorable, the outpatient cardiology clinic requires significant improvements. Key areas requiring improvement included faculty engagement, feedback mechanisms, and infrastructural support