Luiza GABUNIA, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Luiza GABUNIA, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Sofio BAKHTADZE, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Natia GAMKRELIDZE, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Shorena KHETSURIANI, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Natia ANTIA, Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Since 2012, Scientific-Research Skills Center (SRSC) of Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) conducts the course ? Basics of Scientific Research Skills (BSRS) for the students of TSMU according to competences of undergraduate medical education of the Bologna Process.
The purpose of our study was to determine the impact of BSRS on students' awareness and motivation for biomedical research, which is directly related to the development of biomedical research, also for the acquisition and dissemination of new knowledge; the final result of which is the care for health and well-being of every individual and society in general.
Study was conducted in three following steps, using mixed-type questionnaire. First step was a pre-test conducted among 4th semester students prior to BSRS study course. Second step − post-test was conducted immediately after the completion of BSRS. Third step, repeated post-test was performed among the same target group (7th semester) students.
According to the results, contrary to pre-test (42%), 58% of students considered research to be highly important and graded the question about “importance of research” by maximum points in post-tests. During the pre-test, 31% of the students declared they had taken part in some type of research. This number has increased to 40% at post-test and to 56% at repeated post-test. Participation in the scientific study was considered as very interesting activity by 12% of students during the 1st step, which increased to 15% and 25% during the 2nd and 3rd steps. During the pre-test, only 65% of students thought that science is as important, as education; this has changed to 77% and to 86% accordingly. Number of students, who can see themselves as future scientists, has increased from 42% to 49% and to 60%. Students were asked to assess importance of the research for the mankind on 5-point scale. During the pre-test, 45% allocated 5 points, which has changed to 52% at and to 73% consequently. At the repeated post-test, 100% of students said research has utmost high priority in development of medicine (compared to 82% and 92% at previous steps).
Scientific research skills course has a beneficial and long term impact among medical students. The course helps students to understand the importance of scientific research in health care. BSRS learning course has significantly increased interest, awareness and motivation of students towards research. Even several semesters after completion of the course, students still have a good knowledge of key issues of the scientific research, good understanding of the role and importance of science in their future professional career.
In view of all of the above, teaching a course in BSRS, which is a relative novelty in the field of medical education, increases the importance of science development for future physicians. The refinement/development of this course clearly reflects on the development and effectiveness of scientific culture.
Document 1 : Document 1
Document 2 : questionnaire
Document 2 : Document 3