Delineating Medical Education: Bibliometric Research Approach(es)

Background: The field of medical education remains poorly delineated such that there is no broad consensus of the articles and journals that comprise "the field." This lack of consensus has implications for conducting bibliometric studies and other research designs (e.g., systematic reviews); it also challenges the field to compare citation scores in the field and across others and for an individual to identify themselves as "a medical education researcher." Other fields have utilized bibliometric field delineation, which is the assigning of articles or journals to a certain field in an effort to define that field. Process: In this Research Approach, three bibliometric field delineation approaches -- information retrieval, core journals, and journal co-citation --are introduced. For each approach, the authors describe their attempt to apply it in the medical education context and identify related strengths and weaknesses. Based on co-citation, the authors propose the Medical Education Journal List 24 (MEJ-24), as a starting point for delineating medical education and invite the community to collaborate on improving and potentially expanding this list. Pearls: As a research approach, field delineation is complicated, and there is no clear best way to delineate the field of medical education. However, recent advances in information and computer science provide potentially more fruitful approaches to deal with the complexity of the field. When considering these emerging approaches, researchers should consider collaborating with bibliometricians. Bibliometric approaches rely on available metadata for articles and journals, which necessitates that researchers examine the metadata prior to analysis to understand its strengths and weaknesses, and to assess how this might affect their data interpretation. While using bibliometric approaches for field delineation is valuable, it is important to remember that these techniques are only as good as the research team's interpretation of the data, which suggests that an expanded research approach is needed to better delineate medical education, an approach that includes active discussion within the medical education community.

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A guide for evaluation of online learning in medical education: a qualitative reflective analysis

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02752-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nourhan F. Wasfy ◽

Enjy Abouzeid ◽

Asmaa Abdel Nasser ◽

Samar A. Ahmed ◽

Ilham Youssry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Online Learning ◽

Best Practice ◽

Online Courses ◽

Learning Experience ◽

Organizational Capacity ◽

Expert Consensus ◽

Educational Effectiveness ◽

Education Community ◽

Rapid Shift

Abstract Background With the strike of Covid-19, an unprecedented rapid shift to remote learning happened worldwide with a paradigm shift to online learning from an institutional adjuvant luxury package and learner choice into a forced solo choice. This raises the question of quality assurance. While some groups have already established standards for online courses, teaching and programs yet very little information is included on methodology of their development and very little emphasis is placed on the online learning experience. Nevertheless, no work has been done specifically for medical education institutions. Aim To develop a set of descriptors for best practice in online learning in medical education utilizing existing expertise and needs. Methods This work utilizes a qualitative multistage approach to identify the descriptors of best practice in online learning starting with a question guided focus group, thematic analysis, Delphi technique and an expert consensus session done simultaneously for triangulation. This was done involving 32 institution in 19 countries. Results This materialized into the development of a set of standards, indicators, and development of a checklist for each standard area. The standard areas identified were organizational capacity, educational effectiveness, and human resources each of which listed a number of standards. Expert consensus sessions identified the need for qualification of data and thus the development of indicators for best practice. Conclusion Standards are needed for online learning experience and their development and redesign is situational and needs to be enhanced methodologically in axes that are pertaining to the needs of the education community. Taking such axes into consideration by educators and institutions will lead to planning and implementing successful online learning activities, while taking them into consideration by the evaluators will help them conduct comprehensive audits and provide stakeholders with highly informative evaluation reports.

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Industry-Sponsored Medical Education — In the Quest for Professional Integrity and Legal Certainty

European Journal of Health Law ◽

10.1163/092902707x260312 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 313-319

Author(s):

Benedikt Buchner

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Self Regulation ◽

State Regulation ◽

General Question ◽

Legal Certainty ◽

European Directive ◽

Starting Point ◽

Good Starting Point ◽

Advertising Law ◽

The Right

AbstractIndustry-sponsored medical education is a much disputed issue. So far, there has been no regulatory framework which provides clear and definite rules as to whether and under what circumstances the sponsorship of medical education is acceptable. State regulation does not exist, or confines itself to a very general principle. Professional regulation, even though applied frequently, is rather vague and indefinite, raising the general question as to whether self-regulation is the right approach at all. Certainly, self-regulation by industry cannot and should not replace other regulatory approaches. Ultimately, advertising law in general and the European Directive 2001/83/EC specifically, might be a good starting point in providing legal certainty and ensuring the independence of medical education. Swiss advertising law illustrates how the principles of the European Directive could be implemented clearly and unambiguously.

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Safeguarding information as an asset: Do we need a redefinition in the knowledge economy and beyond?

SA Journal of Information Management ◽

10.4102/sajim.v18i1.706 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Adeniji K. Adesemowo ◽

Rossouw Von Solms ◽

Reinhard A. Botha

Keyword(s):

Internal Control ◽

Knowledge Economy ◽

Large Body ◽

Research Approach ◽

Significant Finding ◽

Information Risk ◽

Starting Point ◽

Information Assets ◽

Definition Of ◽

Definition Of Information

Background: With the evolution of data, via information into knowledge and beyond, intangible information assets (seen as an integral part of IT assets in this article) increasingly come to fore. A contemporary issue facing organisations in the knowledge economy and beyond is how best to safeguard and derive optimum value from their evolving information assets. A well-known fact is that risk exists because there is the possibility of threats to an asset. Likewise, no assets equals no risk. Although a large body of work is addressing threat models, the nature of the assets of the knowledge economy and beyond has not been well researched.Objectives: To investigate the definition of information assets across a number of financial, risk and information technology standards, frameworks and regulations, in order to ascertain whether a coherent definition exists across the board. If there is none (or limited), then propose a workable definition that is apt for the knowledge economy and beyond.Method: Qualitative thematic content analysis and a comparative study based on four main themes (Assets, Types of Asset, Information, and Information Assets). This then serves as a basis for argumentation schemes that lead to a proposed re-definition. The qualitative research approach assists us to address the concern of the incoherent definition of information and information assets across the board.Results: Contrary to expectations, the research study found the current definition to be incoherent. When the asset to be controlled is not properly defined and understood, it stands the risk of not being identified properly. This implies that the effectiveness, efficiency, reliability of internal control, and compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations would not be appropriate. This article highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how information assets (valuable, but unvalued organisational intangible assets) are being viewed and treated, especially with regard to information risk and internal controls.Conclusion: This article has identified a major defect in most standards, frameworks, and regulations dealing with regard to the safeguarding and management of information assets (and IT assets). It has established from the review carried out that information assets have not been properly defined across the board. Beyond this significant finding, it was further shown that the principle of risk (assessment) across the board requires the identification of the asset that needs to be controlled. A starting point, then, is a coherent definition (as proposed) for the information asset in itself. Therefore, proper definition across the board might assists in proper identification that could result in appropriate control and graceful handling of the end-of-life disposal.Keywords: infonomics; information asset; information risk; internal control; reputation loss

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Intellectual capital in family firms: human capital identification and measurement

Journal of Intellectual Capital ◽

10.1108/jic-04-2014-0046 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 199-223 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Enrique Claver-Cortés ◽

Patrocinio Carmen Zaragoza-Sáez ◽

Hipólito Molina-Manchón ◽

Mercedes Úbeda-García

Keyword(s):

Human Capital ◽

Intellectual Capital ◽

Family Firms ◽

Balance Sheet ◽

Research Approach ◽

Competitive Advantages ◽

Content Type ◽

Starting Point ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – Based on the literature devoted to family firms and the intellectual capital-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is not only to identify the most important human capital intangibles owned by family firms but also to show a number of indicators that can help measure them. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case-study-based research approach was adopted taking as reference: 25 family firms belonging to different sectors; previous works existing in the literature; and the intellectus model. Findings – The present study identifies ten intangibles associated with the human capital of family firms and shows 60 indicators that can be used to measure them. It additionally provides empirical evidence and gives examples of these intangibles through the analysis of 25 international family firms. Research limitations/implications – The difficulty in collecting all the human capital intangibles of family firms; the problems associated with the creation of accurate indicators; and those specific to the research methodology adopted. Practical implications – Identifying the human capital intangibles of family firms and their indicators can help managers become aware of their importance, and this will consequently help them improve their management. This could be an interesting starting point to value these intangibles in the balance sheet as well as to draw comparisons between family and non-family organisations. Originality/value – The framework provided by family firms sheds light on several intangibles specific to these firms – precisely for their condition as “family” firms. Those intangibles – human capital intangibles being especially highlighted in this study – provide the basis for the achievement of competitive advantages.

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Towards an implementation framework for governance in the Ghanaian securities trading industry

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets ◽

10.1108/qrfm-04-2020-0061 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Johan Marx ◽

Ronald Henry Mynhardt

Keyword(s):

Boards Of Directors ◽

Internal Audit ◽

Economic Life ◽

Audit Committees ◽

Research Approach ◽

Implementation Framework ◽

Content Type ◽

Governance Framework ◽

Starting Point ◽

Securities Trading

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an implementation framework for governance in the Ghanaian securities trading industry. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was followed, using participatory action research (PAR) by involving stakeholders from the Ghanaian securities trading industry. Findings A governance framework for the Ghanaian securities trading industry is proposed, taking into account the regulatory environment of Ghana, the role of ethical leadership, boards of directors, audit committees, the governance of risk, information technology and internal audit. Research limitations/implications This study used PAR because it is a recognised research methodology aimed at problem resolution, knowledge creation and improving professional practice, through the involvement of the interest group. This paper provides a starting point – a practical solution for the securities industry of Ghana, but not generalisable results. Practical implications Applying the governance framework will create safeguards against corruption and mismanagement, promote transparency in economic life and assist Ghana in attracting investment, ultimately lowering its cost of capital and contributing to economic growth and development in the country. Social implications The implementation of the governance framework will benefit all stakeholders (employees, suppliers and the community at large) as a result of a culture conducive to influencing behaviour, strategy planning and implementation, as well as corporate results and financial sustainability. Originality/value The use of PAR assists the practitioners from the Ghanaian securities trading industry in improving their competencies (knowledge, skills, values and attributes) whilst generating a workable solution for their current governance challenges.

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Reforming Medical Curriculum While Ignoring Examinations

International Journal of User-Driven Healthcare ◽

10.4018/ijudh.2012010110 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 76-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sabyasachi Sircar

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Medical Curriculum ◽

Exit Exams ◽

Objective Data ◽

National Initiatives ◽

Starting Point

Successive national initiatives in India to improve the medical curriculum are plagued by the lack of objective data that can help grade the existing quality of medical education. Without such quantitative data, which can be conveniently obtained through national exit exams, it is infructuous to embark upon curricular reforms. The results of the national exit exams must serve as a starting point for all subsequent reforms.

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A Medical Science Educator’s Guide to Selecting a Research Paradigm: Building a Basis for Better Research

Medical Science Educator ◽

10.1007/s40670-019-00898-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 545-553 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Megan E.L. Brown ◽

Angelique N. Dueñas

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Medical Science ◽

Research Paradigm ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Research Project ◽

Simplified Approach ◽

Research Communication ◽

Research Paradigms ◽

Methodological Rigor ◽

Education Community

AbstractA research paradigm, or set of common beliefs about research, should be a key facet of any research project. However, despite its importance, there is a paucity of general understanding in the medical sciences education community regarding what a research paradigm consists of and how to best construct one. With the move within medical sciences education towards greater methodological rigor, it is now more important than ever for all educators to understand simply how to better approach their research via paradigms. In this monograph, a simplified approach to selecting an appropriate research paradigm is outlined. Suggestions are based on broad literature, medical education sources, and the author’s own experiences in solidifying and communicating their research paradigms. By assisting in detailing the philosophical underpinnings of individuals research approaches, this guide aims to help all researchers improve the rigor of their projects and improve upon overall understanding in research communication.

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Coping Strategies Adopted by Women Who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of Social Norms in Rural Areas in Zimbabwe

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260520943734 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 088626052094373

Author(s):

Cyndirela Chadambuka

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Social Norms ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Rural Women ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Coping Behavior ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Research Approach ◽

Starting Point

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has detrimental effects on the welfare of women. Research on the coping strategies employed by rural women in Zimbabwe is notably lacking, despite the fact that the majority of Zimbabwean women reside in rural areas. Therefore, this study sought to explore the strategies that women in rural areas used to manage and cope with IPV. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, and participants were recruited through the purposive sampling method in Chimanimani Rural District, Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe. Face-to-face interviews using a narrative approach were conducted with 25 women between 19 and 49 years and seven key informants. The 25 women consisted of women who had left abusive relationships and were selected on the basis that they should have experienced IPV in their former relationships. Current IPV victims were excluded from the study. All the interviews were recorded, with participants’ consent, to avoid loss of data. Data was analyzed by the author and an additional independent data analyst using thematic analysis. Findings from this study revealed that social norms influenced participants’ covert coping behavior, which include acceptance of abuse and prayer. There is need to strengthen the existing coping strategies that are utilized by women as these could be the starting point for intervention efforts. This is important as it enables practitioners to develop context-specific and context-driven intervention strategies that will effectively serve the victims in their distinctive situation(s).

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Reconceptualizing Expressive Arts Education in Portugal through a Biographical Narrative Approach

Education Sciences ◽

10.3390/educsci10120388 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 388

Author(s):

André Freitas ◽

Fátima Pereira ◽

Paulo Nogueira

Keyword(s):

Life History ◽

Primary School ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Arts Education ◽

School Teacher ◽

Expressive Arts ◽

Primary School Teacher ◽

Research Approach ◽

Starting Point

In light of ongoing controversies concerning expressive arts education in Portuguese primary schools, the life history of one primary-school teacher who lives and works in the city of Porto (Portugal) is the starting point for problematizing this issue from the perspective of lived experiences. Data collection comprises oral reports, visual materials, and emotional accounts. Feelings were shared in a relational environment framed by ethical commitments. Through these processes, it was possible to create a narrative within the framework of a biographical narrative research approach. The main purpose was to highlight the voice of one primary-school teacher whose life history is blended with the foundations and practices of artistic expression in basic education—such as language, communication, knowledge, and lived experiences—making it an important starting point for reconceptualizing expressive arts education. The results showed that this reconceptualization can be achieved through three dimensions: seducing people, mediating places, and governing senses.

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