Journal of Education Technology in Health Sciences 2021;8(3):99–104
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Journal of Education Technology in Health Sciences
Journal homepage: http://www.jeths.net/
Original Research Article
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of research among faculties in
medical college
Jalpa K Bhatt
1,
*
1
Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. M. K. Shah Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
ARTICLE INFO
Article history:
Received 15-11-2021
Accepted 13-12-2021
Available online 13-01-2022
Keywords:
Research orientation
Edmonton research orientation survey
(EROS)
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Medical research aims to advance knowledge, skills, and professionalism. Lack of research
could lead to the demise of the profession as a viable discipline. Research orientation is a concept that
incorporates four subscales and provides insight into faculties’ overall perception of research.
Aims and Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding research and to identify
barriers for research among medical faculty.
Materials and Methods: Our study is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study covering 110 faculties
of medical college. Data collection was done through the Edmonton research orientation survey (EROS), a
pre-validated tool. EROS questionnaire consists of 50 questions in two sections –the first section containing
demographic variables (12 questions) and the second section (consist of 38 items) asks the respondents to
rate on a five-point Likert’s scale.
Results: A high response rate (90.9%) was achieved. Sixty-five percent of respondents achieved an overall
medium EROS score and 33% of respondents achieved a high EROS score (mean Eros score 132.3+21.7)
indicating high research orientation. Respondents showed high subscale scores: valuing research (63%)
and being at the leading edge of the profession (66%). While involvement in research (47%) and evidence-
based practice (53%) scored lower. The study highlighted important barriers like lack of time, skills and
support.
Conclusion: The results suggest that although faculties value research they engage less in carrying out and
applying research. The positive research orientation provides an opportunity for the profession to use the
available potential to increase research output.
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1. Introduction
Research is the systematic and rigorous process of inquiry,
which aims to contribute to a scientific body of knowledge.
“Research is frequently seen as the lifeblood, hallmark or
cornerstone in the development of a profession”, in that it
forms its scientific basis.
1,2
Research benefits the profession
in developing a scientific foundation, while benefits for
the professional include the development of a critical
mindset, fostering life-long and self-directed learning and
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: drjalpavyas@yahoo.com (J. K. Bhatt).
understanding research literature and research results.
3
Medical research is important to society. It gives
information about disease trends, risk factors and treatment
outcomes vital to public health interventions. Research in
a wide range of fields like developing new medicines or
medical procedures or improving the application of those
already available provides help to develop guidelines for
best practices to improve health, health outcomes and health
services.
Engagement of teaching faculties in research is essential.
Medical research wishes to advance the knowledge, skills,
and professionalism of people who serve as teachers and
https://doi.org/10.18231/j.jeths.2021.020
2454-4396/© 2021 Innovative Publication, All rights reserved. 99