Effect of interactive group discussion among physicians to promote rational prescribing

This study assessed the effect of an educational intervention [interactive group discussion] on the prescribing behaviour of 51 general physicians from the north-west of Tabriz. Prescriptions were analysed pre-intervention and post-intervention [control and intervention groups] using a proforma with 8 indicators of correct prescribing. The mean number of drugs per prescription pre-intervention was 3.82. The percentage of prescriptions with antibiotics, corticosteroids and injections were 40.8%, 25.9% and 58.0%, respectively. Following the intervention there were slight but not significant changes in the indicators in both intervention and control groups compared with pre-intervention results

Opinions of an Iranian nursing faculty on barriers to implementing problem-based learning

We investigated the opinions of all 53 lecturers in the nursing faculty of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences about barriers to implementation of problem-based learning [PBL]. A 13-item questionnaire was used which included questions on number and preparedness of students and lecturers, educational space and course content. We found that 95% of the respondents believed that the most important barrier was the students' lack of knowledge and skills in group work and active interaction; 94% also believed that the change in their role from lecturer to facilitator would not reduce their motivation but it could be a potential barrier. The majority [98%] indicated that the cost of implementation and maintenance of PBL, too many students and a shortage of lecturers competent in PBL were among the barriers that needed to be considered