Effects of an educational training program on health science students' research capacity

Abstract

The European Higher Education Area implies a change to the Health Science education in Spain. Spanish university system must promote the acquisition of competences in research habits, such as the information management or scientific dissemination. This article presents the findings of a study to evaluate the level of effectiveness and satisfaction of an educational training program on research skills geared towards Health Science students. A hundred and eight students of Physical Therapy degree, Occupational Therapy degree and Nursing degree were participated into a quasi-experimental study. Educational needs were first detected by a questionnaire based on different research skills. A semi-distance educational training program was designed and implemented after defining the above-mentioned needs. This program significantly improved the perception of knowledge and skills in research competences. As well as the level of theory and practical content assimilated by the students significantly increased after the program. These findings suggest that incorporation of specific training that allow for students to come in contact with research, are effective at improving research competences for Health Sciences students.