Promotion of the Board of Trustees of Universities of Medical Sciences in Iran from the Viewpoint of Experts

The board of trustees is in the decision-making structure of universities of medical science. The law enforcement of the board of trustees began at universities and higher education institutes in 1991. Studies of the trusteeship board and its various dimensions were detected at home and abroad. The purpose of this study was to provide a conceptual map for the promotion of the board of trustees from the viewpoint of experts.

The present study was based on an applied purpose, and the methodology was based on a qualitative design with the content analysis approach. The number of interviewees was 14. In collaboration with the group of researchers, the analysis of the text of the interviews took place. Then, the Delphi Phase I Questionnaire was designed based on theme and sub-theme. After receiving expert opinions, the second phase of Delphi was designed and implemented.

The important challenges to the excellence of the board of trustees from the viewpoint of experts in eight themes are noteworthy, including: (1) the process of appointing trustees; (2) lack of attention in the ongoing assessment of trustees; (3) review of the continuous training of the board of trustees based on the needs for the assessment of education; (4) choosing the secretary of the board of trustees and the head of the institute (Meritocracy); (5) lack of adequate motivation in the members of the board of trustees; (6) lack of transparency in the roles of the board of trustees; (7) lack of transparency in the roles of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education related board of trustees; and (8) non-accountability to stakeholders.

Promoting board of trustees requires the following items: modifying the appointment process and motivating members; internal and external evaluation of performance; redesign of the roles of the Ministry of Health and universities; revision of the role-based authority law; and legalization of trustee accountability to stakeholders.