Elaborating on the experts' comprehension of the innovative medical education program

Today, the medical education system in Iran has made significant progress in the development of strategic plans in medical education. The reform and innovation in medical education programs is one of the steps of the health system reform plan, which was presented in the year 2015 along with a view to the policies, plans, and strategies of the country. This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of reform and innovation program from the perspective of experts.

This qualitative study was done through a content analysis approach. Interviews were used to collect information. The study was based on purposive sampling method and sample size was based on saturation phenomenon. Fifteen experts in this field were interviewed in person and by telephone. Data analysis was performed through the 5-step Graneheim and Lundman method.

A total of 108 codes were solicited from the participants. Due to the similarities and differences between the codes, different classes and subcategories were obtained. Altogether, the different classes and subclasses obtained were placed in the form of five themes. These five main themes were complexity, challenge of documenting and central reporting, comprehensiveness, educational discourse, as well as new horizons.

The innovation program in medical science education enhanced the interaction and purposeful communication between the universities of the region and created a discourse of reform and innovation in higher education. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of this program (according to the view of experts), the executive planning of this plan can be brought closer to reality.