Research data Sharing Case study: Medical faculty members

Advances in information and communication technologies have facilitated the research and production of large volumes of data, and this has led to a new paradigm in scientific research called the fourth paradigm of science. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of research data sharing among researchers at Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

This study is a descriptive survey research. The study population consisted of all faculty members of Kerman University of Medical Sciences with 521 members. The sample size was estimated 220 using Cochran formula.  Data collection tool was a researcher-built questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to calculate the reliability of different parts of questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.

The status of research data sharing in terms of human factors with an average of 3.67 is in relatively desirable condition. Among the human factor variables, the factor of understanding the importance and necessity of data sharing with an average of 4.21 is in a better position than other items. Also, the status of research data sharing of technical factors with an average of 2.58 and in terms of organizational factors with an average of 2.35 is in a relatively desirable condition.Among the items of organizational factors, respectively, holding training courses, support of senior managers of the organization, standards and regulations, the existence of a special program for data sharing and communication channels between researchers are in an unfavorable condition. Also, the sharing of research data in terms of legal factors with an average of 2.36 is relatively desirable. Legal frameworks, control of data access, and the organization's obligation to share data in research projects are in poor condition. Cultural factors related to data sharing, with an average of 3.95 are in good condition. Among the items of this dimension, only two items of incentive and motivation mechanisms and reducing unsound competition are in a relatively desirable condition.

The results indicated that Data management programs will enable communication with the areas of production, organization, management and preparation of specialized medical data, providing a sharing process for future exploitation. Encouraging the culture of data sharing, holding training courses, designing data sharing agreements, protecting privacy and data confidentiality, financial support, and strengthening the technology infrastructure are among the suggestions of this research.