Designing the structure and accreditation process of educational programs of medical universities

 Accreditation is a powerful quality assurance instrument. In the higher health education system, since 2005, the issue of accreditation in four domains of institutions, programs, hospitals, and continuing education programs has been considered. In this regard, this study endeavors to develop a program accreditation model for the higher education system. Health was confirmed.

 This developmental study was conducted in 5 steps with a qualitative approach. These 5 steps were organized into 3 stages: analysis, prototype development and testing, prototype review, and retesting. Accordingly, the study in 5 phases of analyzing the structure and process of program accreditation in other countries, analyzing the quality assurance of medical education programs in Iran, compiling a preliminary draft of the structure and process of program accreditation in Iran, forming a panel of experts to the planning and implementation were reviewed and finalized.

 The results of the phase of reviewing the structure and process of program accreditation in selected countries and comparing it with the structure and processes of the Ministry of Health and Higher Education indicate the lack of standards and specific and codified steps. Results the next two stages are self-assessment, external evaluation, standardization, and an ethical guide to program accreditation.

 The result of this study can help the educational secretariats of the Ministry of Health to compile and implement the appropriate accreditation process and structure of the disciplines of each secretariat according to the documents compiled and according to the structure and processes in each secretariat.