Viewpoints of students and graduates of health in disasters and emergencies toward an accountable education

Since health in disasters and emergencies (HDE) graduates have an important role in meeting the needs of people in disaster-affected areas, it is necessary to design an accountable education. This study aimed to determine the viewpoints of students and graduates of HDE discipline regarding accountable education.

This study was carried out in 2024 using a qualitative method with Graneheim and Lundman's approach. The participants were 16 graduates and students of HDE from universities of medical sciences, hospitals, and the Red Crescent Society across Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis.

Three themes, eight categories, and 52 sub-categories were emerged. The challenges included weakness in organizing graduates and students in real events, weakness in acquiring practical skills, and a lack of consistency between theoretical education and the needs of society. The strengths included the presence of experienced university professors and the presentation of multidimensional education. The suggested solutions included capacity building, providing suitable theoretical content, and accountable education based on society's needs.

Accountable education in the field of HDE to meet the needs of society requires the promotion and fundamental changes in the educational curriculum in this field, academic policies, and inclusion of accountable education in the evaluations of universities.