Iranian Journal of Medical Education

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Introduction: Retraining is an important way for professional development of health staff and keeping them up to date, and evaluation is one of the essential principles for enhancing the efficiency of these trainings. The aim of this study was to determine the viewpoints of paramedics employed in Golestan province towards continuing education programs. Methods: In this descriptive study, 274 samples were selected out of 1016 paramedics employed in clinics of the province, through systematic random sampling. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, Chi², and independent T-test. Results: Among the participants, 26.2%, 41.8%, 25.5% and 6.5% had very weak, weak, average, and desirable viewpoint towards the courses, respectively. As the motivation for participating in the courses, 55.5% mentioned achieving points for job promotion opportunities, 21.2% resorting and reviewing former information, 13.8% exchanging information and experiences with other colleagues, and 9.5% mentioned seeking solutions for their professional problems. Thirty one percent reported lack of equity and fairness in participating in the programs on behalf of their direct administrator and 33.9% stated that the planning for participation in these courses was not favorable. Conclusion: Participants had a weak or very weak viewpoint toward programs and regarded their motiva-tion for participation in these programs as achieving points for job promotion. It is necessary for admini-strators to plan for changing the staff's viewpoint toward participation in continuing education programs.

Keywords: Paramedics employees, Viewpoint, Continuing education, Golestan province

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