Evaluation of the quality of education in an orthopedic referral center in north-west of Iran

Background: The quality of medical universities’ educational services requires systematic evaluation from multiple perspectives. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study included 150 students (orthopedic residents, medical students, nursing students, and surgical technology students) at Shohada Medical Education Center, selected through convenience sampling. Sample size was determined through power analysis (β=0.80, α=0.05) to detect medium effect sizes. Data collection utilized demographic specifications and the validated SERVQUAL scale (Cronbach’s alpha=0.83), measuring five service quality dimensions: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Quantitative variables were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while qualitative variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. Data analysis employed SPSS version 16, utilizing paired t-tests with effect sizes (Cohen’s d) reported alongside p-values. Results: The current situation demonstrated relative satisfaction (mean=3.11±0.59 on a 5-point scale), with significant gaps between expectations and current status across all dimensions. The largest quality gaps were identified in the assurance dimension (gap=1.42±0.72, Cohen’s d=0.89, P<0.001) and responsiveness dimension (gap=1.52±0.94, Cohen’s d=0.83, P<0.001), indicating substantial areas for improvement. Conclusion: While overall attitudes toward educational services were moderately positive, specific areas require targeted enhancement. This study provides actionable recommendations for service quality improvement while acknowledging limitations in self-reported data and generalizability.