The Status of Education Development Office in Improving the Quality of Medical Sciences Education: a Qualitative Study

Introduction: The Educational Development Office (EDO) is considered the executive arm of educational development centers in colleges and hospitals. This study aimed to explain the status of EDO in Improving the Quality of Medical Sciences Education. Methods: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2022. The required data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. Sampling was done in a targeted manner with the officials of EDOs at colleges and teaching hospitals, and the interviews continued until saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis or an inductive approach. Results: After classifying and integrating the results, 445 codes, 9 subcategories, and 3 main categories were obtained. The main categories were "EDO as a Source of Motivation and Dynamism," "The Lost and Strange Aspirations of EDO," and "The Path of Radiance and Sustainability of EDO." The subcategories included ideation and design, driving force of implementation, monitoring and evaluation, independence and credit, expertise, motivation, skinning, supporting umbrella, and foundation of relationships. Conclusion: Education development offices work with the aim of presenting ideas, plans, and programs and creating the groundwork to guarantee and improve the quality of education. There are deficiencies and obstacles that, if addressed, could enable these offices to become centers for generating ideas and innovations in medical education.