ENHANCING RESEARCH COMPETENCES IN HEALTHCARE HIGHER EDUCATION

Background: In evidence-based education, experts are supposed to possess skills and content knowledge. Scientific skills provide the tools and ways of thinking that enable researches to build the robust conceptual frameworks needed to gain expertise. Science education should not only provide broad content knowledge base but also develop analytical thinking, understanding of scientific research processes, and inspire curiosity of researchers.Objectives: This paper discusses the key results of subjective evaluation of attained outcomes of a 2,5-year project focused on enhancing research competences in a faculty of health sciences. Methods: The data was gathered from project members by four consequent semi-structured online questionnaires. Total number of respondents was 78 (N=78) with 75% response rate. The data was analysed by a summative content analysis combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results: The findings present evident progress in personal achievements, team working, and scientific practice in the faculty. Based on identified needs the concrete measures supported learning and lead to enhancement in the target group's research competences.Conclusions: Capacity building approach was successful in laying a robust foundation for consistent development in research-based practice both in academic and professional levels. Further research should be conducted on the long-term impacts of the project in the faculty.