Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Scientific Production of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Academic Members in Scopus Database

Background: The rapid growth of scientific production and the number of researchers has made decision makers think about scientific approaches for evaluation of the researchers’ performance. Scientometric indicators have been introduced to analyze science by quantitative methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific production of academic members at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KMU) based on Scientometric indicators.   Methods: This was a analytical survey research. The study population was scientific productions of all academic members of KMU until ۲۲nd of August, ۲۰۱۴. Direct search of Scopus Database and checklist were used for data collection.   Results: The highest mean (median) of published articles belonged to the Pharmacy School, while the lowest belonged to the Nursing and Midwifery School [۱۷.۶۶(۲۰.۵۰) and ۳.۰۸ (۰) respectively, (p <۰.۰۰۰۱)]. The highest H-Index was ۱۷ and approximately half of the academic members had zero H-indices. A strong positive and significant correlation was found between academic members’ work experience and H-index (r=۰.۸, p <۰.۰۰۰۱).There was also a positive and significant relationship between H-index and academic rank (p <۰.۰۰۰۱).   Conclusion: The results shows that scientific production of KMU academic members is not significantly different from that of other medical universities of Iran, but it is still far away from global standards. Therefore, policy makers should provide the scientific development requirements through wise planning.