Self-perception of the acquisition of transferable competencies by the participants in a research congress for undergraduate students: A cross-sectional study

Context Several curricular initiatives have been developed to improve the acquisition of research competencies by Health Science students. Objectives To know how students self-perceived of whether their participation in the XIV National Research Congress for Undergraduate Students of Health Sciences had helped them in the acquisition of 36 research-related transferable competencies (TC) common to Health Science degrees. Methods A survey design (Cronbach's alpha = 0.924), using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted among undergraduate students who voluntarily participated in the Congress. Data analysis was performed using SPSS25 and Statgraphics19. Statistical significance was considered for P < 0.05. Results Eighty-one students from 12 Health Science degree programs responded. Key findings are presented in a structured manner, using a Likert-5 scale. Twenty-five of the competencies surveyed obtained an average ≥ 4 highlighting: “Critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret, and communicate scientific and health information”; “To be able to formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate information for problem solving, following the scientific method”, “Critical analysis and research” and “Communicate effectively and clearly, orally and in writing with other professionals”. Significance was found in 15 competencies. The development of the competencies “Teamwork”, “Critical reasoning” and “Analysis and synthesis abilities” was considered to be of greater "personal utility" by the respondents. Conclusion Participation in this event contributed to the development of research-related TC, critical analysis and information management and communication, especially in relation to learning the sources of clinical and biomedical information, to know, following the scientific method, how to formulate hypotheses that allow students to solve problems in their professional activity. The experience was significantly influenced by the respondents’ year, the type of participation in the event and the gender of the students. Limitations and suggestions regarding future research are discussed to encourage further exploration of the topic.