The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the relationship between the conventional methods of assessment in medical surgical courses and students’ approaches to learning. In this descriptive correlational study; the sample consisted of 198 undergraduate and postgraduate students studying nursing. Data were obtained using the revised two-factor study process questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) and the Assessment preference inventory including personal characteristics and assessment methods. The results showed that mean grade for deep learning approaches were a bit higher than surface learning approaches. (Mean ± Standard error [SE] 34.27 ± 5.006 versus Mean ± Standard error [SE] 31.21 ± 5.52). The deep and surface approaches were proposed each with a motive and strategy subscale. In this regard; grades of 16.51 ± 2.73, 17.75 ± 3.28 and 14.6 ± 3.72, 16.61 ± 2.74 were obtained for deep motive and strategy and surface motive and strategy respectively. Regarding the relationship between learning approaches and clinical assessment methods; the results of ANOVA test showed significant differences only on surface learning strategy (p < 0.05) and between clinical, oral and practical group project assessments. In respect to the relationship between learning approaches and written assessment methods; there were also strong and significant correlations between True-False questions and a combination of tests groups in deep motive subscale and between project assessment and a combination of tests groups in surface strategy subscale (p < 0.05). Suggestions are offered for mixed and new assessment methods and techniques in medical education. In case of some new debates on evaluation, workshops and training courses are recommended.

Aim: Dignity therapy is a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of psychological problems in patients under maintenance hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dignity therapy model on stress, anxiety and depression of patients under maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: In a randomised controlled trial conducted from December 2013 to March 2014 in one hemodialysis center in Iran, 42 patients under maintenance hemodialysis were randomly assigned into two groups (control and intervention group). Patients' level of stress, anxiety and depression were measured with using DASS-21 questionnaire before and one week after dignity therapy protocol implantation. Results: Before implementation of dignity therapy protocol, level of stress, anxiety and depression were high and similar in patients in both groups (p > .05). After implementation of dignity therapy protocol, level of stress, anxiety and depression significantly decreased in patients in dignity therapy group (p > .05) but not in patients in control group (p > .05). Conclusions: Level of stress, anxiety and depression among hemodialysis patients is high. Dignity therapy is an effective intervention for decreasing stress, anxiety and depression in this group of patients.