Recruitment and retention of tutors in problem-based learning: why teachers in medical education tutor

Introduction: Problem-based learning (PBL) is resource-intensive, particularly as it relates to tutors for small group learning. This study explores the factors that contributed to tutor participation in PBL in a medical training program, examining tutor recruitment and retention within the larger scope of teacher satisfaction and motivation in higher education. Method: From 2007 to 2010, following the introduction of new PBL-based curriculum in undergraduate medical education, all faculty members serving as tutors were invited to attend an interview as part of this study. Semi-structured interviews approximately one hour in length were conducted with 14 individuals- 11 who had tutored in PBL within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and 3 faculty members who had chosen not to participate in PBL. Thematic analysis was employed as the framework for analysis of the data. Results: Seven factors were identified as affecting recruitment and retention of tutors in the undergraduate medical education program. Discussion: We suggest that identification and strengthening of the factors that promote tutor recruitment and retention may serve to strengthen PBL initiatives and, furthermore, may increase our understanding of motivation by academics in other aspects of medical education

Survey of Interprofessional Collaboration Learning Needs and Training Interest in Health Professionals, Teachers, and Students: An Exploratory Study

AbstractBackground: Researchers and trainers from many professions and settings have emphasized the importance of explicit training in interprofessional collaboration (IPC), but interest in and best practice for training for IPC remains unknown.Methods and Findings: A 33-item Internet-based survey was completed by 486 practicing professionals and students from the sectors of health and education. The survey assessed experiences and knowledge of IPC as well as interest in and barriers to further training in IPC. Overall, there was agreement among respondents regarding the importance of IPC. Satisfaction with IPC was associated with higher self-ratings of knowledge and skills related to IPC. Interest in further IPC training was high, especially for one- or two-day workshops or web-based modules. Qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question about IPC skills and knowledge revealed seven networks of common themes that can serve as a framework for training and theory development.Conclusions: IPC training should provide knowledge about IPC models and research, leadership styles, team stages, and conflict management, while also ensuring that training applies to the workplace or practicum placement. Efforts should be made to promote awareness of the need for training in areas where trainees already feel competent

Action, Reflection, and Evolution: A Pilot Implementation of Interprofessional Education across Three Rehabilitation Disciplines

Background: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is accepted as standard practice in healthcare. Because of this expectation, there is an increased need for growth in interprofessional education (IPE). Despite this need, the scholarship of IPE is limited. To better understand the challenges of IPE and improve on future endeavours, this article describes an IPE collaboration that was less successful, and the conclusions drawn from team reflection regarding IPE. We report on the challenges and the lessons learned.Methods and Findings: After one year of an IPE pilot project, the research team conducted a reflection exercise involving three iterations: 1) initial group meeting to discuss reflection questions, 2) individual review of meeting notes, 3) subsequent group meeting to confirm accuracy of the data. The confirmed data were then analyzed using thematic analysis.Conclusions: The key themes that emerged regarding the limited success of the pilot were focused on communication—between members of the research team, with the students, and with other faculty impacted by the pilot. Recommendations regarding improvements to facilitate future IPE initiatives are discussed. The summary conclusion of our exercise acknowledged that as IP educators we must remain vigilant to demonstrate IPC in the same manner as we teach it