Song SL, Yu ZZ, Pavlech L, Scott IU, Greenberg PB. Theoretical Frameworks in Medical Education: Using a Systematic Review of Ophthalmology Education Research to Create a Theory of Change Model.
J Grad Med Educ 2022;
14:568-582. [PMID:
36274766 PMCID:
PMC9580314 DOI:
10.4300/jgme-d-22-00115.1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Theoretical frameworks provide a lens to examine questions and interpret results; however, they are underutilized in medical education.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the use of theoretical frameworks in ophthalmic medical education and present a theory of change model to guide educational initiatives.
METHODS
Six electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between 2016 and 2021 on ophthalmic educational initiatives employing a theoretical framework. Quality of studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach; risk of bias was evaluated using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines for evaluation of assessment methods. Abstracted components of the included studies were used to develop a theory of change model.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 1661 studies: 666 were duplicates, 834 studies were excluded after abstract review, and 132 after full-text review; 29 studies (19.2%) employing a theoretical framework were included. The theories used most frequently were the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition and Messick's contemporary validity framework. GRADE ratings were predominantly "low," the average MERSQI score was 10.04, and the ACGME recommendation for all assessment development studies was the lowest recommendation. The theory of change model outlined how educators can select, apply, and evaluate theory-based interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
Few ophthalmic medical education studies employed a theoretical framework; their overall rigor was low as assessed by GRADE, MERSQI, and ACGME guidelines. A theory of change model can guide integration of theoretical frameworks into educational initiatives.
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