Process-oriented evaluation of an international faculty development program for Asian developing countries: a qualitative study

Understanding competency of nursing students in the course of case-based learning in Cambodia: a convergent mixed method study

BACKGROUND

In the last decade, nursing education has begun to reform to competency-based education worldwide, including in low-and middle-income countries. Case-Based Learning (CBL), an approach to delivering competency-based education, contributes to acquiring critical thinking competency, problem-solving, higher knowledge, professional value and attitude. However, it needs to be taught in a culturally appropriate manner. In Cambodia, CBL was initiated in a classroom and clinical practicum by faculty and preceptors who graduated from the upgrading course. This study examined the factors associated with the competency level of nursing students, explored the practice and perceptions of teaching-learning activities among students, faculty members and preceptors and assessed the coherence of qualitative and quantitative findings.

METHODS

This was a convergent, mixed methods study. Data were collected from eight educational institutions for quantitative and qualitative studies and seven hospitals for qualitative studies. From June to September 2019, a cross-sectional survey of nursing students in the third year of the three-year programme (n = 719), eight focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 55) with 6-8 members and 15 FGDs with faculty (n = 38) and clinical preceptors (n = 37) with 4-7 members were conducted to elicit the teaching-learning experience and perceptions. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate the factors associated with student competency. Moreover, the study conducted thematic content analysis on the qualitative data. The integrated analysis was presented as side-by-side joint displays.

RESULTS

First, the quantitative and qualitative findings confirmed each other 's CBL learning experiences. Students had higher levels of nursing competencies if they had CBL experiences, both in the classroom and clinical practicum, both in a group manner. Next, the quantitative and qualitative findings complemented students' academic satisfaction with the teaching by faculty members and preceptors. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative findings were expanded to explain students' academic satisfaction with the programme.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of CBL experiences in a group and students' satisfaction with faculty members' and preceptors' teaching improved nursing students' competency development. Meanwhile, students' satisfaction with the design and delivery of the educational programme provides implications for policy level to narrow the theory and practice gaps in low- and middle-income countries.

Understanding and Embracing Culture in International Faculty Development

Introduction

Research on international faculty development programs (IFDPs) has demonstrated many positive outcomes; however, participants' cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and behaviors have often been overlooked in these investigations. The goal of this study was to explore the influences of culture on teaching and learning in an IFDP.

Method

Using interpretive description as the qualitative methodology, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 Fellows and 5 Faculty of a US-based IFDP. The authors iteratively performed a constant comparative analysis to identify similar patterns and themes. Transformative Learning Theory informed the analysis and interpretation of the results.

Results

This research identified three themes related to the influences of culture on teaching and learning. First, cultural differences were not seen as a barrier to learning; instead, they tended to act as a bridge to cultural awareness and network building. Second, some cultural differences produced a sense of unease and uncertainty, which led to adaptations, modifications, or mediation. Third, context mattered, as participants' perspectives were also influenced by the program culture and their professional backgrounds and experiences.

Discussion

The cultural diversity of health professions educators in an IFDP did not impede learning. A commitment to future action, together with the ability to reflect critically and engage in dialectical discourse, enabled participants to find constructive solutions to subtle challenges. Implications for faculty development included the value of enhanced cultural awareness and respect, explicit communication about norms and expectations, and building on shared professional goals and experiences.

Needs assessment for faculty development in dental education, at the University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR

Due to the short history of dental education in Laos, the educational system is still incomplete, with only a few faculty development (FD) programs. This study aims to identify the needs assessment for FD, in Lao dental education. A survey was conducted, with dentists from the Faculty of Dentistry, in 2022. Data on demographics, perceived importance, and ability, on the 13 roles and competencies of teachers, as well as the 26 FD items' needs assessment were collected. Data were compared between the two groups (lecturers and assistant teachers), and analyzed to identify different needs. Sixty-seven responses were included, after excluding inappropriate ones. Lecturers and assistant teachers expressed their needs for developing a syllabus, and teaching using simulation. Lecturers revealed the need to improve their roles as resource developers, followed by learning facilitators and lecturer in a classroom setting. Assistant teachers reported their prioritized needs for improving their role as on-the-job role models, followed by lecturer in a classroom setting, and mentor, personal adviser, or tutor. Assistant teachers showed higher educational needs scores than lecturers, in most questionnaire items. Although the needs assessment of FD indicates different needs, based on the differing roles and responsibilities, assistant teachers' needs scores are generally higher. An FD program could prioritize the most common needs of both groups at an early stage, but the topics most needed by each group should also be considered. This study can inform a future FD program, to improve Lao dental education.

Medium-term outcomes of a program to upgrade the nursing faculty in Cambodia: A qualitative study

Continuous professional development is important for improving professional competencies, such as cognitive knowledge, technical skills, behaviors, and attitudes. Trainees who complete training programs can have a positive influence on their workplaces. However, it is challenging to establish a process that can facilitate individual learning and help achieve training outcomes in educational and clinical workplaces. In Cambodia, a tumultuous history has played a part in the deficit of adequately prepared nursing faculty. Since the faculty development is vital to ensuring the quality of education, the application of upgraded nursing programs has started in 2011. After the completion of upgraded program, an immediate post-training study was conducted in 2014. Results showed that some faculty members did not accept trainees because they lacked an understanding about nursing concepts. The current study aimed to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of an established program that can improve nursing education and to identify relevant factors in light of the institutional development of educational and clinical facilities in Cambodia. A qualitative study incorporating focus group discussions, key-informant interviews, and teaching document reviews was performed with a thematic analysis using the four-level training evaluation model of Kirkpatrick. Finally, factors influencing outcomes were assessed based on the Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory. Five themes for behavior and three themes for results were identified as medium-term outcomes from an institutional development aspect. The major enabling factors for the above-mentioned themes were the support of institutional managers, continuous networking among trainees, and supportive national policy. Compared with the immediate post-training study findings, the perceived medium-term outcomes became more strategically focused. Then, the impact of training at a considerably broader scale within the workplace was discussed. The findings highlighted the importance of medium-term program delivery and monitoring if one understands the role played in stimulating outcomes. Moreover, the importance of contextual factors including the influence of managers and policy environment were emphasized.

"Turning Point": Evaluating the Impact of a Three-Month UK-Based Clinical Education Training Programme for Physicians from a Chinese Medical School

PURPOSE

Transnational faculty development programmes are increasingly popular in medicine, although evaluation of such activities rarely consider longer-term outcomes or the impact of language training. This study attempts to fill this gap by evaluating the lasting impacts of a three-month clinical education and English language training programme at University College London Medical School, UK, for medical educators from Ningbo University, China.

METHODS

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in China with 41 participants who had completed the programme between 2013 and 2018. Interview data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis, and themes were categorised using the four primary components of the faculty development model outlined by Irby and O'Sullivan (2011) - context, facilitator, programme, and participant.

RESULTS

Contextual impacts included the importance of participants learning in the familiar environment of their own clinical discipline, the cultural enrichment gained by spending time overseas, reflecting on differences in health-care systems, and attempts to implement and disseminate learning on return to China. Facilitator-related factors included new insights into the student-educator relationship and valuing the support of programme mentors. Programme-related factors included exposure to new teaching methods and technical presentation skills, the challenges of navigating observership placements, spoken English language and pronunciation issues, and establishing a peer network of medical educators. Participant-related factors included improved confidence and self-reflection, adjusting educational approaches for different student groups, and career development in medical education.

CONCLUSION

Participants gained teaching confidence from their engagement in the programme and many described it as a turning point in their careers as educators. Although in the period after attending, individuals changed their own practices and influenced colleagues within their organisation, often through taking on senior roles, systematic education changes were generally not implemented. Dedicated English language classes and clinical placements were considered the most positive features of the programme.

The International Literature on Teaching Faculty Development in English-Language Journals: A Scoping Review and Recommendations for Core Topics

BACKGROUND

With increasing physician mobility, there is interest in how medical schools and postgraduate medical education institutions across the world develop and maintain the competence of medical teachers. Published reviews of faculty development (FD) have predominantly included studies from the United States and Canada.

OBJECTIVE

We synthesized the international FD literature (beyond the US and Canada), focusing on FD type, intended audience, study format, effectiveness, differences among countries, and potential unique features.

METHODS

We identified English-language publications that addressed FD for medical faculty for teaching and related activities, excluding US and Canadian publications.

RESULTS

A search of 4 databases identified 149 publications, including 83 intervention studies. There was significant growth in international FD publications for the most recent decade, and a sizable number of studies were from developing economies and/or resulted from international collaborations. Focal areas echo those in earlier published reviews, suggesting the international FD literature addresses similar faculty needs and organizational concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

The growth in publications in recent years and a higher proportion of reporting on participant reactions, coupled with less frequent reporting of results, transfer to practice, and impact on learners and the organization, suggest this is an evolving field. To enhance international FD, educators and researchers should focus on addressing common needs expressed by faculty, including curriculum design and evaluation, small group teaching, assessing professionalism and providing feedback. Future research should focus on approaches for developing comprehensive institutional FD programs that include communities of learning and practice and evaluating their impact.