Web-based faculty development: e-learning for clinical teachers in the London Deanery

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• The London Deanery has offered web-based resources for clinical teacher development since 2002.
• New e-learning modules were commissioned in 2007 to introduce clinical teaching.
• Faculty development initiatives address requirements from the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) and other policy drivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an accessible, web-based resource for the educational development of clinical teachers.
• To support doctors in meeting requirements for educational portfolios and professional revalidation.
• To offer a flexible learning tool that complements formal award-bearing programs.

Main Methods:

• Development of 16 short, open-access, free-standing e-learning modules.
• Modules cover core clinical teaching topics including feedback, supervision, assessment, and interprofessional education.
• Content is structured to encourage reflective practice through self-assessment and a reflective log.

Main Results:

• The e-learning modules cover essential topics for effective clinical teaching.
• The open-access, web-based format allows flexible engagement with the material.
• The resource has been accessed by over 64,000 health professionals from 155 countries.

Conclusions:

• The resource promotes reflective practice and enhances engagement with teaching.
• Its flexible, open-access format is a valuable adjunct to other learning methods.
• The broad reach demonstrates its utility and demand among health professionals worldwide.