An interactive faculty development workshop designed to improve knowledge, skills (competence), attitudes, and...

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Practice
• Continuing Professional Development

Background:

• Health care educators face challenges in planning and delivering interprofessional continuing education (IPCE).
• Existing literature indicates a gap in preparedness for IPCE educators.
• A strategy to enhance IPCE educator capabilities is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review a strategy aimed at improving the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices of IPCE educators.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of faculty development workshops for IPCE educators.

Main Methods:

• Seven faculty development workshops were conducted globally (USA, Europe, Asia, Middle East).
• Approximately 250 learners participated, with 107 in an IRB-approved research study.
• Knowledge, skills, and attitudes were assessed over a 12-month period.

Main Results:

• Research cohorts showed significant improvements in knowledge and skills from baseline to 3 months, sustained at 6-12 months.
• The workshop was not effective in improving attitudes towards IPCE, as scores were already high.
• Participant engagement was high and consistent across demographics and regions.

Conclusions:

• Participants reported enhanced understanding of team roles, patient perspectives, and the complexities of IPCE design.
• Faculty development workshops are a valuable strategy for improving IPCE educator competencies.
• Further strategies may be needed to address attitudes if not already high.