Identifying Priorities for Faculty Development in General Surgery Using the Delphi Consensus Method

Faculty teaching skills are critical for effective surgical education, however, which skills are most important to be taught in a faculty development program have not been well defined. The objective of this study was to identify priorities for faculty development as perceived by surgical educators.

We used a modified Delphi methodology to assess faculty perceptions of the value of faculty development activities, best learning modalities, as well as barriers and priorities for faculty development. An expert panel developed the initial survey and distributed it to the membership of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Responses were reviewed by the expert panel and condensed to 3 key questions that were redistributed to the survey participants for final ranking.

Seven experts reviewed responses to 8 questions by 110 participants. 35 participants determined the final ranking responses to 3 key questions.

The top three priorities for faculty development were: 1) Resident assessment/evaluation and feedback 2) Coaching for faculty teaching, and 3) Improving intraoperative teaching skills. The top 3 learning modalities were: 1) Coaching 2) Interactive small group sessions, and 3) Video-based education. Barriers to implementing faculty development included time limitations, clinical workload, faculty interest, and financial support.

Faculty development programs should focus on resident assessment methods, intraoperative and general faculty teaching skills using a combination of coaching, small group didactic and video-based education. Concerted efforts to recognize and financially reward the value of teaching and faculty development is required to support these endeavors and improve the learning environment for both residents and faculty.