A Framework and Recommendations to Recruit and Engage Faculty Facilitators for Large-Scale IPE Events

As integration of interprofessional education (IPE) events gains traction in health sciences, there is an increased need to recruit and train faculty to facilitate student groups from multiple health care disciplines. This report describes a framework used to effectively recruit and prepare faculty as facilitators for a large-scale, one-time IPE event. We detail recruitment strategies, training tools, facilitators' perceptions about the training, and recommendations for future training.

Faculty were recruited via email to facilitate an IPE student group of 8-10 learners for an in-person, one-time event. Before the event, faculty facilitators received a Welcome Video and Guidebook providing a description of their role, best practices of facilitation, and scripts. On the event day, facilitators engaged in a face-to-face session to familiarize themselves with the Guidebook and best practices. After the event, facilitators received an email to thank them and invite their participation in a survey regarding perceptions of the training. Data were collected on 2018 and 2019 facilitators. Descriptive statistics were calculated for Likert scales or agreement survey items, and thematic analysis was completed for open-ended questions.

Over two offerings of the event, 235 faculty facilitators across 10 academic units participated in 2018 and 2019. Most facilitators felt prepared (92.5% average across 2018 and 2019), the Guidebook was helpful (91%), and an increased interest in IPE (78.5%). Written responses indicated engaging diverse students as the main challenge. Fifty-three percent of facilitators in 2019 were newly recruited.

This work demonstrates an effective training program with a hybrid self-directed and in-person approach that adequately prepares faculty to facilitate IPE discussions. Inclusion of academic unit leaders for recruiting and acknowledging faculty facilitation may add value to the IPE event.