Fundamental Teaching Activities in Family Medicine Framework: Analysis of Awareness and Utilization

In 2015, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, in performing their commitment to supporting its members in their educational roles, created the Family Medicine Framework (FTA). It was designed to assist family medicine educators with an understanding of the core activities of educators: precepting, coaching, and teaching within or beyond clinical settings. Given that an examination of member awareness of FTA has not been previously undertaken, our primary objective was to conduct an evaluation on its utility and application.

In partnership with College of Family Physicians of Canada Faculty Development Education Committee members, we used a practical participatory evaluation approach to conduct a two-phase mixed-methods evaluation of the FTA. We distributed an electronic survey in French and English languages to Canadian faculty development, program, and site directors in family medicine. We then conducted follow-up interviews with self-selected participants.

Of the target populations, 12/15 (80%) faculty development directors (FDDs), 12/18 (66.7%) program directors, and 34/174 (19.5%) site directors completed the electronic survey. Subsequently, 6 FDDs, 3 program directors, and 3 site directors completed an interview (n = 12). Findings indicate that awareness of the FTA was highest among FDDs. Facilitators who encourage teachers to use the FTA and barriers for low uptake were also identified.

This evaluation illuminated that varied levels of awareness of the FTA may contribute to the low uptake among education leaders. We also suggest future research to address possible barriers that hinder effective applications of the FTA in faculty development initiatives.