Using a theoretical framework to develop postgraduate health professions education research and practice

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Educational Theory
• Pedagogical Research

Background:

• Healthcare education is complex and requires diverse analytical approaches.
• Postgraduate health professions education research often lacks sufficient theoretical grounding.
• A structured approach is needed to synthesize findings from multiple educational research projects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate the utility of a meta-framework for postgraduate health professions education.
• To address the under-theorizing in educational research within health professions.
• To provide a structured method for pedagogical thinking and research.

Main Methods:

• Application of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (EST) as an overarching meta-framework.
• Critique and development of EST for educational research in health professions.
• Structured analysis of pedagogical approaches and research findings.

Main Results:

• A meta-framework, specifically EST, aids in making holistic sense of educational practice and research findings.
• This approach facilitates framing of findings, posing further questions, and contextualizing research.
• It enhances the communication of research program focus and integrates multiple studies.

Conclusions:

• A meta-framework is valuable for interrogating and synthesizing diverse research in postgraduate health professions education.
• Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory offers a robust model for this meta-framework.
• This structured approach strengthens the theoretical basis of educational research in health professions.