Development of a Competency Framework Defining Effective Surgical Educators

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Competency-Based Education

Background:

• Defining effective surgical educators is crucial for advancing surgical training.
• A practical framework is needed to guide faculty development and improve educational outcomes.

Approach:

• A modified Delphi approach was employed, involving literature review, expert discussions, and multi-stage surveys.
• Focus groups with surgical faculty and residents were conducted to identify recurring themes.
• Data from surveys and focus groups informed the development of a competency framework.

Key Points:

• A competency framework was developed, comprising 5 overarching competencies and 16 specific behaviors.
• Key competencies include fostering psychological safety, demonstrating medical knowledge, diagnosing learner needs, communicating thought processes, and learner-centeredness.
• The framework was informed by input from faculty and residents across various surgical specialties.

Conclusions:

• A practical framework defining effective surgical educators was successfully developed.
• This framework provides a foundation for tailoring faculty development programs to enhance surgical education.
• Implementation of this framework can lead to improved surgical training and patient care.