Exploring the Value of an Assessment for the Professional Coaching of Residents

Background Research on how tools can support coaching of residents is lacking. We hypothesized that an electronic assessment (EA) tool presently applied in selection for residency training, which measures cognitive capacities, personality, motivational drivers, and competencies, could be a valuable tool to support coaching of residents. Objective This study explored the value and limitations, as perceived by residents and coaches, of using the EA to facilitate a single coaching session. Methods This qualitative study took place in the East-Netherlands Training District from August 2022 to April 2023. Volunteer residents and professionally trained coaches engaged in a single coaching session, using the EA. A purposive sample of 7 residents in different training years from 3 specialties were recruited via the training secretariats. Individual interviews with residents were conducted 1 week and 3 months after the coaching session. Data collection ceased when data sufficiency was considered reached. A focus group interview was held with the 3 participating coaches. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes. Results Participants considered the EA a supportive tool, but not the core focus in the coaching process. Coaching sessions remained guided by residents' individual needs. The EA was considered supportive in fostering residents' self-reflection and awareness, accelerating the coaching process by enhancing preparedness and fostering familiarity among residents and coaches. The perceived value of the EA for the coaching process was affected by residents' and coaches' attitudes toward the tool. Conclusions The EA played a supportive but nonprominent role in the coaching of residents.