How peer coaching can contribute to doctors' development as clinical supervisors: an interview study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Faculty Development
• Clinical Supervision

Background:

• Clinical supervisors face complex environments requiring specialized faculty development.
• Peer coaching is explored as a faculty development strategy for clinical supervisors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate peer coaching as a faculty development activity for clinical supervisors.
• To explore the enactment and supportive role of peer coaching in clinical supervisor development.

Main Methods:

• A realist evaluation methodology was employed.
• Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 participating doctors.
• Data analysis utilized a realist-informed reflexive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Effective peer coaching requires practicing supervision in safe environments.
• Key coaching elements include exploring teaching strategies, handling complexity, and reflecting during observation.
• Outcomes involve increased awareness of the student's perspective and a shared sense of supervision.

Conclusions:

• Peer coaching enhances learning through reflective observation and collegial discussion.
• It functions as reciprocal observation and discussion between peers for mutual learning.
• Psychological safety is a critical factor for successful peer coaching implementation.