Effectiveness of a Structured Curriculum-Based Developmental Network Intervention

Developmental networks are crucial for faculty career advancement in academic medicine. However, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating structured developmental network interventions. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a structured curriculum-based developmental network intervention on self-reported faculty network measures using an RCT design. The intervention was delivered via a digital community of practice (Project ECHO) model and analyzed using a mixed methods approach. The theoretical framework for mentor development is provided by the Social Cognitive Theory, developed based on research by Albert Bandura, who observed that "human behavior is influenced by a three-way, dynamic, reciprocal model in which personal factors, environmental influences, and behaviors continually interact." A basic premise of this theory is that people learn not only through their own experiences but also by observing the actions of others and the consequences of those actions. The study was conducted across four institutions. Mentors were randomized into three groups: (1) intervention group, who completed a mentor development program followed by the structured curriculum-based developmental network intervention; (2) control group, who completed only the mentor development program; and (3) pure control group, who received neither intervention. Designated mentees were enrolled but did not receive any mentoring interventions. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months using the Mentoring Network Questionnaire. Most network outcomes were not significantly different between the three groups over time. Network density and gender diversity increased at 24 months in the intervention (p=0.03) and control groups (p=0.02), respectively. Network range decreased at 12 months (p=0.02) for the pure control group. Racial/ethnic diversity and range decreased at 12 months (p=0.04) and 24 months (p=0.05) for the intervention group. Strategic network planning and longer follow-up period may be crucial to improve the intervention impact.