Evaluation of a Pediatric Teaching Program: A Qualitative, Ethnographic Study

A local needs assessment demonstrated deficits in direct observations, teaching, and written evaluations, which are required by training programs and accrediting bodies. We developed the Teaching Excellence Among Medical Providers (TEAM) Program to fill this gap and enhance the educational experience of learners and faculty in pediatric hospital medicine. Our objective was to evaluate this program's impact on our educational culture using a focused ethnographic approach.

Informed by self-regulated learning theory, TEAM was created at our freestanding children's hospital in 2019. We conducted this qualitative study involving interviews of learners and faculty and field observations of TEAM shifts. We coded transcripts and field notes, organizing codes into themes through iterative group discussion until achieving information power. Prior research has described culture in medical education using 3 lenses: organizational, identity, and practice; we organized our analyzed data using these 3 cultural perspectives as a framework.

Between May 2023 and August 2024, we completed 25 1:1 interviews and 10 field observations. Data analysis revealed 6 themes, each categorized in 1 of 3 cultural lenses. Our themes highlighted that TEAM represents shared values within our institution and increases cohesion and mentorship (organizational); fosters professional identify formation and a growth mindset (identity); and affects the workings of the clinical team while providing an appreciated, additional perspective (practice).

TEAM has had a positive impact on our institution's educational culture through 3 unique lenses, as participants described prioritization of education, a professional development opportunity, and valuable support for the clinical team.