The impact of a faculty development programme for health professions educators in sub-Saharan Africa : an archival study
Date
2015-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background: In 2008 the sub-Saharan FAIMER Regional Institute launched a faculty development programme
aimed at enhancing the academic and research capacity of health professions educators working in sub-Saharan
Africa. This two-year programme, a combination of residential and distance learning activities, focuses on developing
the leadership, project management and programme evaluation skills of participants as well as teaching the key
principles of health professions education-curriculum design, teaching and learning and assessment. Participants
also gain first-hand research experience by designing and conducting an education innovation project in their
home institutions. This study was conducted to determine the perceptions of participants regarding the personal
and professional impact of the SAFRI programme.
Methods: A retrospective document review, which included data about fellows who completed the programme
between 2008 and 2011, was performed. Data included fellows’ descriptions of their expectations, reflections on
achievements and information shared on an online discussion forum. Data were analysed using Kirkpatrick’s
evaluation framework.
Results: Participants (n=61) came from 10 African countries and included a wide range of health professions
educators. Five key themes about the impact of the SAFRI programme were identified: (1) belonging to a
community of practice, (2) personal development, (3) professional development, (4) capacity development, and
(5) tools/strategies for project management and/or advancement.
Conclusion: The SAFRI programme has a positive developmental impact on both participants and their respective
institutions.
Description
CITATION: Frantz, J. M. et al. 2015. The impact of a faculty development programme for health professions educators in sub-Saharan Africa : an archival study. BMC Medical Education, 15:28, doi:10.1186/s12909-015-0320-7.
The original publication is available at http://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at http://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Medical education -- Sub-Saharan
Africa, Faculty (Education) -- Influence, Evaluation
Citation
Frantz, J. M. et al. 2015. The impact of a faculty development programme for health professions educators in sub-Saharan Africa : an archival study. BMC Medical Education, 15:28, doi:10.1186/s12909-015-0320-7.