Using a novel small-group approach to enhance feedback skills for community-based teachers

Abstract

Background: As medical education expands into distant settings, challenges in providing faculty development to busy clinical teachers increase-especially for those who have difficulty accessing sessions offered at academic centers.

Description: Sixty-five clinical teachers participated in six small-group workshops, using a printed module on the topic of delivering feedback. The modules included teaching-learning "cases," tools, and a summary of medical literature. The group facilitator did not require expertise in delivering feedback. Surveys inquired about impact immediately after the session and at 3 months.

Evaluation: Analysis confirmed that participants found the workshop format valuable, and the majority committed to making changes in their approaches to providing feedback. At follow-up, most participants reported that planned changes had been implemented.

Conclusions: A low-tech approach to faculty development, using facilitated small-group discussion of a specially prepared educational module, is feasible for any site and can enhance teaching approaches in both urban and rural practice settings.