Roles and responsibilities of behavioral science faculty in inpatient medicine

Abstract

Objective: Behavioral science faculty in family medicine residencies work on inpatient medicine teaching service settings. However, there is limited research on the roles and responsibilities that behavioral science faculty fill while working in such settings.

Method: Using a modified sequential explanatory study, researchers clarified the roles and responsibilities of behavioral science faculty. Participants completed a web-based survey (N = 60) on roles and a semistructured interview (N = 24) about the responsibilities on inpatient medicine teaching service.

Results: Results suggest that behavioral science faculty assume the roles of educator, patient care supporter, evaluator, mentor/advisor, and scholar/researcher and perform multiple responsibilities.

Conclusions: Implications for this research inform the hiring process and training for behavioral science faculty and resident education.

Keywords: behavioral science faculty; inpatient; primary care; residency education.