A multi-institutional survey on faculty development needs, priorities and preferences in medical education in an Asian medical school.
BACKGROUND
Faculty development in medical education is crucial for maintaining academic vitality. The authors conducted a needs assessment survey in Singapore to determine the educational needs and priorities of clinical faculty.


METHODS
This study implemented a questionnaire-based, anonymous, multi-institutional survey with stratified random sampling. Each question was anchored with two statements on a 9-point scale. Respondents were asked to determine their current knowledge and the knowledge they would need in future.


RESULTS
The response rate was 81.9%. Overall, the participants' current knowledge was rated either "modest" (scale 4-6) or "substantial" (scale 7-9), irrespective of teaching experience. Participants reported higher knowledge in areas related to teaching and modest knowledge in educational concepts and assessment. They reported a need for higher knowledge in most areas to function well as a teacher.


CONCLUSIONS
The need for faculty development is universal and independent of teaching experience in this group. Teaching faculty from the institutes studied understood the need for improved knowledge in pedagogical knowledge.
Amin
Zubair
Z
Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117590, Singapore. paeza@nus.edu.sg
Eng
Khoo Hoon
KH
Seng
Chong Yap
CY
Hoon
Tan Chay
TC
Sun
Goh Poh
GP
Samarasekera
Dujeepa D
DD
Huak
Chan Yiong
CY
Rhoon
Koh Dow
KD
D004501:Education, Medical; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000592:standards; D012846:Singapore; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce