title: The impact of a faculty development programme for health professions educators in sub-Saharan Africa: an archival study.
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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SAFRI programme has a positive developmental impact on both participants and their respective institutions.
authors: Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa. jfrantz@uwc.ac.za.
authors: José M
authors: JM
authors: Frantz
authors: Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa. jbez@sun.ac.za.
authors: Juanita
authors: J
authors: Bezuidenhout
authors: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa. vanessa.burch@uct.co.za.
authors: Vanessa C
authors: VC
authors: Burch
authors: KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. sindizama@gmail.com.
authors: Sindi
authors: S
authors: Mthembu
authors: Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa. mrowe@uwc.ac.za.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Rowe
authors: Medical Education & Research Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. tanplchristina@gmail.com.
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Tan
authors: College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. vanwykj2@ukzn.ac.za.
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Van Wyk
authors: Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa. bbvh@sun.ac.za.
authors: Ben
authors: B
authors: Van Heerden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D005178:Faculty / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards