Resilience among health professions educators: A systematic review

Objective To synthesize evidence on the prevalence, correlates, conceptualizations, experiences, and factors influencing resilience among health professions educators (HPEs). Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, with seven databases searched from inception to January 2024. A convergent segregated mixed-methods approach was used, with quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesized independently before integration. Eligible studies were empirical research published in English peer-reviewed journals examining resilience among HPEs (educators/teachers in any healthcare specialty), excluding students/trainees. Quality appraisal employed the NIH tool (quantitative), CASP (qualitative), and MMAT (mixed-methods integration). Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; qualitative data underwent thematic synthesis. Results Thirty studies (11 quantitative, 12 qualitative, 7 mixed-methods) were included, representing various countries and contexts. Quantitatively, resilience was positively associated with compassion, satisfaction and purpose, while negatively related to academic stress and feeling overwhelmed. Qualitative synthesis identified five themes and 13 subthemes including: (1) conceptualization (personality traits, internal processes, responses to adversity); (2) workplace dynamics (institutional expectations, undermining workplace culture, suboptimal communication and feedback system, work-life balance); (3) responsibilities (roles as educators, health professionals, within family); (4) support systems (systemic, institutional, personal); and (5) individual well-being strategies. Discussion This study captured the complex interplay of individual, institutional, and systemic factors in shaping resilience among HPEs. These findings highlight the need for interventions that combine personal coping strategies with organizational and systemic reforms to enhance educator resilience, reduce burnout, and sustain teaching quality. Longitudinal, diverse-context, and mixed-methods research should be prioritized to help develop feasible and effective resilience-building strategies to sustain a resilient HPE workforce.