Perceptions of Senior Faculty on the Success Factors of Peer Coaching Initiatives for Junior Faculty in Medical Education: A Qualitative Study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the success of peer coaching initiatives for junior faculty, focusing on the perceptions of senior faculty members within a medical education institution. Peer coaching as a professional development strategy, has gained attention for its potential to enhance teaching skills, research productivity and overall job fulfilment among junior faculty. The aim of this study is to explore the factors influencing the success of peer coaching initiatives for junior faculty in medical education, specifically from the perspective of senior faculty members. The study seeks to identify key themes related to the effectiveness, benefits, challenges, and recommendations for improving peer coaching programs, thereby contributing to the understanding of faculty development in academic settings. Materials and Methods: This qualitative experimental study of the perceptions of senior faculty members, explored through in depth interviews, brought to light critical themes concerning the possible factors of influence on the success of peer coaching in medical education for junior faculty such as trust, communication, institutional support, and qualities of effective coaches. The selection criteria for this study comprised senior faculty members with wide experience in teaching and aptitude in peer coaching programs. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis, where semi structured interview transcripts were studied to identify recurring themes and patterns associated with the effectiveness and challenges of peer coaching initiatives. Results: The analysis discovered that in depth interviews with senior faculty members regarding the factors influencing the success of peer coaching enhance teaching skills and increase research efficiency among junior faculty. Good communication skills are an important factor in peer coaching. Trust and mutual respect were recognized as themes. Conclusion: This study explored the effectiveness of peer coaching initiatives for junior faculty in medical education, meeting on factors that contribute to successful coaching relationships, the challenges faced by the participants, and the potential for enhancing these programs.