Developing an Educator Network: The Effect of a Teaching Scholars Program in the Health Professions on Networking and Productivity

摘要

Background: Teaching Scholars Programs are designed to enhance productivity and faculty retention. The formation of an increased network may be a facultative mechanism. Purposes: This study determined if participants increased their educational network and if the increase affected productivity. Methods: Researchers interviewed Teaching Scholars participants for pre- and postparticipation members of their educational network and issues related to network formation and conducted a structured vita analysis. Researchers used social network analysis (SNA) to describe the networks and regression to determine the relationship between network and productivity. Results: Educational networks increased with participation (p < .001) but showed little or no effect on productivity. SNA revealed a decrease of participants with no network, increase in connections among participants, and increase in connections to central services personnel. Researchers identified six themes from the participants' comments. Conclusions: This relatively modest program demonstrated a small effect on productivity through the increased network.