Incorporating leadership development into family medicine residency: a qualitative study of program directors in Canada

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background: To understand Canadian family medicine programs directors' perspective on the incorporation of leadership skills development in curriculum. Methods: Semi-structured interviews based on CanMEDS Leader role competencies were conducted and audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two independent researchers using an interpretive approach to thematic analysis. Results: Eight interviews were conducted. All participants indicated that leadership development in family medicine residency education was important. There were varying levels of leadership development at all institutions. Barriers to incorporating leadership development included curricular time, suitable teaching skills of faculty and cost. Important factors to consider in developing curricula included approaching the subject collaboratively and offering a variety of levels of engagement. Of the 22 Key Concepts in the CanMEDS Leader Role, three were not referenced by participants: complexity of systems, effective committee participation, and information technology for healthcare. Participants offered three concepts that were not included in the CanMEDS list: communication, teamwork and research skills. Conclusions: There were varying levels of incorporation of leadership skills development into family medicine training. A clearer understanding of each of the leader competencies is needed by educational leaders in order to identify and prioritize the skills to include in family medicine residency programs. This study contributes to the knowledge of what leadership skills should be incorporated into family medicine programs.