Developing an educator network: the effect of a teaching scholars program in the health professions on networking and productivity.

BACKGROUND

Teaching Scholars Programs are designed to enhance productivity and faculty retention. The formation of an increased network may be a facilitative 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.