Timeline Mapping as a Methodological Approach to Study Transitions in Health Professions Education

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight timeline mapping exercise as a research tool and the benefits and challenges of incorporating this method into research. Timeline mapping offers a novel methodological approach toward gathering and accessing rich and meaningful data in the study of life transitions for instance from secondary education to higher education or from education to employment. This paper especially focuses on how it can be incorporated into research studies specific to HPE (Health Professions Education). It also offers researchers step-by-step instructions on how to conduct timeline mapping exercises and how to go about analysing the findings and gathering insights from the findings.