Effects of Longitudinal Coaching on Relationships and Feedback Processes in Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowships—An Interpretive Description Study

Abstract

Background Coaching in graduate medical education provides a facilitative approach to feedback as well as opportunities for residents and fellows to engage with feedback and develop individualized improvement goals. Objective To explore the roles and actions of successful coaches in longitudinal coaching relationships and how they enable feedback processes. Methods Using interpretive description methodology, we performed semi-structured interviews with pediatrics fellows (n=11), faculty coaches (n=9), and program directors (n=2) from 2 pediatric subspecialty fellowship training programs at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Both training programs had previously implemented longitudinal clinical coaching programs. Interview questions aimed to explore the roles and impacts of coaches within a longitudinal coaching program. Interviews took place in 2019 and 2020. Results We identified 4 major actions to the coaching role in longitudinal coaching relationships: (1) establish the coach-fellow relationship; (2) prepare for the coaching conversation; (3) facilitate feedback dialogue; and (4) serve as the go-to person to raise uncomfortable issues. Additionally, nearly all participants expressed support for a longitudinal coaching program to support fellows’ growth and development of personalized learning goals. Conclusions By fulfilling these 4 key aspects to the coaching role, coaches in longitudinal relationships with coachees enable feedback processes.