How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study

Abstract Purpose Clinical supervisors work in demanding, complex environments, and faculty development activities should prepare them for these challenges. This study investigated peer coaching in the clinical setting as a faculty development activity for clinical supervisors. The study aimed to exp...

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Main Authors: Erik Myrberg, Maria Henningsson, Catharina Tennerhed, Mats Wahlqvist, Matilda Liljedahl
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07660-3
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author Erik Myrberg
Maria Henningsson
Catharina Tennerhed
Mats Wahlqvist
Matilda Liljedahl
author_facet Erik Myrberg
Maria Henningsson
Catharina Tennerhed
Mats Wahlqvist
Matilda Liljedahl
author_sort Erik Myrberg
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Purpose Clinical supervisors work in demanding, complex environments, and faculty development activities should prepare them for these challenges. This study investigated peer coaching in the clinical setting as a faculty development activity for clinical supervisors. The study aimed to explore how peer coaching is enacted and how peer coaching may support clinical supervisors’ development. Methods A realist evaluation study was conducted, involving qualitative interviews with 14 doctors who had participated in a peer coaching activity. Data were analyzed using a realist-informed reflexive thematic analysis. Results Themes that describe the conditions, learning behaviors, and potential learning outcomes of peer coaching were developed. A necessary condition for effective peer coaching was “Practicing supervision under safe circumstances.” Peer coaching was characterized by “Exploring a teaching strategy,” “Handling authentic complexity,” “Reflecting during observation,” “Receiving credible feedback,” and “Contrasting educational situations.” Potential outcomes included an increased “Awareness of the student’s perspective” and that “Supervision becomes a shared concern.” Conclusion The feedback component of peer coaching appears to support learning primarily by promoting reflective observation and initiating open, collegial discussions. Peer coaching can be conceptualized as reciprocal direct observation and discussions between equal colleagues, with mutual learning as the primary purpose. The contextually relevant influences on psychological safety are key factors to consider in implementing successful peer coaching. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
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spelling doaj-art-0384a80f3a0f4a6f9f65976b4bbcc04f2025-08-20T03:05:09ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-07-012511810.1186/s12909-025-07660-3How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview studyErik Myrberg0Maria Henningsson1Catharina Tennerhed2Mats Wahlqvist3Matilda Liljedahl4Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgInstitute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgDepartment of Research, Education and Development, Sahlgrenska University HospitalSchool of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgInstitute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgAbstract Purpose Clinical supervisors work in demanding, complex environments, and faculty development activities should prepare them for these challenges. This study investigated peer coaching in the clinical setting as a faculty development activity for clinical supervisors. The study aimed to explore how peer coaching is enacted and how peer coaching may support clinical supervisors’ development. Methods A realist evaluation study was conducted, involving qualitative interviews with 14 doctors who had participated in a peer coaching activity. Data were analyzed using a realist-informed reflexive thematic analysis. Results Themes that describe the conditions, learning behaviors, and potential learning outcomes of peer coaching were developed. A necessary condition for effective peer coaching was “Practicing supervision under safe circumstances.” Peer coaching was characterized by “Exploring a teaching strategy,” “Handling authentic complexity,” “Reflecting during observation,” “Receiving credible feedback,” and “Contrasting educational situations.” Potential outcomes included an increased “Awareness of the student’s perspective” and that “Supervision becomes a shared concern.” Conclusion The feedback component of peer coaching appears to support learning primarily by promoting reflective observation and initiating open, collegial discussions. Peer coaching can be conceptualized as reciprocal direct observation and discussions between equal colleagues, with mutual learning as the primary purpose. The contextually relevant influences on psychological safety are key factors to consider in implementing successful peer coaching. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07660-3Peer coachingFaculty developmentPeer feedbackClinical supervisionCritical friends
spellingShingle Erik Myrberg
Maria Henningsson
Catharina Tennerhed
Mats Wahlqvist
Matilda Liljedahl
How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study
BMC Medical Education
Peer coaching
Faculty development
Peer feedback
Clinical supervision
Critical friends
title How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study
title_full How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study
title_fullStr How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study
title_full_unstemmed How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study
title_short How peer coaching can contribute to doctors’ development as clinical supervisors: an interview study
title_sort how peer coaching can contribute to doctors development as clinical supervisors an interview study
topic Peer coaching
Faculty development
Peer feedback
Clinical supervision
Critical friends
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07660-3
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