Instructional Support Units in Health Professions Education

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceived value of embedding instructional support units in health professions education. Recent research provides an example of how these units are created along with the mission and vision of similar units. Utilizing this research as a launching point, this study focuses on a single institution and three categories of stakeholders and their perceptions. The hypothesis for this project is that the implementation of this unit would create a positive return on investment through improving faculty support. This study is a mixed-method study on the perceptions of the value of an embedded instructional support unit while exploring ways to improve the unit and provide insights for other institutions who seek to implement similar units. Faculty, staff, and administrators shared their perceptions including their strong belief that the unit is critical to the operations of the school. Among considerations for improvements, organizational alignment and retaining unit staff are common themes. This project may aid other health professions schools seeking to improve the support of their faculty.<p></p>