Implementation of Digital Faculty Portfolio in Medical College Using an Intervention Mapping Approach

Purpose: The Digital faculty portfolio (DFP) is a well-established Teaching Portfolio, a tool that combines student evaluations with teaching materials, narrative reflections, and evidence of pedagogical effectiveness. The research aimed to test the DFP concept and determine whether faculty find it useful for integrating faculty activities, including teaching and extracurricular activities. Thus, the main aim is to identify key technical details that must be addressed before creating a larger DFP platform. Methods: This research study adopted a six-step theory- and evidence-based approach of an Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol to assess the need for a DFP-like program at the College of Medicine, King Saud Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and the efficacy of the pilot DFP program. The study was done in three steps: 1) Evaluation of educational needs; 2) Design of the "DFP" program; and 3) Validation and refinement of the designed program. The college conducted the needs assessment using a validated survey with full-time faculty members. Eighty-two survey participants comprised the sample. We described to them the DFP implementation procedure, design, and advantages. Results: The DFP is valuable to most users (60%) and has inherent benefits that boost professional competency (80%). Nearly 73% were willing to keep using and/or updating their DFP periodically. The created program was validated by sharing the findings with designated specialists in health professions education. Based on their comments, the program was further refined and ready for piloting. Conclusion: To maximize the potential of the platform's success, its capabilities should be consistently enhanced in addition to resolving technical issues. This program has managed to effectively identify new avenues for working on enhancing methods for effective communication, coordination and enhance the scope of evaluation process.