Assessing the landscape: A comprehensive exploration of health care professionals' readiness and perceptions toward implementing self-directed learning in Indian healthcare institutions.

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals must be lifelong learners to deal with the challenge of technological advancements and scientific information load. Global accrediting organizations promote self-directed learning (SDL) for development of lifelong learning skills in medical graduates and are adopted in India with introduction of Competency-Based Medical Education. The aim of this study is to develop Faculty Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Perception Scale (FSDLRPS) suited for Indian context.

Materials and methods: This is an observational and analytical study designed to develop and implement a validated scale suited to study the faculty readiness and perception toward SDL in Indian healthcare institutions using the Delphi technique. A 23-item FSDLRPS for healthcare educators was developed using a 12-member expert panel. The scale was implemented on healthcare educators after pilot testing. Demographic data, perceptions, and readiness were studied. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and Friedman ranking test were performed, and Cronbach's alpha was calculated using Microsoft Excel 365 and SPSS Ver. 15. Open-ended questions were analyzed by thematic analysis.

Results: The Content Validity Index and Cronbach's alpha scores for the final Delphi round for readiness were 1.0 and 0.779, while those for the final Delphi round for the perception items were 0.935 and 0.900, respectively. It was implemented on 163 participants from 12 Indian states and revealed significant associations between faculty perceptions of SDL and a few variables. Readiness to implement was less in some areas like facilitation skills.

Conclusions: Faculty perceived SDL as feasible and a good opportunity to help students acquire multiple skills but are not ready due to lack of knowledge and facilitation skills. They seek continuous support to increase their level of readiness.