The rapid growth and expansion of Master of health professions education (MHPE) programs: A mixed-methods study of international curricular trends and guidelines for programs.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study explores international trends and standards of Master's degree programs through a comprehensive environmental scan and focus group interviews to understand curricular structure, content, program director expectations, educational context, and future directions. METHOD: Authors conducted a two-phase mixed-methods sequential explanatory design to conduct the environmental scan (phase 1), and subsequently conducting focus groups (phase 2) with program directors. A population list of Master's programs was used to generate a sampling frame, considering the geographic region (continent) and institution type (university, organization, public institution). Qualitative data were coded to analyze the breadth and depth of courses. Three one-hour virtual focus group interviews were conducted with ten program directors. RESULTS: The population list of 159 Masters programs worldwide was used to create a sample for analysis in the environmental scan (n = 46 Masters programs), representing programs from North America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Most programs (39%) delivered their courses online, with 20% exclusively offering an in-person program. Focus group participants indicated expectations of graduates, context in which they learn, as well as future directions for improving health professions education graduate programs. CONCLUSION: Program directors should consider programmatic aims, localized needs, and quality/standard of the program in designing Masters programs, with individualized growth opportunities for learners.