A survey on the experience of a mentoring programme in the Department of Paediatrics at Wits University

Abstract

Background There is a growing body of literature in mentoring in healthcare, yet a scarcity of quality research in the academic setting in South Africa. A mentorship programme in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has been in place for several years. No formal evaluation of this programme has hitherto taken place. Aims and Objectives To evaluate the mentorship programme in the Department of Paediatrics at Wits, through the lens of mentees and mentors, and offer recommendations on strengthening its conduct and outcomes. Methods A self-administered, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study, involving 85 paediatric consultants and 85 registrars from three academic hospitals was undertaken from July-September 2018. Results There was a 73% response rate from mentees and 59% from mentors. The mentee relationships with the primary mentor was overwhelmingly (87%) department-assigned. The number of mentees self-selecting mentor 2 almost doubled (24%) compared to self-selecting a primary mentor 1(13%). Two-thirds of mentor-mentee relationships were short-term (< 1year), with a frequency of two meetings per year. Ninety per cent of mentees reported that their primary mentor was approachable. The top three areas where most guidance was reportedly received by mentees from their M1s were work-life balance, clinical skills and research. Being previously mentored (P = 0.04) was perceived as a motivating factor by mentors. Eighty-six per cent of mentors felt that their role played an important part in personal and career development of the mentee. There were no statistically significant demographic differences noted in the self-selected versus department-assigned mentor-mentee pairs for age, race and gender. Conclusion-The mentorship programme appears to be working for both mentors and mentees; with mentee rating their mentors positively. There are several identifiable areas of benefit cited by both mentors and mentees alike arising from this relationship albeit short-term in most cases. Whilst there is no formal process or directive for mentees to self-select a mentor, there is a significant proportion of mentees who have adopted this practice suggesting that it should be encouraged.