Near-peer mentorship: a pilot programme to improve support for new doctors. Issue 1 (16th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peterson, Alexandra; Monaghan, Hannah
• Is Part Of: BMJ leader. Volume 3:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 11
• Publication Date: 2019-03-16
• Subjects: mentoring -- support -- development -- trainees -- medical leadership; Medical personnel -- Periodicals; Leadership -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Practice -- Management -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Periodicals; 610.68
• DOI: 10.1136/leader-2018-000122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-631X

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Transition from medical student to Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor is often challenging. New doctors commonly report feeling stressed and unsupported.1–4 In order to improve support for FY1s, we piloted a peer mentorship scheme. We evaluated the impact of having a near-peer mentor in Foundation Year 2 (FY2) in addition to the traditional Educational Supervisor on FY1s' experience of their first year of practice. Methods: 190 Foundation Year doctors (FYs) volunteered (95 FY1s, 95 FY2s). FY1-FY2 dyads were assigned according to similar rotation assignments in the FY1 year. Dyads were encouraged to communicate informally as well as meet face-to-face three times over the one-year mentorship period. Feedback was sought regularly via online survey. Results: Response to a one-year evaluation survey was 32/95 FY1s, 65/95 FY2s. 94% of respondents reported having both mentor and Educational Supervisor was beneficial. 84.4% of FY1s reported 'having a peer mentor helped [them] feel supported in the transition from medical student to FY1.' 99% of respondents recommended the programme should continue. The programme is currently running for a second year. 61% of 2017/2018 FY1 participants (58/95) have volunteered as FY2-mentors in 2018/2019. Conclusions: Near-peer mentorship enhances support for FY1 doctors. This intervention was widely accepted and received positive evaluations from participants. We provide a simple, low-cost model that could be replicated and adapted to improve support for doctors in training.