General surgical trainee experiences of mentoring: A UK regional audit

Usman Jaffer, Aaron Pennell, Patrick Musonda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Mentoring is advocated as an essential adjunct in work-based learning providing support in career and noncareer related issues. This study aims to investigate trainee experiences and satisfaction with mentoring arrangements.

Design: E-mail survey of surgical trainees from the East of England Higher Surgical Training Deanery, UK.

Main Outcome Measures: Factors affecting presence of a mentoring relationship and satisfaction with mentoring arrangements were analyzed.

Results: Of all respondents, 62.85% stated that they were not sure or did not have a mentor; 34.29% said that they had had a meaningful meeting with their mentor; 57.14% said that they were aware of the responsibilities of a mentor; 34.29% strongly agreed or agreed that mentoring had been useful; 25.71% said that mentoring had been useful in career development; and 20% found it useful in noncareer related issues. Of those with a mentor, only 31.43% were satisfied with mentoring. Factors affecting satisfaction with mentoring included having had a meaningful meeting, having clear objectives set, and help in job transition and noncareer related issues. Knowledge of a mentor's responsibilities was also associated with satisfaction. The only factor associated with the presence of a mentoring relationship was having a mentor appointed.

Conclusions: We advocate the establishment of a mentoring matching scheme for mentors and mentees together with mentor training to improve mentoring provision for surgical trainees.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-24
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Surgical Education
Volume67
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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