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Volume 30 (1)
Volume 30, Issue 1, Winter 2010
J Contin Educ Health Prof 2010; 30(1):51-56
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Exploratory evaluation of surgical skills mentorship program design and outcomes
Anna R. Gagliardi, Frances C. Wright
A b s t r a c t
Introduction: There are few opportunities for mentorship of practicing surgeons and no evidence to guide the
design of such programs. This study explored outcomes and barriers associated with the design of surgical mentorship
programs.
Methods: Interviews were held with organizers, mentors, and protégés of 2 programs. Data from 23 participant
interviews and 23 nonparticipant surveys were analyzed thematically.
Results: Participation was greater in the program where planning was participatory and mentors visited protégés.
Scheduling was a key barrier, and existing relationships enabled mentorship. Most nonparticipants said they were
already trained or had no interest in the skill. Mentorship was valued for exchange of tacit knowledge, hands-on
learning, and real-time feedback. Mentorship prompted participants to realize gaps in skill; several said they already
adopted the new skill, and many were interested in ongoing mentorship.
Discussion: Several beneficial outcomes appear to be associated with mentorship, but longitudinal evaluation is
required. Telementoring and train-the-trainer models may promote participation in surgical mentorship. Participants
suggested that technical training be integrated within pre- and postmentorship education and follow-up. Such
programs can only be implemented if issues of sponsorship and funding are addressed.
Lessons for Practice
- Mentorship for surgical skills training can
lead to positive cognitive, behavioral, and
clinical outcomes by prompting selfassessment
through exchange of tacit
knowledge, hands-on learning, and realtime
feedback.
- Participation in mentorship may be optimized
if protégés are involved in planning
and are familiar with mentors, and if training
occurs at their site, possibly through telementoring
and train-the-trainer models.
- Further evaluation is required to confirm
these exploratory findings, and develop accredited
mentorship programs that include
training, didactic and practical learning, and
exchange of information before and after
sessions.
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