Africa Leadership Fellowship Antimicrobial Stewardship (ALF-A) – insights on mentorship experiences

Abstract

Abstract Introduction As part of the second phase of the Commonwealth Partnership for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS2) programme1, the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association is hosting the Africa Leadership Fellowship Antimicrobial Stewardship (ALF-A). This year-long, bespoke fellowship programme is designed to address identified gaps in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) capabilities and strategies within the African context.2 ALF-A is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care's Fleming Fund and currently supports 45 early- to mid-career pharmacists in 8 sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Each fellow was assigned two mentors (in-country and UK-based) with expertise in health leadership, AMS, and/or OneHealth; mentors are responsible for supporting the assigned fellow for the year, focusing on role and leadership development, including the leading of an AMS improvement initiative project. Aim This study aims to evaluate the mentorship experience of CwPAMS2 ALF-A fellows. Methods An online survey was developed and disseminated to all 45 ALF-A fellows in May 2024. The survey was designed to gather information on demographic variables and general mentorship experience, both in-country and UK-based, including the perceived advantages and barriers associated with mentorship, and recommendations for improvement. Data were analysed in Excel using descriptive statistics, and the open-ended questions were thematically analysed using N-Vivo. No ethical approval was required for this study. Results A total of 40 fellows completed the survey (89% response rate). Just over half (55%) reported that they had no mentorship experience before ALF-A to support their professional development. The majority (93%) had at least one meeting with each of their ALF-A mentors; face-to-face meetings (48%) were the most common way of interacting with in-country mentors, and Zoom (45%) or MSTeams (43%) were the two most common communication channels with UK-based mentors. The perceived benefits of having a mentor were: professional growth, skill development and self-improvement; support in project direction; networking and connections. Some participants appreciated “knowledge sharing, especially from the UK mentor”. In contrast, challenges included: late mentorship assignment and start; misalignment of knowledge/expertise; logistical challenges (e.g. difficulties scheduling meetings due to busy schedules, lack of face-to-face meetings, internet connectivity issues); and personal challenges (e.g. overcoming shyness or other personal barriers to effective communication, uncertainty about what to discuss or how to initiate conversations with mentors). Time-difference/availability was also reported as a major challenge with the UK mentors. Discussion and conclusion This study revealed key insights into the mentorship experiences of ALF-A fellows, fostering professional growth and skill development. While early-career mentees highlighted the guidance provided and their increased confidence to deal with internal issues such as shyness and hesitancy, mid-career mentees further emphasised sustained career development and networking. Suggestions for improvement of the mentorship experience are currently being considered, including: improving/tailoring the matching process; providing additional training and support resources; improving engagement through flexible and accessible communication channels; and ensuring good time-management and flexibility. We continue to monitor and improve ALF-A as the programme progresses to better prepare pharmacists to take on leadership roles and contribute to AMS initiatives effectively.