An evaluation of a mentoring program in Emergency Medicine: A qualitative assessment using semi-structured interviews

Abstract

Background Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development, particularly in fields like emergency medicine. However, the dynamics of mentor-mentee relationships in this context remain underexplored. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing mentorship programs and enhancing healthcare outcomes. This research investigates the factors influencing mentorship relationships in emergency medicine within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. It seeks to uncover the characteristics and dynamics of these relationships through qualitative analysis, providing insights into facilitators and barriers to success. Methods The study adopts a qualitative approach, conducting interviews with both mentors and mentees. Thematic analysis is employed to identify recurring themes in mentor-mentee interactions. The analysis delves into the supportive, communicative, approachable, knowledgeable, and empathetic traits of effective mentors. It also explores hindrances such as time constraints, resource limitations, random mentor allocation, and gender and cultural differences. Results The research findings underscore the pivotal role of mentors in fostering successful mentorship relationships. Effective mentors exhibit traits such as supportiveness, communication skills, approachability, knowledge, and empathy. Conversely, barriers to these relationships include mentees' behavior, time and resource constraints, random mentor allocation, and gender and cultural disparities. Conclusions While highlighting the importance of mentorship in emergency medicine, the study identifies the need for tailored mentorship approaches. It emphasizes the significance of selecting, training, and supporting mentors and optimizing mentorship programs. The research also suggests developing guidelines, aligning mentorship goals with healthcare priorities, fostering diversity, and integrating mentorship into professional development and quality assurance mechanisms. Ultimately, this study sheds light on the complexities of mentor-mentee relationships in emergency medicine, offering valuable insights for academic research, practice, and policy development in the UAE healthcare context.