Using a Novel Peer Mentoring Program to Foster Conversion from Mentee to Mentor Among Clinician/Researchers-in-Training in Uganda

Abstract

Abstract 54 Program Purpose: The Uganda Cancer Institute (“UCI”)/Hutchinson Center Cancer Alliance studies infection-related cancers and builds capacity for research and medical care. Weekly research in progress (RIP) meetings for Alliance scientists and staff were started in 2010 and, in 2013, were converted to a structured, facilitated Peer-driven Mentoring and Career Development program (“PMCD”). PMCD includes weekly RIP, monthly consultant lectures or skills workshops (N=16), monthly peer-run journal clubs (N=16), and, recently, quarterly bioethics workshops (N=2). Long-term goals of PMCD include: 1) developing leadership and 2) generating confident, skilled mentors. Evaluation: Confidential surveys (30 questions; 18 scaled 1-5) were conducted at PMCD launch, after one year, and, reported here, after two years (N=58; including 6 Alliance junior investigators, 28 UCI medical/nursing officers, 21 staff, and 3 students). Surveys probed history of PMCD participation and PMCD usefulness. Scaled questions (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) measured confidence, leadership, and research skills. Outcomes: Eleven (26%) respondents indicated they “often” (vs sometimes, rarely or never) mentored others in the previous year for research-related issues (“R-Mentors”); most (82-91%) had attended PMCD activities for >12 months. Weighted averages of R-Mentors were significantly higher (t-test) than non-mentors (N=32) for career confidence, leadership, and sense of support from PMCD: “I have developed ability to lead research team members.” (4.50 vs 2.97; P<0.001). “PMCD has helped develop my leadership skills (4.70 vs 3.61; P<0.001); or confidence.” (4.27 vs 3.48; P<0.05). “I feel a sense of community in PMCD meetings.” (4.60 vs 3.87; P<0.05) “I know where to turn for help.” (4.36 vs 3.72; P<0.05) “I do not feel alone in facing research challenges.” (4.70 vs 3.52; P<0.001) Conclusion: PMCD is a cost-effective, transferable method to foster development of clinician-scientists who have the leadership, confidence and support to mentor others; a major step toward building capacity for independent research science in Uganda. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Warren T. Phipps No relationship to disclose James Kafeero No relationship to disclose Jackson Orem No relationship to disclose Rachel Kansiime No relationship to disclose Corey Casper Leadership: Temptime Coporation Consulting or Advisory Role: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Research Funding: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Temptime Corporation, Glaxo Smith Kline Rhoda Ashley Morrow No relationship to disclose