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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Helping palliative care healthcare professionals get the most out of mentoring in a low-income country: a qualitative study

Authors: J. L. Whitehurst, J. Rowlands

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Being a mentor in any setting brings challenges in addition to recognised benefits. Working in a low-income country confers specific challenges including logistical and communication issues. The need to adequately support UK-based international health volunteers prior to, during and after their trip is recognised at government level. Whilst the need to support mentors is recognised little is known about their support needs. This study aims to explore the lived experience of mentorship in a low-income country and gain insight into mentors’ support and information needs and the barriers and facilitators to mentoring.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit UK-employed, palliative care clinicians: four consultants, two specialty trainees, and two nurses, who were mentors with an international palliative care project. Semi-structured telephone interviews were recorded and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Participants became mentors to help others. Uncertainty about their achievements constituted a significant challenge. This study highlights the need to prepare mentors before their in-country visits by exploring motivation, describing the reality of international volunteering and ensuring realistic expectations. Post-trip debriefing is important for reducing uncertainty around trip outcomes and maximising transferable impacts. Challenges to mentoring were logistical, related to the concept of mentorship and cultural. Facilitators included shared passion, mentor credibility and serendipity.

Conclusion

Awareness of the support needs of mentors and the facilitators and challenges to mentoring can improve mentor preparation and support. This may minimise potential negative emotional impact of being a mentor, maximise positive personal and professional impacts and improve in-country project impact.
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Metadata
Title
Helping palliative care healthcare professionals get the most out of mentoring in a low-income country: a qualitative study
Authors
J. L. Whitehurst
J. Rowlands
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-016-0164-x

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