Peer mentoring in medical residency education: A systematic review

Authors

  • Helen Pethrick University of Calgary
  • Lorelli Nowell University of Calgary
  • Elizabeth Oddone Paolucci University of Calgary
  • Liza Lorenzetti University of Calgary
  • Michele Jacobsen University of Calgary
  • Tracey Clancy University of Calgary
  • Diane L. Lorenzetti University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.68751

Abstract

Background: Medical residents may experience burnout during their training, and a lack of social support. This can impact their overall wellbeing and ability to master key professional competencies. We explored, in this study, the extent to which peer mentorship promotes psychosocial wellbeing and the development of professional competencies in medical residency education.

Methods: We searched six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Academic Research Complete, ERIC, Education Research Complete) for studies on peer mentoring relationships in medical residency. We selected any study where authors reported on outcomes associated with peer mentoring relationships among medical residents. We applied no date, language, or study design limits to this review.

Results: We included nine studies in this systematic review. We found that medical residents received essential psychosocial supports from peers, and motivation to develop academic and career competencies. Medical residents in peer-mentoring relationships also reported increased overall satisfaction with their residency training programs.

Conclusions: Peer-mentoring relationships can enhance the development of key professional competencies and coping mechanisms in medical residency education. Further rigorous research is needed to examine the comparative benefits of informal and formal peer mentoring, and identify best practices with respect to effective design of peer-mentorship programs.

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Published

2020-10-11

How to Cite

1.
Pethrick H, Nowell L, Oddone Paolucci E, Lorenzetti L, Jacobsen M, Clancy T, et al. Peer mentoring in medical residency education: A systematic review. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2020 Oct. 11 [cited 2024 Dec. 23];11(6):e128-e137. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/68751

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Section

Reviews, Theoretical Papers, and Meta-Analyses