Much ado about mentorship: a qualitative analysis of participant feedback from the inaugural Australian National Oncology Mentorship Programme

BACKGROUND: The inaugural Australian National Oncology Mentorship Programme 2023 (NOMP23) demonstrated that virtual matching of trainee oncologists (mentees) with senior clinicians (mentors) for a 1-year mentorship programme was associated with significant reductions in burnout and improved professional fulfilment. AIMS: This sub-study sought to determine the bidirectional benefits of the programme for both mentees and mentors and unpack themes discussed at mentorship meetings to provide an insight into the benefit of top-down-led mentorship programmes. METHODS: The NOMP23 programme methodology has been previously reported. Additionally, participants were invited to partake in semi-structured interviews that were transcribed and thematic analyses conducted to assess benefits, themes discussed and future directions to improve NOMP. RESULTS: Of 112 participants enrolled, 86% completed the baseline questionnaire, 62% completed the mid-programme questionnaire and 54% completed the end-of-programme questionnaire. Nine participants - four mentors and five mentees - were interviewed at NOMPs conclusion. A high level of connection between matched pairs with adequate ability for pairs to meet was identified. The most common topics discussed were career planning, professional fulfilment, research and time management. The benefits of the mentoring relationship fell into five themes: (i) professional guidance; (ii) personal connection; (iii) support and reassurance; (iv) external perspectives; and (v) future perspectives. Benefits of providing mentorship fell into two themes: (i) personal connection and (ii) future-proofing oncology as a profession. CONCLUSION: Qualitative analyses of the NOMP23 programme demonstrated a positive effect on trainee and mentor well-being with benefits including personal guidance for trainees, fulfilment for mentors and instilling hope for the future.