Using interviews and focus groups to investigate the effectiveness of mentoring in a UK healthcare trust

Abstract

Mentoring is increasingly being used in a healthcare setting as it is seen to hugely benefit both individuals and organisations. This research is aimed at investigating WHAT is being learnt, WHAT are the moderating factors and HOW do both these factors change over time, within mentoring relationships. 38 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were used to find out more from six mentoring dyads about their lived experience of being both mentors and mentees. Key findings were that both parties learnt in all four learning domains, learning fluctuated over time and that common factors were both facilitating and hindering for both parties. Methods are reflected upon and recommendations for future similar studies shared. The six NHS values are discussed in harmony with mentoring values, together with the impact on supporting managers as mentors and mentees for the future. In short, it is concluded that using mentoring to develop more skilled managers and leaders in healthcare, will ultimately mean more supported and nurtured teams, which will in turn will mean happier employees and ultimately better supported and nurtured patients.