Group e-mentoring: Learnings from a pilot of assistive technology group mentoring in Australia

Abstract

Mentoring relationships are pathways to the sharing of tacit knowledge regarding the realities of professional practice, and good evidence supports the efficacy of mentorship among occupational therapists. Mentorship in specific practice areas can be difficult to recruit, and alternative mentoring models and platforms are emerging. This article presents a model of short-term group mentoring using a remote platform in the assistive technology (AT) practice arena. Conducted as a quality improvement activity within two professional associations, four volunteer mentees and five mentors engaged in three 75-minute Zoom-based mentoring sessions over three months. Content was collaboratively designed by a mentee/ mentor dyad from both professional associations. Pre and post-surveys were conducted and analysed to explore the experiences and outcomes for all participants. Positive outcomes for both mentees and mentors were reported, with a range of benefits identified in this small pilot study, Small group time-limited mentoring on topics of mutual interest are likely to be a time effective starting point to partially meet mentorship needs. Mentoring remains an enduring and relevant pathway to support occupational therapists to do, to be and to become reflective and competent practitioners. In the face of pragmatic constraints, strategies such as short-term mentoring, group mentoring, and mentoring in a focal practice area, show great promise and may support further mentoring actions. Use of increasingly ubiquitous virtual/remote platforms, particularly in the twenty-first century and with the influence of pandemic-related distancing, are a promising enabler of connection.