E-mentoring in Surgical Training

Introduction: E-mentoring uses electronic communications to build and maintain a mentoring relationship. A previous study found E-mentoring to be beneficial to surgical trainees when delivered by a single E-mentor. This study aimed to see if these benefits persisted within a larger network of surgical E-mentors. Methods: Surgical ST1 to ST3 trainees (E-mentees) and E-mentors were recruited in 2007. The study ran over one year with five questionnaires prompting discussions of a range of issues. At study end, a feedback questionnaire was sent via an independent third party. Results: Twenty three E-mentees were recruited, 16 (70%) were male, median age was 28 (IQR 2). Fifty four surgical E-mentors volunteered, the majority being Specialist Registrars (n = 52; 96%). E-mentees found the process to be very useful in identifying the good and bad points of their jobs. E-mentoring was not useful for improving academic knowledge, operative skills or clinical management. Conclusions: This study shows that E-mentoring is beneficial to surgical trainees who are engaged in the process. The process encourages reflection and was a useful source of advice but there remains areas where its scope is limited.