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Peer mentoring for radiotherapy planning skills development: a pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 January 2015

P. Bridge ,
N. J. Ellemor ,
M. Carmichael  and
G. Gibson
P. Bridge*
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
N. J. Ellemor
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
M. Carmichael
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
G. Gibson
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
*
Correspondence to: Pete Bridge, School of Health Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia. E-mail: pete.bridge@qut.edu.au
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Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the potential role and guidelines for implementation of skill-based peer mentoring for radiotherapy planning education.

Methods

After four weekly mentoring sessions, both Year 3 mentors (n=9) and Year 2 mentees (n=9) were invited to complete a short online questionnaire relating to the impact of the initiative. The tool contained a mixture of Likert-style questions concerning student enjoyment and perceived usefulness of the initiative as well as more qualitative open questions that gathered perceptions of the peer mentoring process, implementation methods and potential future scope.

Results

Several key discussion themes related to benefits to each stakeholder group, challenges arising, improvements and potential future directions. There were high levels of enjoyment and perceived value of the mentoring from both sides with 100% of the 18 respondents enjoying the experience. The informal format encouraged further learning, while mentors reported acquisition of valuable skills and gains in knowledge.

Conclusions

Peer mentoring has a valuable and enjoyable role to play in radiotherapy planning training and helps consolidate theoretical understanding for experienced students. An informal approach allows for students to adopt the most appropriate mentoring model for their needs while providing them with a free space to engender additional discussion.

Keywords

educationpeer mentoringpre-registrationradiotherapy planning
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , June 2015 , pp. 171 - 179
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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