Impact Of Mentorship Programs On Pharmacy Undergraduates’ And New Pharmacists’ Professional Development In Singapore

• By: CHNG, Hui Ting (National University Of Singapore, Singapore)
• Co-author(s): Dr Hui Ting Chng (Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore)
  Ms Yu Ning Lee (Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore)
  Ms Zi Yen Low (Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore)
  Dr Golda Zhizhen Wang (Department of Pharmacy, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore, Singapore)
  
• Abstract:

  Background:
  Mentoring has been found to be associated with positive personal and professional outcomes. Mentorship programs differ depending on the needs and goals of individuals at different stages of their career development. Different models such as one-on-one or group approach have also been utilized. Since 2021, a nine-month long mentorship program (INSPIRxE) for pharmacy and pharmaceutical science undergraduates in the National University of Singapore was launched where pharmacy alumni mentored students in a group mentoring approach. In parallel, a one-year mentorship program for new pharmacists was implemented in Alexandra Hospital (AH) where a one-on-one model was adopted.
  
  Purpose:
  To measure the impact of the INSPIRxE and AH mentorship programs on mentee’s professional development in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude. The sub-aim is to compare the preference for the mentoring approach.
  
  Methods:
  Thirty-eight mentees were mentored by 22 alumni mentors in 11 small groups in the INSPIRxE program. Six mentees were mentored by one mentor each, and four mentees were mentored by two mentors in a small group in the AH program. Mentors and mentees of both programs were invited to participate in a survey. Group semi-structured interviews (SSI) was conducted for mentors and mentees of the AH program.
  
  Results:
  The response rate was 89% (INSPIRxE mentees), 64% (INSPIRxE mentors), 75% (AH mentees) and 83.3% (AH mentors). More than 70% of INSPIRxE mentors and mentees agreed that mentees gained knowledge on different career pathways, enhanced their personal skills and gained insight about their interests and passion. Similarly, AH mentors and mentees felt that mentees gained clinical skills and furthered their career development. 80% of mentors and 83.3% of mentees agreed that the clinical discussions helped enhance mentees’ confidence and skill sets to manage pharmacy work and challenges. 66.7% and 80% of mentees and mentors at least agreed that the AH mentorship program helped mentees navigate career development and self-care. Participants of both programs felt their effort and time spent were worthwhile.
  
  If given a choice, 52.6% of INSPIRxE mentees would prefer the group mentoring approach as opposed to 23.7% who would prefer a one-on-one model. 60% and 40% of the AH mentees expressed preference for the group mentoring and one-on-one approach, respectively. The opportunity to hear different opinions were among the reasons for those who preferred the group approach. For the AH program, sharing of the pre-session preparation favoured the group mentorship model. Predisposition towards one-on-one model was due to more efficient scheduling and more individualised approach.
  
  Conclusion:
  Undergraduate students and new pharmacists gained different sets of knowledge and skills relevant to their needs through the two mentorship programs. The group mentoring approach appeared to be favoured as it offered diverse views and peer support. Future programs could start with a group approach and offer one-on-one sessions for those who require individualized advice.