Longitudinal Program Evaluation of an Inter-Institutional Mentorship Network for Pediatric Rheumatology Using a Quality Improvement Framework

Authors

Kristen Hayward
Alexi Grom
Eyal Muscal
Peter A Nigrovic
Kelly A Rouster-Stevens
Kaveh Ardalan
Linda Hiraki
L Nandini Moorthy

Publication Date

7-10-2024

Journal

Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal

DOI

10.1186/s12969-024-00993-1

PMID

38982530

PMCID

PMC11234764

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-10-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Mentors, Mentoring, United States, Canada, Surveys and Questionnaires, Longitudinal Studies, Program Evaluation, Quality Improvement, Male, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, Job Satisfaction, Mentorship, Workforce, Educational quality improvement

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Mentoring Interest Group (AMIGO) is an inter-institutional mentorship program launched to target mentorship gaps within pediatric rheumatology. Initial program evaluation indicated increased mentorship access. Given the small size of the pediatric rheumatology workforce, maintaining a consistent supply of mentors was a potential threat to the longevity of the network. Our aims were to: (i) describe the sustainability of AMIGO over the period 2011-2018, (ii) highlight ongoing benefits to participants, and (iii) describe challenges in the maintenance of a mentorship network.

METHODS: A mixed-methods approach centered on a quality improvement framework was used to report on process and outcomes measures associated with AMIGO annual cycles.

RESULTS: US and Canada Pediatric rheumatology workforce surveys identified 504 possible participants during the time period. As of fall 2018, 331 unique individuals had participated in AMIGO as a mentee, mentor or both for a program response rate of 66% (331/504). Survey of mentees indicated high satisfaction with impact on general career development, research/scholarship and work-life balance. Mentors indicated increased sense of connection to the community and satisfaction with helping mentees despite limited perceived benefit to their academic portfolios. Based on AMIGO's success, a counterpart program for adult rheumatology, Creating Adult Rheumatology Mentorship in Academia (CARMA), was launched in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the challenges of a limited workforce, AMIGO continues to provide consistent access to mentorship opportunities for the pediatric rheumatology community. This experience can inform approaches to mentorship gaps in other academic subspecialties.