Authors (including presenting author) :
Dr. Tam WK, Dr. Leung TF, Dr Ho KM, Dr. Chen XRC, Dr. Li YC.
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine (FM) & General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs), Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC), Hospital Authority (HA)
Introduction :
Life as a junior doctor can be difficult, especially during COVID-19 pandemic with increased uncertainties. A recent Ireland Survey of 1,479 doctors showed that 82% experienced workplace stress with effort greatly exceeding rewards1. Burn-out was reported in 29.7% and was associated with younger age and lower years of practice1. Another study showed up to 89% of respondents found a Near-Peer Mentoring program could be useful to Non-consultant doctor2. To form a network of support, every 1st year trainee in KCC FM&GOPC was assigned a junior buddy (1 year of practice), a senior buddy (2-3 years of practice) and a mentor (the first family medicine trainer in department). They were encouraged to have continuous communications with share of skills and knowledge, advice on professional development and to have mutual psychological support.
Objectives :
To evalutate the modes and effectiveness of a Buddy-Mentor program
Methodology :
An on-line questionnaire created by department training subcommittee was sent to all trainee doctors (1st year trainee, junior buddy and senior buddy) of KCC FM&GOPC from 2/7/2021 to 13/8/2021. The questionnaire assessed the modes and effectiveness of communication between trainees-buddies-mentors, benefits of the trainees from the Buddy-Mentor System and the areas which trainees perceived more guidance. The areas of trainee doctors benefited most and need more guidance from buddies and mentors were also assessed. The areas included adaptation into working environment, professional knowledge, problem solving skills, communication skills, career development, personal attitude towards learning and self-confidence.
Result & Outcome :
21 out of the total 28 doctors completed the survey. The response rate of the survey was 75%. The most communication mode between buddies and doctors was Whatsapp contact (85.7%). Other common communication modes were face to face social gathering (52.4%) and office/workplace visit (42.9%). About the communication effectiveness with junior buddies, 13.3%(2) of trainees considered as very good and effective and 66.7%(10) considered as efficient. About the communication effectiveness with senior buddies, 6.3%(1) of trainees considered as very good and effective and 62.5%(10) considered as efficient. About the communication effectiveness with mentors, 4.8%(1) of trainees considered as very good and effective and 57.1%(12) considered as sufficient. About the benefits from the Buddy-Mentor System, most trainees opted for professional knowledge (50%), followed by smooth adaptation into working environment (45%), career development (40%) and personal attitude towards learning (30%). For areas trainees perceived more guidance need from buddies, most trainees opted for working environment in GOPC (57.9%), followed by communication skills (47.4%), working environment in hospital (36.8%) and career development (31.6%). trainees perceived more guidance need from mentor, most trainees opted for career development (65%), followed by working environment in GOPC (50%), communication skills (35%) and problem solving skills (35%). All trainees (100%) would recommend the buddy/mentor system to other. Most trainees can have sufficient communication with their buddies and mentors. They can have a wide range of benefits from the Buddy-Mentor System. It could help them to have better adaptation in the beginning of family medicine career and to go through the difficult time during COVID-19 pandemic. This survey could identify the areas which new trainees would like to have more guidance. Further enhancement in the Buddy-Mentor System would be introduced according to the survey.
