Mentoring Programme - A way of strengthening professional identity and development

Background The Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists decided to implement and evaluate a Mentoring Programme in 2013. Educational Philosophy The starting point was a proposal from the Association’s student... [ view full abstract ]

Background
The Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists decided to implement and evaluate a Mentoring Programme in 2013.

Educational Philosophy
The starting point was a proposal from the Association’s student organisation, highlighting mentoring as a way of strengthening professional identity and bridging between educational theory and professional practice.

Pedagogy
The mentoring programme was conducted for one year. Mentors (OTs with at least two years professional and mentees (students nearing completion of their bachelor programme) were matched on the basis of location, fields of work and interests. 15 matches were approved by the Swedish Association. To support their roles, participants were provided with written guidelines. They were free to set their own agendas based on current needs. The initial phase was an online-course. After six months follow - up was provided online. At the end of the year participants evaluated input, progress and experiences.

Evaluation
The overall results were positive. The mentees gave positive feedback on being given opportunity to prepare for the profession, acquiring broader professional networks and benefitting from mentors' experience and advice. Mentors reported having gained inspiration and new perspectives on their work, as well as broader networks and new scientific knowledge.

Application
Given the positive evaluation, The Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists decided to implement the mentoring programme as a permanent part of the Association's practice. We hope that our mentoring programme will provide stimulus for similar developments in other countries.