Electronic mentoring for health professionals:

1
Electronic mentoring for health professionals
iChat used to support retention of
physiotherapists in rural communities
2
Context
Sunny Hill Mentoring Electronic mentoring
3
Research Questions
Can an ementoring program effectively support
physiotherapists in clinical practice? What is
the experience of mentees using iChat and email
to communicate with their mentors?
4
Process
Action research Three months, two therapist
mentees, one therapist mentor Communication via
iChat and email
5
Findings Theme Map
Supportive components Resulting
components
Technology Logistics Characteristics of Mentor
and Mentee The relationship
Communication Improved clinical
reasoning Confidence Knowledge exchange
Interaction
6
Lessons for practice
Clinical support can be effectively provided
through an electronic mentoring program.
Videochat is a much richer form of communication
than text alone. Mentors need to be trained in
reflective learning and electronic mentoring
skills.
7
Lessons for practice
Mentor and mentee should relate as colleagues.
Technology as a tool needs to operate as
effortlessly as possible. Action research
allows full participation of mentees in the
design. The qualitative approach is useful for
evaluation.
8
Next steps
Created an ementoring program Created four
online modules to develop electronic mentors
using asynchronous and synchronous components One
cohort has completed the training
9
Acknowledgements
Susan Stewart, MRSc Lori Roxborough,
MSPT/OT Anneke Gutter Lori Robins Alyssa Barrie
Powell River Association for Community Living
Caribou Chilcotin Child Development Centre Sunny
Hill Health Centre for Children