Auckland regional emergency medicine trainee mentoring uptake survey

Objective The primary objective of this study is to quantify how many Auckland region emergency medicine (EM) trainees would like a formal mentoring programme. The secondary objectives were to quantify how many Auckland region EM trainees would like to participate in a formal mentoring programme; to determine trainees’ current understanding of mentoring; how trainees prefer mentors to be allocated; why trainees may want a mentor; what mentees perceive would be good qualities in a mentor; and trainees’ prior experience with mentoring. Methods Online survey of EM trainees in the Auckland region in June 2015. Results Of 61 potential respondents, 40 (65.6%) respondents replied to the survey. Of the 40, 38 (95%; 95% confidence interval ( CI ) 82.6–99.5) respondents indicated they would like some form of mentoring system, and of the 38, 25 (65.8%; 95% CI 49.8–78.9) preferred this to be formal. Of the 38, 19 (50%; 95% CI 34.9–65.2) currently wanted assistance obtaining a mentor. Of the 40, 30 (75%; 95% CI 59.6–86.0) are not currently in any form of mentoring relationship. Respondents believed that mentors would be most beneficial in critical incidents, career development and with work/life balance. The attributes participants considered most important in a mentor were respecting confidentiality, being honest and the ability to provide constructive feedback. Conclusions Many EM trainees in Auckland want a formal mentoring system and would like a mentor. Appropriate mentor–mentee matching through a formalised voluntary system, with adequate mentor training, may enable the Auckland region to develop a suitable mentoring programme for EM trainees.