Efficacy of peer mentoring programs for health residencies
a scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51723/hrj.v7i35.1258Keywords:
Mentoring, Internship and residency, Health educationAbstract
Objective: to map the available evidence on peer mentoring programs based on knowledge exchange, shared experiences, and integration, which support personal and professional development among residents. The review aimed to assess the effectiveness of this strategy and facilitate its understanding within the context of health training. Method: a scoping review was conducted following the methodological procedures of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, the Virtual Health Library (VHL/BVS), and SciELO, with no time or methodological design restrictions. Data extraction used a structured instrument developed for the descriptive organization of results. Results: twelve studies were identified, all addressing peer mentoring programs in medical residency training. Most programs paired residents from different training levels and relied on voluntary participation. Reported benefits included reduced stress, enhanced well-being, social support, and professional development. Main limitations involved a shortage of experienced mentors, low frequency of meetings, and heavy dependence on virtual interactions. In-person programs showed greater effectiveness, underscoring the need for stronger institutional support. Conclusions: peer mentoring proved effective in the residency programs analyzed, promoting technical and academic skill development as well as psychosocial and collaborative benefits. Although current evidence is concentrated in medical residency, the strategy shows potential for broader application across other health fields, highlighting the need for further studies examining long-term outcomes.
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