Final results of the National Oncology Mentorship Program 2023 and its impact on burnout and professional fulfilment.

Abstract

Background and aims: Significant burnout and low professional fulfilment are noted among medical oncologists and trainees. The National Oncology Mentorship Programme (NOMP23) was designed to evaluate the impact of a 1-year mentorship program between oncology trainees (mentees) and consultants (mentors) on improving professional fulfilment and burnout.

Methods: NOMP23 was a single-arm, prospective cohort study. One hundred twelve participants (56 mentors and 56 mentees) across Australia were recruited. Mentee/mentor pairs were orientated to the program virtually and met at least three times throughout 2023. The primary outcome was improvement in professional fulfilment as assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfilment Index at conclusion of NOMP23 compared to baseline.

Results: A total of 112 participants enrolled. Eighty-six (77%) completed the baseline and 63 (56%) completed the end-of-program survey. At baseline, 82% of mentees and 77% of mentors were classified as burnt out, which reduced to 57% and 51% at the conclusion of NOMP23; a reduction of 25% and 26% (P < 0.01). Baseline professional fulfilment was 0% and 5% for mentees and mentors respectively, which improved to 21% and 34% at the end of NOMP23 (P < 0.01). However, significant reduction in feelings of regret towards oncology as a profession was seen for mentees and mentors between baseline and the conclusion of NOMP23 (40% vs 14% and 29% vs 0% respectively, P < 0.01).

Conclusions: NOMP23 demonstrated that a centrally coordinated, low-cost mentorship program could be feasible and was of high value. Mentorship programs, alongside multifactorial institutional, state-based and national interventions to improve well-being, can help ensure a sustainable workforce.