Virtual Mentoring: Two Adaptive Models for Supporting Early‐career Simulation Investigators in the Era of Social Distancing

Abstract

Background Early‐career simulation investigators identify limited mentorship as a common barrier to disseminating scholarship and launching a successful academic career in emergency medicine (EM). Conferences often bridge this gap, but the COVID‐19 pandemic has forced their indefinite delay. Virtual solutions are needed to capitalize on the breadth of national simulation research experts and grow mentorship in a postpandemic world. Methods We developed two complementary innovations to facilitate scholarship development and minimize COVID‐associated career challenges resulting from social distancing requirements. The e‐fellows forum (FF) provides a capstone experience for works‐in‐progress and the e‐consultation service (CS) supports simulation research during the earlier project stages of design and development. In conjunction with the Society for Academic Medicine’s Simulation Academy, we applied videoconferencing technology for both of these novel, virtual innovations. We analyzed corresponding chat transcripts and detailed field notes for emerging themes. In addition, we collected quantitative data via participant surveys regarding their experiences and impact on their projects. Results Nine simulation fellows presented at the FF and seven junior simulation investigators participated in the CS sessions. Most preferred the virtual format (56% FF, 66% CS) and found the sessions to be helpful in project advancement (66% FF, 100% CS). COVID‐19 affected most projects (89% FF, 67% CS). We identified three themes via qualitative analysis: design concerns and inquiries, validation or support shown by mentors and peers, and professional cohesion. Conclusions Participants felt that both virtual mentorship innovations advanced their simulation research projects and fostered a sense of professional cohesion within a greater community of practice. These benefits can be powerful at a time where simulation researchers in EM feel disconnected in an era of social distancing. Our future work will include adaptations to a hybrid model with both virtual and in‐person modalities as well as creation of more e‐mentorship opportunities, thus broadening the early‐career simulation research community of practice.

Career development in pragmatic clinical trials to improve care for people living with dementia

“…The diversity in mentors addresses individual gaps and provides differing viewpoints. Virtual or tele‐mentoring during the COVID‐19 pandemic proved feasible and effective and offered the potential for distance mentoring for faculty seeking training in institutions with fewer research resources 26–28 . In one study, tele‐mentorship provided an equal number of mentor‐mentee encounters compared to pairs asked to meet in‐person, nor was there a change in perceptions of mentorship barriers over time 28 .…”

“…Virtual or tele-mentoring during the COVID-19 pandemic proved feasible and effective and offered the potential for distance mentoring for faculty seeking training in institutions with fewer research resources. [26][27][28] In one study, tele-mentorship provided an equal number of mentor-mentee encounters compared to pairs asked to meet in-person, nor was there a change in perceptions of mentorship barriers over time. 28 Historically, surgical and procedural fields have embraced telementoring to a greater level, with a recent scoping review identifying that tele-mentoring can overcome financial and geographic barriers to improve learner skills and experiences.…”

Challenges that Early Career Researchers Face in Academic Research and Publishing

“…Even though travel may have been offset, opportunities are not necessarily dampened; merely ECRs have to adapt to virtual meetings and congresses in order to network, rather than relying on physical meetings (Weissgerber et al, 2020). Some have suggested the use of online forums of discussion and consultation services for ECRs to blunt asocial impacts of social distancing measures (Stapleton et al, 2021). Others have recommended greater exercise and a need to modify the ECR workplace environment to accommodate individual needs (Kappel et al, 2021).…”