Abstract
Mentorship was an intrinsic part of the South Trent In-Service Diploma Course. The scheme was intended to optimise experiential learning and provide an outreach support network for students undertaking the 4-year part-time course.
This article describes the evolvement of mentorship as a new concept for occupational therapists. The process culminated in the production of specific guidelines which clarified the role and set an agreed minimum standard without prescribing what is essentially a personal relationship. At the end of the first and final years, the scheme was evaluated using questionnaires to ascertain the views of both mentors and students. The results identified the benefits and the problems associated with such a scheme. Although costly in terms of commitment and time, the benefits derived from support for individuals and the encouragement of a learning culture within sponsoring organisations.
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