Work

Implementing a Near-Peer Mentorship Program to Enhance Surgical Research Among Medical Students: A Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Evaluation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Research is vital in medical education, fostering evidence-based practice and professional growth. However, medical students in low- and middle-income countries, such as Uganda, face significant barriers to research participation, including limited mentorship and resources. At Makerere University, these challenges impede surgical research output among students. Near-peer mentorship programs (NPMPs) offer a promising solution by leveraging senior students and residents to guide peers, enhancing research skills and productivity. This study implements and evaluates an NPMP within the Makerere University Surgery Society (MUSS) to boost student-led surgical research. Methods: A mixed-methods implementation research design, guided by the RE-AIM Framework, will assess the NPMP over 12 months at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. The program involves 120 participants: 15 surgical residents mentoring 30 senior students (Years 3– 5), who mentor 75 junior students (Years 1– 5). Convenience and purposive sampling will recruit participants. Quantitative data (surveys, logs) will measure reach, effectiveness (research output, competency), adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Qualitative interviews with 25 participants will explore feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability. Data analysis includes descriptive/inferential statistics and thematic analysis. This protocol has been approved by the Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (Protocol Approval Number MHREC 2931). Discussion: The NPMP aims to increase surgical research output, improve skills, and establish a sustainable mentorship culture within MUSS. By addressing mentorship gaps, it could enhance student engagement and offer a scalable model for resource-limited settings. Limitations include the lack of a control group and potential selection bias. This implementation research aims to establish a scalable model rather than prove direct causality in this initial phase. Plain Language Summary: This study will introduce a near-peer mentorship program at Makerere University to address the lack of research opportunities for medical students in Uganda. Residents will mentor senior students who will in turn mentor junior students in surgical research, with the goal of improving research skills and increasing research output mainly through the writing of case reports. Over 12 months, investigators will evaluate the program’s output, feasibility, how well it is liked by participants, and its potential for long-term use, using surveys and interviews to gather information. Ultimately, this project seeks to create a sustainable mentorship model that can be used in similar settings to boost student research and contribute to better healthcare. Keywords: near-peer mentorship, surgical research, medical students, Makerere University, RE-AIM framework

Source: Advances in Medical Education and Practice

DOI: 10.2147/amep.s539338