Mentoring for Black and Minoritized Allied Health Professionals in Health and Social Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction Diversity, equality and belonging are important aspects within Allied Health Professional (AHP) groups. Mentoring is considered as a solution to improve career progression. To date, there is no consensus on what good mentoring looks like and whether current models are fit for purpose for Black and Minoritised Ethnicity AHPs. Methods Scoping review to understand mentoring among Black and Minoritised Ethnicity (BME) AHPs through searches in four electronic databases using pre-defined criteria. Results From 1440 studies screened, 2 studies were included in this review that researched mentoring for BME AHPs in a health and/or social care setting. Themes that emerged from the literature were related to access and amount of mentoring for BME AHPs, psychosocial mentoring may influence cross-race mentorship outcomes and organisational issues related to workforce pressures and management support. There is uncertainty around the importance of same race relationships in mentoring but there is some evidence that within cross-race mentoring this could influence outcomes. Conclusion It is unknown if mentoring enables career success in BME AHPs. There is emerging evidence on the importance of psychosocial mentoring within cross-race relationships. Careful reflection and further research is needed on how current mentoring models work and ensure fair access to mentorship and support for BME AHPs.

Understanding the difference, makes the difference: perceptions of Black and Minoritised ethnic occupational therapists on mentoring

“…Some of the focus groups participants were recruited from those who completed a survey ( manuscript under review ) that explored mentorship in BME Occupational Therapists. The focus group questions (additional file 1 ) were constructed from the findings of this survey, a scoping review [ 26 ] and additional input from a steering group set-up to support this research. Participants received written information and a consent form electronically before the focus group, which were returned to the researchers.…”

“…In addition, the authors’ experience as occupational therapists and health services researchers provided expertise necessary for this research. The authors had completed a scoping review on this research topic prior to the commencement of the focus groups [ 26 ]. The focus group question topic guide was informed by the results of this review, a survey, and discussions with the steering group (set up for this research study), as well as active participation from the participants during the focus group discussions, all of which assisted with triangulation.…”