Article type
Abstract
"Background: Global access to trusted health evidence requires the sustained growth of professionals trained in evidence synthesis methods. However, the ability of scientists to perform evidence synthesis work may be hindered by a lack of resources, inaccessible mentorship, and/or historical marginalization. To address these concerns and promote global collaboration and capacity building, Cochrane US designed and implemented an equity-focused, evidence-synthesis mentoring program to train scholars from underrepresented backgrounds.
Objective: To encourage and provide training and mentoring for evidence-based health practices through an evidence-based educational and professional development initiative.
Methods: The Cochrane US mentoring program paired mentees from under-resourced backgrounds with successful evidence synthesis mentors. Participants completed Cochrane training, organized events, attended expert speaker series, and were involved with Cochrane Community initiatives. Mentees and mentors met regularly in various formats and collaborated on evidence synthesis and knowledge translation projects for one year. Qualified mentees were invited to serve as mentors in subsequent years. Anonymous surveys were conducted at the program’s mid- and endpoints.
Results: From 2021-2023, 66 scholars (n=18 from Latin America, 14 from Africa, 19 from Asia) were selected from 653 dually reviewed and scored applications, representing 60 countries. Over 90% of mentees successfully completed the program and were involved in myriad evidence synthesis opportunities. Mentee successes included systematic review involvement (n= 27 mentees), scholarships (n= 18), paid internships (n= 5), Cochrane translations (n= 17), and career advancement (n= 14). Anonymous survey results suggest that the program has high satisfaction rates (n=93%). Mentees expressed the most interest in publications (100%), systematic reviews (93%), and conferences/training (79%). Future areas of improvement include increased training and clearer expectations.
Conclusion: The Cochrane mentoring program highlights the substantial interest among health scientists from underrepresented backgrounds for access to evidence synthesis training. Subsequent years will focus on mentee-identified suggestions, sustainability, and clarifying mentorship objectives. Sustainability will depend on successful funding and the continued involvement of evidence-synthesis experts.
Relevance to patients: Patient advocates and evidence end-users were routinely included in the program as mentees and mentors. Numerous mentees ensure their knowledge from the program is promoted in their countries through patient empowerment and better evidence-based decision-making."
Objective: To encourage and provide training and mentoring for evidence-based health practices through an evidence-based educational and professional development initiative.
Methods: The Cochrane US mentoring program paired mentees from under-resourced backgrounds with successful evidence synthesis mentors. Participants completed Cochrane training, organized events, attended expert speaker series, and were involved with Cochrane Community initiatives. Mentees and mentors met regularly in various formats and collaborated on evidence synthesis and knowledge translation projects for one year. Qualified mentees were invited to serve as mentors in subsequent years. Anonymous surveys were conducted at the program’s mid- and endpoints.
Results: From 2021-2023, 66 scholars (n=18 from Latin America, 14 from Africa, 19 from Asia) were selected from 653 dually reviewed and scored applications, representing 60 countries. Over 90% of mentees successfully completed the program and were involved in myriad evidence synthesis opportunities. Mentee successes included systematic review involvement (n= 27 mentees), scholarships (n= 18), paid internships (n= 5), Cochrane translations (n= 17), and career advancement (n= 14). Anonymous survey results suggest that the program has high satisfaction rates (n=93%). Mentees expressed the most interest in publications (100%), systematic reviews (93%), and conferences/training (79%). Future areas of improvement include increased training and clearer expectations.
Conclusion: The Cochrane mentoring program highlights the substantial interest among health scientists from underrepresented backgrounds for access to evidence synthesis training. Subsequent years will focus on mentee-identified suggestions, sustainability, and clarifying mentorship objectives. Sustainability will depend on successful funding and the continued involvement of evidence-synthesis experts.
Relevance to patients: Patient advocates and evidence end-users were routinely included in the program as mentees and mentors. Numerous mentees ensure their knowledge from the program is promoted in their countries through patient empowerment and better evidence-based decision-making."