Background: Cochrane has several mentoring programs, but to date they have included an objective of reaching participants in low-resource and historically marginalized settings, as well as individuals who may experience discrimination, health inequity, and lack of access to evidence-based healthcare curricula, experts, and materials. As such, the senior officer of the Cochrane US Network designed, implemented, and is currently running Year 2 of a mentoring program with these objectives.
Objectives:
Methods: Cochrane has several mentoring programs, but to date they have included an objective of reaching participants in low-resource and historically marginalized settings, as well as individuals who may experience discrimination, health inequity, and lack of access to evidence-based healthcare curricula, experts, and materials. As such, the senior officer of the Cochrane US Network designed, implemented, and is currently running Year 2 of a mentoring program with these objectives.
Results: Fifteen participants of Year 1 were surveyed; 66.7% (10) reported high satisfaction, 80% (12) recommended the program to others, and 93.3 % stated that the program reflects Cochrane objectives. Seven of nine mentees received scholarships for trainings, workshops, and conferences. Mentees were involved in 14 systematic reviews, two received paid internships, and eight of nine received job opportunities because of their participation in the program. Four Year 1 mentees are now Year 2 mentors.
Conclusions: A clear need has been identified for additional programming and resources for students and health professionals hailing from under-resourced and marginalized settings. Cochrane is well placed to provide these services and indeed has as an organizational goal to impact global health equity and to turn evidence synthesis focus toward health inequities. Dedicated resources and personnel are needed to ensure continued success and reach.
Patient, public and/or healthcare consumer involvement: Many mentees are patients, carers, and other consumers, from multiple counties.