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Practical and Effective Mentorship Strategies for Caregivers of Children with Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review

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  • LaDawn N. Duerksen

    (Department of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
    Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
    The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
    Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada)

  • Chloé Janse van Rensburg

    (The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
    Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
    Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Carrie Costello

    (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3G1, Canada
    The Center for Implementation, Winnipeg, MB K0K 1C0, Canada
    Affiliation at the time of manuscript preparation.)

  • Michael A. Golding

    (The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
    Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada)

  • Mê-Linh Lê

    (Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada)

  • Maya Woods

    (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3G1, Canada)

  • Sarah Kelso

    (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3G1, Canada)

  • Lizabeth Bannister

    (Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3G1, Canada)

  • Jennifer L. P. Protudjer

    (Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
    The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
    Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
    Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

Caregivers of children with chronic conditions face daily challenges and a lower quality of life, which may be improved through peer support. This scoping review explored the literature on formal caregiver-to-caregiver mentorship programs, identifying strategies to inform future programs. Using Arskey and O’Malley’s framework, we searched five databases for peer-reviewed literature on caregiver-to-caregiver mentorship programs for adult caregivers caring for children (≤18 years) with chronic conditions. Thematic analysis was performed on relevant articles. Of the 10 064 search hits, 109 were included after full-text screening. Theme 1, “Mentorship adds to medical support”, reflected how mentorship can complement medical care provided by healthcare teams. Theme 2, “Successful mentorship requires the right mentors”, highlighted the qualities of mentors crucial for effective mentorship, mentor-matching practices, and training areas for mentors. Theme 3, “Mentorship programs should balance structure and flexibility”, emphasized the importance of allowing for flexibility to accommodate diverse family needs. Theme 4, “Mentorship programs face common challenges”, summarized the challenges frequently faced when implementing mentorship programs. The study findings suggest that the success of mentorship programs hinge on factors including a flexible program structure, knowledgeable and dedicated mentors, and an infrastructure in place for supporting both the mentors and the financial needs of the program.

Suggested Citation

  • LaDawn N. Duerksen & Chloé Janse van Rensburg & Carrie Costello & Michael A. Golding & Mê-Linh Lê & Maya Woods & Sarah Kelso & Lizabeth Bannister & Jennifer L. P. Protudjer, 2025. "Practical and Effective Mentorship Strategies for Caregivers of Children with Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:339-:d:1599655
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:mpr:mprres:2984 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Yingling, Marissa E. & Hock, Robert M. & Feinberg, Mark E. & Holbert, Amy A., 2020. "Community-engaged process to adapt evidence-based programs for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
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