Benefits of a Mentorship Program on Interprofessional Collaboration in Obstetric and Neonatal Care in Rwanda: A Qualitative Descriptive Case Study

Abstract

Background Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) contributes to optimum patient outcomes. The Training, Support, Access Model for Maternal, New Born, and Child Health (TSAM – MNCH), a project initiated as an innovative model for Rwanda, has provided a mentorship program to improve the quality of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) including IPC. However, no research has been conducted to understand the impact of that mentorship on IPC practice. Study objective To identify the impact of the TSAM mentorship on IPC practice in Rwanda from the perspective of hospital managers where TSAM mentorship was implemented and healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated in the mentoring program. Methods A qualitative descriptive case study was conducted in five district hospitals in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Interviews were conducted with hospital directors and twenty-five HCPs mentees. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to identify emergent themes. Results and discussions Four themes emerged: a) experience with IPC and TSAM mentorship; b) benefits of TSAM mentorship on IPC, c) challenges with mentoring programs, and 4) suggestions to improve TSAM mentorship. Conclusion The findings indicated an increase in self-confidence and awareness of responsibilities, which contributed to the improved working relationship among the team involved in EmONC.