The challenge of providing mentorship in primary care

Abstract

In the changing National Health Service, there is an increasing awareness of stress related problems in the medical workforce. Mentorship has been shown to help with both stress reduction and adaptation to change. There are recognised difficulties with providing mentorship for doctors but there are ways in which these can be overcome. The medical profession is now considering revalidation, re-certification, and the standards required for these. Perhaps it is also time to consider ways in which mentorship can be provided to support the medical workforce, promote ongoing development and thus improve our ability to care for patients.