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

LaDawn N. Duerksen, Chloé Janse van Rensburg, Carrie Costello, Michael A. Golding, Mê-Linh Lê, Maya Woods, Sarah Kelso, Lizabeth Bannister and Jennifer L. P. Protudjer ()
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LaDawn N. Duerksen: Department of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
Chloé Janse van Rensburg: The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
Carrie Costello: Rehabilitation Centre for Children, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3G1, Canada
Michael A. Golding: The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, 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

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 3, 1-16

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.

Keywords: mentors; self-help groups; chronic disease; caregiver burden; caregiver; peer group (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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