Peer Mentorship Program for Newly Graduated Occupational Therapists in Aragón (MenTOras)
Evaluation of the Impact of a Peer Mentorship Program on the Professional Integration of Newly Graduated Occupational Therapists: The MenTOras Program
Universidad de Zaragoza
40 participants
Aug 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study evaluates the MenTOras program, a structured peer mentorship intervention designed for newly graduated occupational therapists in Aragón, Spain. The transition from university to professional practice can be challenging, and many new occupational therapists face isolation, limited guidance, and uncertainty about their professional role. The MenTOras program connects newly graduated occupational therapists (mentees) with more experienced colleagues (mentors). Over a three-month period, mentor-mentee pairs participate in at least six structured sessions, either online or in person. These sessions are designed to support professional integration, strengthen self-confidence, promote reflective practice, and provide emotional support. The study uses a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data are collected before the program, after completion, and six months later to assess perceived professional integration, emotional well-being, and professional confidence. In addition, qualitative interviews with a subset of participants explore their experiences in greater depth. By fostering peer support, MenTOras aims to improve the early career experience of occupational therapists and provide a model for sustainable mentoring practices within the profession.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Completed a degree in Occupational Therapy within the past 2 years.
- May or may not be currently employed in the profession.
- Registered member of the Aragon Professional Association of Occupational Therapists (COPTOA).
- Minimum of 5 years of clinical or community-based practice in occupational therapy.
- Actively practicing at the time of enrollment.
- Registered member of COPTOA.
Exclusion Criteria2
- For mentors: occupational therapists who are no longer actively practicing.
- For all participants: current involvement in another mentorship program or structured training initiative with overlapping objectives.
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Interventions
The MenTOras intervention is a structured peer mentorship program designed for newly graduated occupational therapists in Aragón, Spain. The program pairs early-career occupational therapists (mentees, graduated within the past two years) with experienced colleagues (mentors, with at least five years of practice). Over approximately three months, each mentor-mentee pair participates in at least six structured sessions (online or in person). Sessions follow three phases-initiation, development, and closure-focusing on professional identity, reflective practice, emotional support, and skill integration. Mentors receive orientation and guidance to ensure program consistency. COPTOA also offers topic-specific training to address emerging professional needs. The intervention aims to foster professional integration, enhance self-confidence, and promote well-being among new occupational therapists, while strengthening professional cohesion and retention.
Locations(1)
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NCT07173283