Evaluation of Our Coaching

An independent evaluation of the London Deanery Coaching and Mentoring Service, which most of our coaches worked for and helped develop, was carried out by Oxford Brookes University (Bachkirova et al, 2015). This evaluation showed statistically significant improvements in employee engagement, self-efficacy and self-compassion of clients participating in the scheme.

Five years later, we reported a further study from the same service, looking at what changes doctors said they had made as a result of receiving mentoring. The changes most frequently reported related to Personal effectiveness, Career development, Self-Awareness, Work/life balance and Self- confidence as a doctor. (E Paice et al; EMCC International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching: Special edition, October 2017)

“……. The coaching and mentoring programme provides an effective service for their clients….Well-validated measures that were selected for this evaluation show that employee engagement, self-efficacy and self-compassion of the participants significantly improved…..The analysis convincingly shows that coaching was a major contributor to this success….. “

Testimonials

There is a great improvement in relations with colleagues and I feel that my work - and that of my department - has become much more efficient. (Consultant, Teaching Hospital) 

The coaching built on my self-worth and encouraged me to think about my personal development and opportunity, in particular how important it is to listen, have empathy and when it might be right to walk away. (Clinical Director) 

I feel more confident in how I would approach discussing things with my Medical Director and other senior colleagues, to help instigate change and new ideas. (Consultant, District General Hospital) 

I would say my self-confidence and decision making skills have improved and because of this, I can make educated, confident decisions about patient care. (ST7 Trainee/Resident Doctor) 

I had gone into coaching genuinely unsure if it would benefit me, as I felt I am already quite self-aware and I wasn't sure how much I would get out of it but I was amazed at how much I gained, how positive it is - I would happily take on further coaching opportunities in future or even opportunities to become a coach, having seen the value and impact it can have. (GP Principal)

The sessions have been very useful in terms of career development and planning …. the process of job applications, interviews and transition between GP trainee and qualified GP. I feel I have grown in self-confidence not only as a clinician but as a person. I have also learnt and re-discovered techniques for addressing work life balance.  (ST3 GP Trainee/Resident Doctor)

I have a better understanding of my default responses when facing crises, difficulties or dilemmas. I have come to better appreciate the importance of professional satisfaction coupled with a good work/life balance and happiness in the private sphere. I will definitely remember what my priorities are in life and use them as a guide in my decision-making. I will be making more effort to use positive feedback when managing inter-personal tensions

I found it useful to spend time actually stopping to think about me and the different aspects of my life. Being invited to verbalise things made me reflect more deeply on both my priorities (work and life) and my options. It was helpful when you asked questions which were challenging or empowering.