New Zealand radiation therapists’ perceptions of peer group supervision as a tool to reduce burnout symptoms in the clinical setting

Abstract

Introduction Research indicates that radiation therapists (RTs) are at risk of burnout and that there is a lack of evidence on effective coping strategies for managing work‐related stressors within this workforce. Peer group supervision (PGS) is a useful tool in assisting staff to manage stress in the clinical setting, improve reflective practice and provide support. The aim of this research was to investigate New Zealand (NZ) RTs’ perceptions of participating in PGS. Methods In‐service training on PGS was offered to all RT centres in NZ, and five of the nine centres agreed to partake in PGS. Participants anonymously completed the same online questionnaire, six months apart. The questionnaire consisted of the Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire (CSEQ), an open‐ended question and demographics. The CSEQ asks participants to indicate their agreement with 14 statements related to Purpose, Process and Impact of PGS. Results Overall, 71 and 48 participants completed the first and second surveys, respectively. In contrast to previous studies, this study found that confidence in practice, team support and group safety were valued by participants. This was supported by the qualitative data that revealed four themes: supportive groups, time out to reflect, organisational barriers and group process issues. RTs with one to five years’ experience were more likely to structure their meetings, understand the purpose of the meetings and had clearer expectations of the group process. Conclusions PGS may address burnout for RTs with one to five years’ experience. This group of RTs feel patient‐related matters can be discussed openly during PGS, and PGS appears to be helping to improve their practice and reduce stress. More experienced RTs appear to be using the groups as a ‘professional support group’, rather than ‘peer supervision’, as a strategy for managing organisational stressors associated with burnout.

Group clinical supervision for allied health professionals

“…Group clinical supervision assisted managers to access the formative and restorative functions of clinical supervision. Other researchers have found that group clinical supervision can be used to develop leadership skills 24,40 . Group clinical supervision could be used to address the gap of professional development and peer support for allied health managers and senior allied health clinicians.…”

“…Using a trainer who was experienced in group clinical supervision and who used an experiential learning approach improved the facilitators’ understanding of the group supervision model and increased their confidence in establishing the groups. A recent study of peer group supervision for radiation therapists in New Zealand reported that some participants were dissatisfied with the model in groups that were not well facilitated and consequently had a lack of clarity around the group structure and leadership 24 . Regardless of whether a peer or supervisor‐led model is used, adequate preparation and training of those who are facilitating or leading group clinical supervision are required.…”

“…Benefits of conducting clinical supervision in a group include improved access to clinical supervision where there is limited access to clinical supervisors and increased efficiency compared with individual models of clinical supervision 22 . Some studies have reported that group clinical supervision enhances peer learning and support 23‐25 . However, Martin et al have cautioned that peer models of group clinical supervision should not be used as a replacement for individual clinical supervision.…”

The perceptions of burnout and related influencing factors in Chinese physicians and nurses working in a cancer hospital

“…Previous study showed interventions like the compassion fatigue resiliency program are effective, feasible, and scalable 26 . Another study showed that peer‐group supervision was helpful to improve the clinicians’ practice and to reduce their work‐related stress and burnout symptoms 27 …”

Radiation therapy students' perceptions of peer group supervision: a pilot study

“…To be effective, groups need to adhere to group processes and the agreed structure, and participants need a clear understanding of what they want to achieve from each PGS meeting. 11,13 Overall, the NZ RTs responded positively to PGS, 13 which prompted academic staff to implement PGS into the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (BRT) programme. The BRT is a three-year degree offered at the University of Otago, Wellington campus and is the only Radiation Therapy programme in NZ.…”