Clinical supervision offers staff a safe space in which to talk about work and compare their practice with that of people in similar roles. Joanne McVey and Theresa Jones describe the findings of an evaluative study
Clinical supervision is an effective way to provide support to staff. In cancer services, psychological support to patients and their families and carers is especially important. Taking part in clinical supervision groups allows staff to reflect on their practice in a non-judgemental environment. This article discusses feedback from five clinical supervision groups in cancer, renal and neurology services established in a teaching hospital. Interview data were transcribed and a thematic analysis carried out. The data analysis indicates that staff value the safe environment of a clinical supervision group where they can compare practice with those in similar roles, and also discuss stressful and emotional issues. The authors suggest that taking part in such groups can help reduce stress and burnout, and enable staff to improve the skills they need to provide patients with psychological support, which is an important aspect of working in cancer services.
Cancer Nursing Practice. 11, 8, 32-37. doi: 10.7748/cnp2012.10.11.8.32.c9357
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Conflict of interestNone declared
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