Traumatology, Vol 29(4), Dec 2023, 451-457; doi:10.1037/trm0000405
Health-care staff working with children and families in acute settings can be exposed to high stress and vicarious trauma, affecting professional quality of life. Staff supervision groups are identified as a potential method to support staff. This longitudinal service evaluation reviewed the effectiveness of a novel monthly supervision group in an acute trust. It aimed to facilitate staff discussions about challenging work situations to improve workplace resilience, professional quality of life, and well-being. Attendees completed the Workplace Resilience Instrument (WRI), Professional Quality of Life Scale, (ProQOL-21) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale prior to joining the groups, at 6 months, and the end of the 12-month pilot (n = 42). Attendance was associated with statistically significant increases in confident sense-making (CSM; measured by the WRI) and decreased compassion fatigue (CF; measured by the ProQOL-21). Mixed effect model analyses demonstrated significant differences in improved CSM and reduced CF from baseline to the final time point (CSM change estimate = .22, p = .01; CF change estimate = −2.59, p = .04). There were no significant differences in WRI Active Problem-Solving, Team Efficacy, and Bricolage scores, ProQOL-21 Compassion Satisfaction or or WEMWBS scores over time (all ps > .05). Mean sickness and absence increased in the first 6 months attending the group and decreased after it ended. Qualitative feedback suggested attendees thought the groups were focused and helpful, allowing them to consider ways to manage situations the team faced. Facilitated supervision groups may support staff continually exposed to distressing situations in their work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)