Developing Effective Hospice Staff Support Groups: Pilot Test of an Innovative Training Program

ABSTRACT

Although hospice staff support groups are frequently cited as a valuable resource in coping with hospice work stress, few guidelines exist for implementing a successful group experience. This article summarizes a pilot study of a 12-week audiotape staff support group training program for hospice and oncology workers developed collaboratively by the author and the UCLA California Self-Help Center. Two West Coast hospice groups participated in the study. Group members reported a high degree of satisfaction with the tape program and their group experience. Burnout scores were not significantly affected by the group experience. Preliminary data on coping strategies, implications for the development and strengthening social support networks in the hospice, and suggestions for future research efforts are discussed.

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Notes on contributors

Dale G. Larson

Dale G. Larson, PhD, is Director, Health Psychology Program, and Assistant Professor, Graduate Division of Counseling Psychology and Education, University of Santa Clara. This work was supported by a Presidential Research Grant from the University of Santa Clara. The author wishes to express his appreciation to the participating hospice workers and to Dr. Charles Hanson and the UCLA California Self-Help Center team for their assistance in this project. Information about the training program can be obtained from the UCLA California Self-Help Center, Department of Psychology, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024, [phone]. Requests for reprints should be sent to Dale G. Larson, PhD, University of Santa Clara, 226 Bannan Hall, Santa Clara, CA 95053.