Witnesses in the consultation room – Experiences of peer group supervision

Abstract

Background: In Denmark group supervision for general practitioners is an established part of continuing professional development. Several different approaches are used, including Balint Groups and Bendix Groups. The aim of this paper is to describe the benefits and challenges of a peer group supervision model with the role of supervisor taken by group members in turn. The setting was a group of general practitioners using a patient-centred consultation model and video-recordings of consultations.

Methods and material: As part of a larger study the first author studied this long-established group by observing three group sessions over a period of six months. She conducted two individual, semi-structured interviews with each general practitioner who presented consultations at the observed sessions, and held a group interview with the entire group at the end of the observation period. The interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results and conclusion: Participation seemed to improve communication skills and the ability to take a more patient-centred approach. It increased job satisfaction and prevented burnout. A non-judgemental environment, respect and acknowledgement of all participants were important for developing confidence and for supporting personal and professional development.

Keywords:

• General practitioner
• peer group supervision
• continuing professional development
• reflecting team

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participating GPs for the confidence they have shown to give the admittance to this part of their professional lives.