Solution-Focused Coaching to Support Clinicians’ Professional Development: An Analysis of Relational Strategies and Co-constructed Outcomes

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To explore solution-focused coaching (SFC) as a means to enhance pediatric rehabilitation practitioners’ development of listening skills.

Methods

Six clinicians each participated in two SFC sessions with an experienced coach who used a practice model developed for pediatric rehabilitation (SFC-peds). The transcribed interviews were analyzed by inductive content analysis to identify the coach’s use of relational strategies and the nature of what was being co-constructed in the sessions.

Results

The coach used six relational strategies (e.g., supporting reflective and critical thinking). Through dialogue and reflection, the coach and clinician co-constructed four important outcomes, including shared meaning, awareness and discovery of strengths and values, discovery of strategies and opportunities, and forward movement

Conclusions

The study informs our understanding of the relational processes and benefits of SFC conversations. These conversations appear to provide an optimal learning space to enhance professional development, by facilitating the co-creation of meaning, awareness, and intentionality.

KEYWORDS:

• Collaboration
• communication skills
• listening
• partnership
• professional development
• solution-focused
• SFC-peds

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the contributions of other members of the clinical listening team, including Tracy Shepherd, Colleen Willoughby, Linda Bolack, and Deborah Strachan. We thank the study participants and the organization assisting with recruitment. As well, we thank Madhu Pinto for her assistance.

Disclosure Statement

The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper. Gillian King holds the Canada Research Chair in Optimal Care for Children with Disabilities, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This chair is supported by matching funds from the Kimel Family Opportunities Fund through the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by Gillian King’s Canada Research Chair in Optimal Care for Children with Disabilities, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This chair is supported by matching funds from the Kimel Family Opportunities Fund through the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.