The interpretation of peer group supervision in nursing: A Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic study

The interpretation of peer group supervision in nursing: A Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic study

The ability to reflect on clinical nursing practice with the aim of developing personally and professionally, is essential for nurses. This research study explores a peer group supervision model used to enhance reflective capacity. A Gadamerian philosophical approach was selected to explore nurses’ experiences of participating in peer group supervision. Peer group supervision is distinct from other models of clinical supervision due to the absence of a singular expert or leader. This does not imply that the participants in the model lack leadership or expertise, but rather that it is shared amongst the members of the group. This unique model has benefits for clinicians personally, professionally, and organisationally. Whilst the helping professions have utilised models of clinical supervision for decades, there is limited research on peer group supervision specifically for nurses. This research study explored peer group supervision through the experiences of participating nurses. Using a two phased, purposive approach, 13 participants were recruited in Phase 1 and 18 participants in Phase 2 from a regional and from a tertiary health service in Australia. A Gadamerian philosophical approach guided the research, and semi structured interviews were utilised for qualitative data collection. Data analysis consisted of reading and re-reading the verbatim transcribed interviews intertwined with the presuppositions of the researcher. Coding was iterative and the themes arising were verified by the supervisory team. The results demonstrated that peer group supervision was a valuable method for supporting nurses’ reflective practice. To optimise the benefits and mitigate the challenges, key elements to improve success were identified and discussed. Peer group supervision needs to be supported by strong foundations, that consider the unique individual and the unique group. The foundations comprise four elements; professional obligations, participation is important, finding peers and peer group supervision attendance. These foundations when optimal allow the unique individual and group benefits to be realised. The unique individual comprises three concepts: a new lens, support and restore and a safe place, whilst the unique group comprises my peers, our rules, working together and broken trust. The unique individual and groups are intertwined where one cannot exist without the other. Where weak elements exist then the likelihood of peer group supervision being less optimal may result. This research provides recommendations for nurses and nursing decision-makers to utilise. The 10 guidelines provide strategies to enhance the likelihood of the benefits being realised. The guidelines propose risk mitigation strategies to address challenges.

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.