Personal supervision for paediatricians

Abstract

Contemporary paediatric practice includes considerable exposure to complex, chronic problems with prominent elements of social and emotional disruption. The psychological burden placed on paediatricians involved in this type of work is poorly recognised, both during training and beyond. Personal supervision for paediatricians is put forward as a potentially useful process to assist in maintenance of professional standards and personal well-being.

Facilitated group supervision: Harnessing the power of peers

“…The form of group supervision described in this paper complements other formats of professional support, such as individual supervision or ‘co‐mentoring’…”

“…Given this overlap, it makes sense for paediatricians to examine methods of ongoing skill development and professional support with an established pedigree in the mental health field. Requirements for mandatory supervision within mental health disciplines are a well‐established part of the professional culture, with evidence to show that mental health clinicians regard supervision as a crucial component of professional development . Similarities in the nature and complexity of developmental–behavioural and child psychiatry clinical caseloads adds to the logical argument for similarly structured ‘reflective educational experiences’ (p. 502) to become mandatory for those working in the field of DBP.…”

“…Such challenges add to the fascination of this specialist area. The emotional intensity of this work, however, places considerable demands on clinicians . The level of emotional risk to the clinician is exacerbated by the professional isolation that can accompany the role .…”

Real medicine

“…The need for paediatricians to manage those not meeting strict CAMHS criteria can leave clinicians feeling overwhelmed, tired and frustrated 8 . At these times it is invaluable to have a psychologically minded colleague at our side to highlight that we may not be doing anyone – our patients or ourselves – any favours here.…”

“…Supervision is the word psychiatry uses to describe this process of reflection, or the structure that guides it. It is an integral part of psychiatry training and long‐term practice, and one that is now recognised as an essential component of training and practice in community child health 6,8 …”