Haines and Wright ( 2023 ) recently reminded us of the importance of stories within clinical reasoning . Reflecting on the work of Mattingly and Fleming ( 1994 ), and the importance of narrative reasoning , the authors highlight the need for occupational therapists to not only share stories , but also make stories to guide intervention .
The impact of each other ’ s stories and how they are told is immensely important . Brown ( 2024 ) describes stories as ‘ data with soul .’ This is never truer than when sharing clinical experiences as stories , which become vicarious learning for listeners .
By understanding how each other lived the experience , the restorative function of supervision occurs . This helps the listener to become more selfaware to their own response to a similar situation . In turn , helping them to manage any similar stresses and avoid burnout ( Hewitt 2023 ).
Personal outcomes and learning
Joanne says : ‘ I am of part a supervision collaborative … that involves peer supervision and long arm supervision . I have found this arrangement to be invaluable .
‘ I took the opportunity to share best practice and benefit from everyone ’ s wealth of experiences working with client groups . I particularly value the opportunity to reflect , and problem solve whilst discussing casework .
‘ Through the supervision collaborative , I have the opportunity to reflect upon my own work , making explicit my occupational therapy intervention within the generic title of my role .
‘ I have the opportunity to discuss and consider best practice and review the evidence for particular interventions and I have now re-registered with HCPC as an occupational therapist .’
Emily adds : ‘ So far in my career , I have only participated within one-to-one supervisions with senior colleagues . However , since working at the hospice , I have been able to encounter my first peer supervision group .
‘ I have found I was able to learn about their experiences working as an occupational therapist , how the role of occupational therapy is adaptable to different hospice settings , and I was able to openly reflect and discuss topics that have occurred since working in the hospice .’
David concludes : ‘ Sharing with and learning from the group members , at the different stages of their careers , has been valuable and helped me to stay connected as an occupational therapist .
‘ It ’ s also been a useful opportunity to implement strategies to improve aspects of the therapeutic services here at the hospice . As a manager , it ’ s been really pleasing to see the others reach their goals and develop in their roles as the supervision continues .’
The key learnings from the supervision collaborative have included :
• Collaboration across services is important to maintain professional connectedness for sole practitioners .
• Sharing of experiences as stories improves the quality of supervision – restorative as well as formative .
• Collaborative supervision is a useful as a return to practice activity .
• Occupational therapists should encourage story telling as part of their own supervision and professional development .
R
Brown B ( 2024 ) Research . Available at https :// brenebrown . com / the-research / [ accessed 1 May 2024 ].
Haines D and Wright J ( 2023 ) Thinking in stories : narrative reasoning of an occupational therapist supporting people with profound intellectual disabilities ’ engagement in occupation , Occupational Therapy in Health Care , 37 ( 1 ): 177-196 .
Health and Care Professions Council ( 2017 ) Returning to practice guidance . Available at https :// bit . ly / 4hCEpK0 [ accessed 7 November 2024 ].
Health and Care Professions Council ( 2023 ) Standards of proficiency for occupational therapists . Available at https :// bit . ly / 4hCZFiD [ accessed 7 November 2024 ].
Hewitt V ( 2023 ) Clinical supervision : quality improvement and service redesign , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne .
Mattingly C and Fleming MH ( 1994 ) Clinical Reasoning : forms of inquiry in therapeutic practice , cited in Haines D and Wright J ( 2023 ) Thinking in stories : narrative reasoning of an Occupational Therapist supporting people with profound intellectual disabilities ’ engagement in occupation , Occupational Therapy in Health Care , 37 ( 1 ): 177-196 .
Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( 2015 ) Supervision : guidance for occupational therapists and managers . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3CjB2HS [ accessed 7 November 2024 ].
Words DAVID MCLOUGHLIN , Day Services Manager and Occupational Therapist , St Cuthbert ’ s Hospice , Durham . With thanks to Joanne and Emily for sharing their stories , and Ann Marie Ramm , Occupational Therapist , formerly St Cuthbert ’ s Hospice , who was part of the start-up of the collaboration in 2022
November 2024 OTnews 43