Group supervision to support competency development in palliative care in Norway.
OBJECTIVE
to develop and evaluate a model of supervision created to provide continuous support throughout a 2-year postgraduate education programme.


METHODS
twenty-five students attending the first 2-year postgraduate course in palliative care at the University College, Buskerud, Norway took part in a prospective study. A questionnaire was administered on five occasions: on commencement of studies, after 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and at the end of the programme. Student statements were analysed using methods of qualitative content analysis.


RESULTS
students' appreciation of the value of supervision increased from the first to the last recording. Reflection and dynamic dialogue during group supervision were reported to be well-suited as methods of support in the development of insight into palliative care, integration of theory and practice, and development of skills.


CONCLUSIONS
students stated that supervision confirmed knowledge, gave meaning and increased self-awareness in palliative care.
Landmark
Bjørg
B
Faculty of Health, Buskerud University College, Konggt, 51, 3019 Drammen, Norway. bjorg.t.landmark@hibu.no
Wahl
Astrid K
AK
Bøhler
Ann
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires