Clinical supervision and complementary therapists: an exploration of the rewards and challenges of cancer care.
OBJECTIVE
The study explored the experiences of therapists working in cancer care settings and more specifically, the value of clinical supervision.


METHODS
Invitations for therapists to participate in three focus groups were sent to five cancer care settings. Each group responded to seven trigger questions, formulated from the literature review. Audiotapes were transcribed aided by notes taken during the sessions.


RESULTS
There were 15 therapists participated in the three groups. Themes and sub - themes were identified; these related to the rewards of being in a privileged and honoured position, the importance of prior experience and motivation, and supervision as a supportive resource. Participants acknowledged and explored shared experiences and identified common coping and 'taking care of self' strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
The participants were all from the North West of England cancer care centres with local support and supervision arrangements in place. Limited demographic details were collected. One group fell short of the recommended number of participants.


CONCLUSIONS
This exploratory study identified that supervision was appreciated, with therapists reporting that the work itself helped sustain them. Individuals also reported that they used complementary therapies to manage work related stress.
Mackereth
Peter A
PA
University of Derby (Buxton Campus), UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. Electronic address: peter.mackereth@christie.nhs.uk.
Parkin
Sam
S
Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, Adswood, Stockport SK3 8LS, UK.
Donald
Graeme
G
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
Antcliffe
Natalie
N
University of Derby (Buxton Campus), UK.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D012201:Reward; D012648:Self Care; D017132:Workplace