Regular clinical supervision to enhance wellbeing in inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurses: a small pilot study

Abstract

Background: Increasing demands oninflammatory bowel disease clinical nurse specialists (IBD-CNSs) can lead to overwhelming workloads, causing stress and burnout. Aim: To assess the potential for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based clinical supervision to enhance IBD-CNS wellbeing. Method: This exploratory qualitative study involved interviewing IBD-CNSs who had participated in CBT-based clinical supervision sessions delivered previously in one UK hospital by a psychotherapist. Interviews were audio-recorded, then transcribed and anonymised by an independent transcriptionist. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: Four nurses participated. Four themes emerged: ‘surprise benefits’, ‘learning from others’, ‘thinking differently to change self and practice’ and ‘features of clinical supervision sessions’. Participants found group CBT-based supervision helpful for thinking differently about work-related challenges. All wanted to continue but were concerned about accommodating clinical supervision in already-busy schedules. Conclusions: Regular CBT-based clinical supervision has the potential to enhance wellbeing of IBD-CNSs. Further research with more participants is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.