Concerns Oncology Clinicians Bring up During Psychodynamic Supervisions Conducted by Psycho-Oncologists: A Qualitative Exploration.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the types of concern brought up by oncology clinicians to supervision sessions conducted by psycho-oncologists.

Methods: Twenty-two audio-recorded supervision sessions between 11 oncology supervisees, comprising nurses and medical oncologists, and 5 psycho-oncology supervisors were selected for analysis. The method of core story creation was used to structure the supervision contents into coherent and meaningful narratives. An analysis inspired by descriptive typology was then performed on the core stories to identify patterns, group similar cases, and derive types of concern.

Results: Four types of concern were identified. Type A (I can't understand): a sense of being lost and in need of orientation when faced with patients whose attitudes and behaviors are perceived as incomprehensible. Type B (I understand, but can't help): a prevailing desire for guidance in managing identified patient problems. Type C (It's not in my hands): feelings of powerlessness within the institutional context, with supervisees seeking to regain a sense of agency. Type D (This moved me): personal emotional impact of a clinical situation, prompting supervisees to reflect on their own psychological responses.

Conclusion: These types of concern shed light on the psychological challenges faced by oncology clinicians and underscore the need to address them within oncology training curricula. The findings also reveal essential aspects to be integrated in psycho-oncology training programs.