Radiation therapy students' perceptions of peer group supervision: a pilot study

Research indicates radiation therapy students are at risk of burnout. Peer Group Supervision (PGS) is a tool used to help reduce stress, increase reflective practice and help manage professional issues. This pilot study aimed to investigate the third-year New Zealand radiation therapy students' perceptions of participating in PGS.

In 2019, all 27 third-year radiation therapy students were introduced to PGS. At the end of the year, the students were invited to fill in a 14-item Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire (CSEQ), answer an open-ended question and provide demographic data. The CSEQ asks participants to indicate the extent to which they agree with 14 statements related to Purpose, Process and Impact of PGS. The open-ended question asked if there were anything else they would like to say about participating in PGS as a student. The study utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Of the 27 students invited, 22 responded to the questionnaire. Analysis of the CSEQ revealed that eight of the 22 students (36.4%) had a positive impression of PGS, 13 (59.1%) were neither positive nor negative, and one (4.6%) had a negative perception of PGS. The thematic data showed that the students perceived PGS to assist with stress management. They valued having scheduled time out to reflect on practice and appreciated the safety and trust established in the groups.

Overall, the radiation therapy students responded positively to PGS. The students felt safe talking about clinical issues in their groups, and they perceive PGS to positively affect their stress management, resulting in new clinical insights and increased self-awareness. Further research is required to examine the long-term effects of PGS on patient care and if PGS can help reduce burnout for student radiation therapists.