Narrative therapy approaches to team away days: Creating communities

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology
• Therapeutic Interventions

Background:

• National Health Service (NHS) teams require effective strategies for team building and cohesion.
• Traditional team-building activities may not fully address the complex dynamics within healthcare settings.
• Protected time, such as 'Away Days,' offers a unique opportunity for team development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the application of a Narrative Therapy approach, "The Journey of Life," for NHS team Away Days.
• To explore how this method facilitates reflection on team history, present functioning, and future aspirations.
• To highlight the importance of preparation and psychological safety in maximizing the benefits of Away Days.

Main Methods:

• Implementing "The Journey of Life" narrative therapy model during team Away Days.
• Guiding teams through exercises focused on their collective journey, successes, challenges, and future goals.
• Emphasizing preparation, establishing intentions, and fostering a safe environment for open dialogue.

Main Results:

• The "Journey of Life" approach provided a structured framework for teams to explore their shared experiences.
• Participants engaged in meaningful reflection on their collective path and skill development.
• A significant emergence of community and enhanced team connection was observed post-Away Day.

Conclusions:

• Narrative Therapy, specifically "The Journey of Life," is a valuable tool for enhancing team cohesion and reflective practice in the NHS.
• Well-prepared Away Days, with a focus on psychological safety, can foster a stronger sense of community among healthcare teams.
• This approach supports teams in navigating future challenges by leveraging past experiences and learned skills.