Taping things together: exploring a group supervision method in a healthcare organization

Healthcare professionals face high levels of stress and emotional demands, highlighting the need for supportive interventions. This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare staff participating in group supervision using the creative method of "taping," which involves arranging figures and symbols to visualize and reflect on complex work situations.

This qualitative study included fourteen participants divided into four healthcare work groups. Each group engaged in five to six supervision sessions, after which participants took part in individual interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study was approved by a local ethical review board.

Three main themes were identified: (1) the significance of group supervision for the workgroup and work environment, (2) enhanced recognition and understanding of emotions and behaviors, and (3) support for behavioral change. Participants described increased trust, improved communication, and greater emotional insight. The taping method was perceived as particularly effective in clarifying challenges and fostering shared understanding through visual representation. It also encouraged collective and individual reflection, goal-setting and strategic action, associated with self-regulated learning.

The findings suggest that group supervision using the taping method can enhance well-being, strengthen team cohesion, and promote professional development among healthcare staff. This creative approach appears to facilitate emotional awareness and collaborative learning. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to examine the method's broader applicability and long-term effects.