Managing the stress of caring in ITU: a reflective practice group

Working in a busy intensive therapy unit can be psychologically demanding. A reflective practice group was set up to provide staff with a forum for discussion and support in an effort to manage the stress of caring in such an environment. There was no planned agenda and staff were encouraged to speak freely about both the rewarding and exacting aspects of the job. The weekly sessions were facilitated by staff from outside and unit. Their approach encouraged staff to develop and share their insights and experiences and helped to generate new ways of coping with the personal, interpersonal and professional demands of their work.