Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study

Abstract Introduction Professional Supervision (PS) is a common approach used to reduce the fallout from stress and burnout. It involves monthly face‐to‐face meetings between a supervisor and supervisee to address well‐being and professional goals. This pilot study examines 12 radiation therapists (...

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Main Authors: Gay Dungey, Sarah Thomson, Paula Rodriguez Lopez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.822
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author Gay Dungey
Sarah Thomson
Paula Rodriguez Lopez
author_facet Gay Dungey
Sarah Thomson
Paula Rodriguez Lopez
author_sort Gay Dungey
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Professional Supervision (PS) is a common approach used to reduce the fallout from stress and burnout. It involves monthly face‐to‐face meetings between a supervisor and supervisee to address well‐being and professional goals. This pilot study examines 12 radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of participating in PS. Methods Conducted in the Christchurch Radiation Oncology Centre, this mixed‐methods pilot study introduced PS in March 2022. In August 2023, 12 RTs completed a QUALTRICS online questionnaire consisting of 33 questions, including the Supervisor Working Alliance Inventory (SWAI). The SWAI assessed the alliance of supervision from a supervisee's perspective and comprised of 19 questions on a 7‐point Likert scale and nine yes/no statements with optional comments. Five demographic questions were also included. Results All 12 RTs completed the questionnaire, with quantitative results indicating a positive alliance between supervisors and supervisees. RTs found PS to be a safe and comfortable space for reflective practice and support. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from additional comments revealed PS enabled RTs to reflect on career achievements, appreciate highlights of being an RT and consider future career paths within the profession. Conclusions Radiation therapists responded positively to PS, suggesting its potential in managing workplace stressors, promoting career advancement and providing dedicated time for reflection, support and guidance. RTs endorsed the efficacy of PS in enhancing their practice and advocated for its widespread adoption among RTs.
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spelling doaj-art-37f7fb4c65dd428682bde4fe4ff31c2c2025-08-20T02:53:30ZengWileyJournal of Medical Radiation Sciences2051-38952051-39092025-03-01721546210.1002/jmrs.822Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot studyGay Dungey0Sarah Thomson1Paula Rodriguez Lopez2Department of Radiation Therapy University of Otago Wellington New ZealandCanterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service Christchurch New ZealandDepartment of Radiation Therapy University of Otago Wellington New ZealandAbstract Introduction Professional Supervision (PS) is a common approach used to reduce the fallout from stress and burnout. It involves monthly face‐to‐face meetings between a supervisor and supervisee to address well‐being and professional goals. This pilot study examines 12 radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of participating in PS. Methods Conducted in the Christchurch Radiation Oncology Centre, this mixed‐methods pilot study introduced PS in March 2022. In August 2023, 12 RTs completed a QUALTRICS online questionnaire consisting of 33 questions, including the Supervisor Working Alliance Inventory (SWAI). The SWAI assessed the alliance of supervision from a supervisee's perspective and comprised of 19 questions on a 7‐point Likert scale and nine yes/no statements with optional comments. Five demographic questions were also included. Results All 12 RTs completed the questionnaire, with quantitative results indicating a positive alliance between supervisors and supervisees. RTs found PS to be a safe and comfortable space for reflective practice and support. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from additional comments revealed PS enabled RTs to reflect on career achievements, appreciate highlights of being an RT and consider future career paths within the profession. Conclusions Radiation therapists responded positively to PS, suggesting its potential in managing workplace stressors, promoting career advancement and providing dedicated time for reflection, support and guidance. RTs endorsed the efficacy of PS in enhancing their practice and advocated for its widespread adoption among RTs.https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.822BurnoutJob satisfactionProfessional SupervisionRadiation TherapistsSupport
spellingShingle Gay Dungey
Sarah Thomson
Paula Rodriguez Lopez
Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences
Burnout
Job satisfaction
Professional Supervision
Radiation Therapists
Support
title Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study
title_full Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study
title_fullStr Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study
title_full_unstemmed Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study
title_short Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision – a pilot study
title_sort radiation therapists perceptions of participating in professional supervision a pilot study
topic Burnout
Job satisfaction
Professional Supervision
Radiation Therapists
Support
url https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.822
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