Evaluation of a reflective practice group for social care managers

Abstract

Registered Managers in care settings have complex and varied roles, including supporting the staff and those they serve in care homes and domiciliary services. A Department of Health white paper acknowledged that often registered managers do not receive adequate training and support to fulfil this vital role (Department of Health, 2012). In 2020 in response to the pressures of the covid pandemic the UK government set up 41 county-wide mental health hubs offering psychological support to health and social care staff. This hub offered co-produced bi-monthly training days for registered managers for a period of a year, of which a reflective practice group using the Heads and Hearts model was a key element (Kurtz, 2022; Kurtz, 2020). This model provides groups with structure and purpose in looking at the emotional impact of the work, and thinking through practice dilemmas, both in terms of client care and management of staff. Participants’ experiences of the group were explored using semi-structured interviews conducted by a trainee clinical psychologist and senior assistant psychologist in the service and was analysed using thematic analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified: Peer support and collaboration, reflexivity and thinking differently, and confidence in making changes. The frame of reflective practice, including the size and stability of the group, were identified as important factors in the participants’ experiences of the group. Suggestions for future research and practice are also discussed.