The Interdisciplinary Hospice “Healing the Healer Group”: A Qualitative Study of the Effects of a One-Year Pilot Educational Program (S717)

Abstract

•Understand the theoretical basis for this educational program's design and implementation.•Understand the common themes present in the cases presented by the participants in the Healing the Healer Group.•Understand the effects of the program on participants, including both benefits and challenges. Healthcare workers, including hospice providers, are at risk for compassion fatigue and burnout. Few workplace interventions are described and evaluated in the literature. This study aims to evaluate 1-year outcomes of a pilot educational program designed to foster professional formation and decrease burnout in interdisciplinary hospice providers. Educational approach: We developed the “Healing the Healer Group” program for hospice providers, drawing from medical education, chaplaincy, social work and nursing literature. Key design elements: learning through reflection on practice, focus on complex patient/family interactions, healing through storytelling, learning from peers, safety, and support. The 1-hour small group format includes: relaxation exercises, discussion of a spontaneous “case” by a participant, group reflection, and sharing of best practice approaches to challenges. In July, 2014, we began monthly groups for clinicians (RNs, MSW, chaplains, MD) and a separate group for hospice aids. Evaluation: A multi-method qualitative approach included analysis of session field notes, written feedback after 6 months, and a semi-structured individual participant interviews after 1 year. Qualitative analysis, conducted by three researchers, uses the immersion crystallization method. IRB approval obtained. All hospice team members have participated. Interviews will be completed by September 2015. Analysis is ongoing. Themes in cases include: watching suffering, boundaries, emotional attachments, feeling alone, control, and dealing with chaos. Interviews and written feedback to date reflect learning and growth through the program. Themes include: rich experiences, value of safe space to “deal with difficult problems,” power of learning from colleagues (“mind expanding”), and “uninterrupted story telling is healing.” Format strengths: small group size, safety, spontaneous cases, and skillful facilitation. Challenge: protected time. All participants recommend continuing the program. This pilot Healing the Healer Group appears to have the potential fill a significant need in the professional lives of hospice workers.