Group supervision in general practice as part of continuing professional development.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to explore the current use of supervision groups and the value of such groups for today's Danish general practitioners (GPs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to a representative sample comprising 10% of GPs registered with the Organisation of General Practitioners in Denmark.

RESULTS

More than 60% of Danish GPs have participated in a supervision group, more females than males (p < 0.001), at some time in their career. About a third is currently participating. The supervision activity is perceived as being formative and restorative. The main benefit from supervision was the training of communicative skills which allowed the GPs to better understand difficult patients while achieving an increase in their job satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

A majority of Danish GPs have participated in a supervision group at some time. The activity is perceived as being formative and restorative. Participation is significantly more prevalent among female GPs than among male GPs. Future research is required to show how participation influences professional development; how participating in supervision groups contributes to prevention of burnout; and how the needs of males and females differ.

FUNDING

This project was supported by the Committee of Multipractice Studies in General Practice and Foundation for Education and Development in General Practice (PLU).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not relevant.