Supporting the Supporters: The Role of Mentoring and Supervision in Healthcare

Nadia Kruszyńska; Agnieszka Lewicka-Rabska; Elwira Litaszewska

doi:10.21697/ejhp.0306.03

Published: 2024-09-02

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024)

Supporting the Supporters: The Role of Mentoring and Supervision in Healthcare

Nadia Kruszyńska

, Agnieszka Lewicka-Rabska

, Elwira Litaszewska

European Journal of Health Policy, Humanization of Care and Medical Ethics

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/ejhp.0306.03

Abstract

Marked by both profound rewards and significant challenges, health professions occupy a unique position in society. These careers offer a deep sense of empowerment and fulfillment, but also involve considerable stress, frustration, and personal sacrifice. Healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and physical therapists—often work at the very limits of their mental and physical capacities, as they deal with the most difficult aspects of human life.

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed additional strain on healthcare systems worldwide, exacerbating existing pressures. Alarming global statistics show an increase in suicide attempts and completed suicides among doctors (Harvey et al., 2021). Consequently, it is essential that all professionals involved in patient care and related support services possess a solid foundation of competencies, alongside access to a readily available support system. Equally critical is the promotion of self-care and attention to the psycho-physical well-being of healthcare workers.

This article explores two underutilized forms of support available to healthcare professionals: mentoring and supervision.

Keywords:

professional burnout in the health professions, mentoring in the health professions, supervision, Balint groups, mental health care in the health professions

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Nadia Kruszyńska

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8860-1139

Affiliation:

Centre for Support and Psychotraumatology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland Poland

Agnieszka Lewicka-Rabska

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2218-6646

Affiliation:

Centre for Support and Psychotraumatology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland Poland

Elwira Litaszewska

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9807-1303

Affiliation:

Center for E-Learning, Poznan University Of Medical Sciences, Poland Poland