6 Design and delivery of a pilot communication skills workshop with focus on coaching skills for supervisors at homerton university hospital, London. (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tai, Cheh Kuan; Sullivan, Kathleen; Tavanyar, Jude; Wood, Eleanor
• Is Part Of: BMJ leader. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A2
• Page End: A3
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: coaching -- COVID19; Medical personnel -- Periodicals; Leadership -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Practice -- Management -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Periodicals; 610.68
• DOI: 10.1136/leader-2020-FMLM.6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-631X

Abstract

Abstract : The COVID-19 pandemic has led to thousands of doctors being redeployed. The especially stressful circumstances of the pandemic may mean that regular debriefing with a supervisor is necessary. The onerous rota may prohibit lengthy meetings but coaching-style conversations may be a valuable adjunct in the communication between trainee and supervisor. We developed a pilot communication skills training - with a focus on coaching skills - to enhance communication between supervisors and trainees. 2 sessions facilitated by 2 coaches were held with 22 and 13 participants respectively in the summer of 2019. Participants explored and challenged their assumptions about the positive and negative ways trainees and supervisors interact with each other. The coaches then introduced the SBI feedback framework (Situation – Behaviour – Impact) and the TGROW coaching model. Working in small groups, participants used TGROW to coach one another on issues relating to their role as supervisors, rotating as coach/coachee/observer. TGROW is a solution-focused framework and leadership tool for structuring a coaching conversation. The acronym describes a 5-step coaching process: Topic - Goal - Reality - Options - Will & Way forward. The aim is to catalyse insight and motivation to change and grow through asking powerful questions linked to each of the model's five steps. 65% of our supervisors on the course (n=23) have previously found it difficult to engage with trainees. Following training, 50% of our supervisors felt increased confidence in their communication skills. Attendees found the workshop to be helpful to reflect on the changing medical culture and how coaching can be used to reach across perceived divides and disengagement. Our experience highlights some of the difficulty faced by supervisors when communicating with trainees. Coaching as a communication tool may be especially pertinent when managing the uncertainty faced during this pandemic.