Process Rounds to Elevate Psychological Skills in Palliative Care.

BACKGROUND

A half-day workshop improved palliative care clinicians' ability to integrate psychological concepts into serious illness communication but created demand for longitudinal learning.

OBJECTIVE

To pilot "Process Rounds," a four-session, case-based, adapted psychotherapeutic supervision group reinforcing formulation, countertransference, and mindful intervention.

METHODS

Workshop graduates from four cohorts were invited; 25/143 enrolled. Each cohort met for four 60-minute sessions over 6-8 weeks. Eight-week postworkshop surveys included specific items for Process Rounds participants. Facilitators were interviewed about their experiences and themes.

RESULTS

Participants were highly satisfied with the Process Rounds. Compared with nonparticipants, Process Rounds attendees reported greater improvement in comfort teaching formulation (p = 0.013) and stronger clinical impact (p = 0.028). Participants and facilitators found value in the structured format; scheduling conflicts were the chief barrier.

CONCLUSIONS

Process Rounds, an adapted model of psychotherapeutic supervision, was acceptable to palliative care clinicians and deepened learning about psychologically informed serious illness communication.