Facilitating affective elements in learning - In a palliative care context

A clinical palliative care learning environment has been reported to be emotionally challenging. The affective and transformative learning processes taking place requires special support. However, little is known about how clinical supervisors facilitate this learning processes. A qualitative, explorative study was designed to capture supervisors' perceptions of their supervision using semi-structured interviews. Six experienced clinical supervisors working within a palliative care context were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The affective elements were viewed as essential for learning, clinical supervision, and professional competency. Supervisors use a variety of different ways of facilitation. Four main themes were identified; building a relationship, creating space for learning, creating a pedagogical environment, and Mirroring.