Evaluation of a model of online, facilitated, peer group supervision for dietitians working in eating disorders

Abstract

Plain English summary Dietitians often lack confidence and specialist skills to provide best practice care for people with eating disorders. Recent initiatives to improve access to dietetic treatment for people with an eating disorder in Australia have increased demand for eating disorder-specific clinical supervision for dietitians. To address demand for supervision with limited resources, the Queensland Eating Disorder Service developed a new model of peer group supervision. This model consisted of monthly 90 min online groups of 10 dietitians with a Facilitator and Co-facilitator. The sessions were facilitated using a script and formats to ensure all participants could contribute and be supported equally. Only principles of best practice were propagated. Participants reported an increase in clinical confidence and skills to deliver eating disorder-specific dietetic interventions and satisfaction in this important work, plus in their ability to advocate for most appropriate care for people with eating disorders. This model increases service capacity to provide effective supervision to large numbers of dietitians through high ratios of participants to supervisors.

Keywords

• Online peer group supervision
• Dietitian
• Eating disorders
• Credentialing
• Practice standards
• Clinical supervision