Effective clinical supervision of allied health professionals: a mixed methods study

Abstract

BackgroundClinical supervision is recommended for allied health professionals for the purpose of supporting them in their professional role, continued professional development and ensuring patient safety and high quality care. The aim of this mixed methods study was to explore allied health professionals’ perceptions about the aspects of clinical supervision that can facilitate effective clinical supervision.MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 38 allied health professionals working in a metropolitan public hospital. Qualitative analysis was completed using an interpretive description approach. To enable triangulation of qualitative data, a quantitative descriptive survey of clinical supervision effectiveness was also conducted using the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS-26).ResultsThree main themes emerged from qualitative analysis: Allied health professionals reported that clinical supervision was most effective when their professional development was the focus of clinical supervision; the supervisor possessed the skills and attributes required to facilitate a constructive supervisory relationship; and the organisation provided an environment that facilitated this relationship together with their own professional development. Three subthemes also emerged within each of the main themes: the importance of the supervisory relationship; prioritisation of clinical supervision relative to other professional duties; and flexibility of supervision models, processes and approaches to clinical supervision. The mean MCSS-26 score was 79.2 (95%CI 73.7 to 84.3) with scores ranging from 44 to 100. MCSS-26 results converged with the qualitative findings with participants reporting an overall positive experience with clinical supervision.ConclusionsThe factors identified by allied health professionals that influenced the effectiveness of their clinical supervision were mostly consistent among the professions. However, allied health professionals reported using models of clinical supervision that best suited their profession’s role and learning style. This highlighted the need for flexible approaches to allied health clinical supervision that should be reflected in clinical supervision policies and guidelines. Many of the identified factors that influence the effectiveness of clinical supervision of allied health professionals can be influenced by health organisations.

ANZAED practice and training standards for dietitians providing eating disorder treatment

“…The British Dietetic Association has introduced professional supervision to the dietetic profession, defining it as a "process of professional support and learning undertaken through a range of activities, which enables individuals to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice and enhance service-user protection, quality and safety of care" [45]. Clinical dietetic supervision should use a model that is suited to the dietetics profession and learning style [46]. Clinical supervision has been reported by allied health professionals to be most effective when professional development was the focus of the supervision, the supervisor possessed the skills and attributes required to facilitate a constructive supervisory relationship and the workplace provided an environment that facilitated this relationship and professional development [46].…”

Can clinical supervision bolster clinical skills and well‐being through challenging times?

“…This is usually due to the prioritization of clinical duties (i.e. patient care) ahead of non‐clinical duties (Snowdon et al., 2020). The demand for healthcare and need for rapid response are greatest during the pandemic and it is understandable that healthcare workers may have difficulty prioritizing their own support over caring for others.…”

“…Social distancing also presents a challenge for clinical supervision as telecommunication is prioritized over face‐to‐face interactions. This is particularly challenging for healthcare workers who prefer the direct supervision model, where supervisees co‐treat patients with their supervisor (Snowdon et al., 2017, 2020). Furthermore, there may be a negative impact on patient care, as the direct model of clinical supervision is associated with improved quality of care (Snowdon et al., 2017).…”

“…Although it is feasible to undertake clinical supervision using technology (termed telesupervision), the dearth of literature on this is concerning (Martin, Lizarondo, & Kumar, 2018). Providing supervisory support using technology can present its own unique challenges including difficulty in building the supervisory relationship, which is crucial to effective clinical supervision (Martin et al., 2018; Snowdon et al., 2020). While many services have adopted telehealth care, healthcare workers are likely still developing their skills in the use of technology and there may be a significant cost in acquiring the infrastructure required to deliver telesupervision in addition to telehealth.…”

“…Organizations and professional bodies need to reinforce protected time for clinical supervision to ensure that healthcare workers receive the required support during the pandemic and post‐pandemic periods. Healthcare organizations have a responsibility to provide the resources required by healthcare workers to meet their professional support requirements (Snowdon et al., 2020). Managers must ensure that employees in new or changed roles are receiving supervision from the right supervisor, with supervisees proactively seeking additional or new supervisors so that all supervision needs are met.…”