Supervision contracts for mental health professionals: a systematic review and exploration of the potential relevance to psychiatry training in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Objective: The use of formal supervision contracts has been strongly advocated across non-medical mental health professions. However, the use of such agreements is not a feature of the RANZCP Competency-Based Fellowship Program. This paper critically examines the evidence to support the use of formal supervision contracts. Method: A systematic review of empirical studies relating to the outcomes of supervision contracts was completed. Included records were subject to quality appraisal. Results: Two studies met the inclusion criteria; both were assessed to be of poor quality. One study found improved supervision effectiveness associated with the use of supervision contracts, and the other found no significant differences associated with formal contracting. Conclusion: Despite strong advocacy, limited empirical evidence was found to support the value of formal supervision contracts across mental health professions. PROSPERO registration - PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018104142

Reflections on how to approach early career psychiatrist roles and challenges

“…A formal mentee–mentor agreement may seem useful, but there is a lack of empirical evidence that this is necessary. 7 However, as with supervision/mentoring of trainees, it remains crucial to respect professional and personal boundaries. Registrar cohorts can promote healthy social ties; however, early career psychiatrists may need to be mindful of the need to balance competing professional and social relationships, and especially when supervising trainees with whom they have previously worked alongside prior to obtaining fellowship.…”