Understanding clinical supervision from a nursing perspective

Abstract

During the last 10 years there has been an increase in the amount of nursing literature dealing with clinical supervision. As a result, there has been a gradual growth in the use of clinical supervision to provide support, increase clinical competence and improve client care. Unfortunately, there has not been a comparable increase in research and as a result the amount of empirical knowledge is minimal. This article will discuss the key empirical studies that have focused on identifying the outcomes of supervision and isolating the characteristics that make a good clinical supervisor. Recommendations for practice and research will be suggested.

Evaluation of the concept of supervision related to public health nurses in Norway

“…Several authors refer to supervision as a process (Fowler 1996*, Severinsson & Hallberg 1996*, Enarsson 1998*, Jones 1998*, Hyrkäs et al. 1999*, Sloan 1999*, Yegdich 1999*, Severinsson 2001*), although the adjectival concepts vary. A process indicates that something is going on.…”

Models of interprofessional working within a Sure Start “Trailblazer” Programme

“…Supervisory relationships are considered a prerequisite to good interprofessional working, especially in the psycho-dynamic context. The term ''supervision'' may for some professionals conjure up ideas of discipline and criticism and imply more managerial than clinical connotations (Faugier, 1996), although few empirical studies exist that establish outcomes of clinical supervision (Sloan, 1999); the example of transdisciplinary activity reported in this study suggests that an integrated supervision approach is strengthened by regular whole-team meetings, professional support, case-discussion and information-sharing. Third, the example of multi-disciplinary activity highlights the fact that different professionals can work alongside each other serving a particular family but from a value base, which places a different emphasis on goals of family support, child protection, and children's rights.…”

Conducting client supervision in community health care

“…That supervision has to be based on knowledge is confirmed by Sloan 26 and Hyrkäs et al 10 . The use of research in nursing practice is traditionally limited 27,28 .…”