Can clinical supervision sustain our workforce in the current healthcare landscape? Findings from a Queensland study of allied health professionals

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Saxby ◽  
Jill Wilson ◽  
Peter Newcombe
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Supervision Practice ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective Clinical supervision is widely recognised as a mechanism for providing professional support, professional development and clinical governance for healthcare workers. There have been limited studies about the effectiveness of clinical supervision for allied health and minimal studies conducted within the Australian health context. The aim of the present study was to identify whether clinical supervision was perceived to be effective by allied health professionals and to identify components that contributed to effectiveness. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire, administered through the health service’s intranet. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with community allied health workers (n = 82) 8 months after implementation of structured clinical supervision. Demographic data (age, gender), work-related history (profession employment level, years of experience), and supervision practice (number and length of supervision sessions) were collected through an online survey. The outcome measure, clinical supervision effectiveness, was operationalised using the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale-26 (MCSS-26©). Data were analysed with Pearson correlation (r) and independent sample t-tests (t) with significance set at 0.05 (ie the probability of significant difference set at P < 0.05). Results The length of the supervision sessions (rs ≥0.44), the number of sessions (rs ≥ 0.35) and the total period supervision had been received (rs ≥ 0.42) were all significantly positively correlated with the MCSS-26© domains of clinical supervision effectiveness. Three individual variables, namely ‘receiving clinical supervision’, ‘having some choice in the allocation of clinical supervisor’ and ‘having a completed clinical supervision agreement’, were also significantly associated with higher total MCSS-26© scores (Ps < 0.014). Conclusion The results of the study demonstrate that when clinical supervision uses best practice principles, it can provide professional support for allied health workers, even during times of rapid organisational change. What is known about the topic? The provision of clinical supervision for allied health staff is being increasingly adopted within the Australian health context. However, current approaches to clinical supervision for allied health are fragmented and poorly coordinated. There have been limited clinical supervision studies undertaken in Australian allied health populations, and little is known about the evidence for outcomes in this cohort. What does this paper add? The findings of the present study indicate that clinical supervision, when based on best practice principles, can provide professional support and guidance to allied health workers, even when staff are experiencing significant change in the workplace. The article describes specific elements of the clinical supervision infrastructure that appear to be critical for effective professional support outcomes. What are the implications for practitioners? Effective clinical supervision can provide professional support to the allied health workforce. Healthcare organisations can facilitate effective clinical supervision delivery by ensuring that evidence-based principles are embedded in the infrastructure of the clinical supervision practice.

scholarly journals Clinical supervision for allied health staff: necessary but not sufficient

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra G. Leggat ◽  
Bev Phillips ◽  
Philippa Pearce ◽  
Margaret Dawson ◽  
Debbie Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Clinical Governance ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives The aim of the present study was to explore the perspectives of allied health professionals on appropriate content for effective clinical supervision of staff. Methods A set of statements regarding clinical supervision was identified from the literature and confirmed through a Q-sort process. The final set was administered as an online survey to 437 allied health professionals working in two Australian health services. Results Of the 120 respondents, 82 had experienced six or more clinical supervision sessions and were included in the analysis. Respondents suggested that clinical supervision was beneficial to both staff and patients, and was distinct from line management performance monitoring and development. Curiously, some of the respondents did not agree that observation of the supervisee’s clinical practice was an aspect of clinical supervision. Conclusions Although clinical supervision is included as a pillar of clinical governance, current practice may not be effective in addressing clinical risk. Australian health services need clear organisational policies that outline the relationship between supervisor and supervisee, the role and responsibilities of managers, the involvement of patients and the types of situations to be communicated to the line managers. What is known about the topic? Clinical supervision for allied health professionals is an essential component of clinical governance and is aimed at ensuring safe and high-quality care. However, there is varied understanding of the relationship between clinical supervision and performance management. What does this paper add? This paper provides the perspectives of allied health professionals who are experienced as supervisors or who have experienced supervision. The findings suggest a clear role for clinical supervision that needs to be better recognised within organisational policy and procedure. What are the implications for practitioners? Supervisors and supervisees must remember their duty of care and ensure compliance with organisational policies in their clinical supervisory practices.

Effective clinical supervision for regional allied health professionals: the supervisor’s perspective

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Dawson ◽  
Bev Phillips ◽  
Sandra G. Leggat
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Regional Health ◽  
Questionnaire Response ◽  
Allied Health Professionals

Objective. To explore the effectiveness of the current clinical supervision (CS) processes for allied health professionals (AHPs) at a regional health service from the perspective of the supervisor. Method. A mixed method study with two phases, involving AHPs across nine disciplines, employed at a regional health service and providing CS. In the first phase 14 supervisors participated in focus groups which were followed by the completion of a questionnaire by 26 supervisors. Results. Focus group results indicated confusion between CS, line and performance management and mentoring. Clinical supervision was perceived to contribute to the quality of patient care and reflective practice. The challenges of time for busy clinical staff were reported. The questionnaire response rate was 52.1% and the mean total score for the questionnaire was 162.96 (s.d. 13.47), being 76% of the maximum possible total score. Clinical supervision was considered to improve care quality despite the avoidance of addressing personal issues. Identified CS improvements included empowerment through education, resources development, streamlined documentation and use of best practice protocols. Conclusions. The results identified AHP supervisors’ perceptions of CS and possible improvements to CS processes, including differentiating CS from line management, protecting CS time and the provision of critical feedback. What is known about the topic? There are limited published reports about CS for AHPs, with AHP supervisor experience and knowledge not previously reported. What does the paper add? This is the first study to identify current supervisor understanding and practice of CS for AHPs. What are the implications for practitioners? CS is a valued activity, the effectiveness of which may be supported by education and resources.

Factors that contribute to high-quality clinical supervision of the rural allied health workforce: lessons from the coalface

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Martin ◽  
Katherine Baldock ◽  
Saravana Kumar ◽  
Lucylynn Lizarondo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Remote Health ◽  
Rural And Remote Health

Objective The aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to high-quality clinical supervision of the allied health workforce in rural and remote settings. Methods This quantitative study was part of a broader project that used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Participants were 159 allied health professionals from two Australian states. Quantitative data were collected using an online customised survey and the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS-26). Data were analysed using regression analyses. Results Supervisee’s work setting and choice of supervisor were found to have a positive and significant influence on clinical supervision quality. Supervisee profession and time in work role were found to have a negative and significant influence on the quality of clinical supervision. Conclusions High-quality clinical supervision is essential to achieve quality and safety of health care, as well as to support the health workforce. Information on high-quality clinical supervision identified in this study can be applied to clinical supervision practices in rural and remote settings, and to professional support policies and training to enhance the quality of supervision. What is known about the topic? There is mounting evidence on the benefits of clinical supervision to health professionals, organisations and patients. Clinical supervision enhances recruitment and retention of the health workforce. However, there are still gaps regarding the factors that contribute to high-quality clinical supervision, especially for rural and remote health professionals. What does this paper add? This study, the first of its kind, recruited rural and remote health professionals from seven allied health disciplines across two Australian states. It investigated the factors that influence high-quality clinical supervision in this under-resourced group. This paper outlines specific factors that contribute to clinical supervision quality for rural and remote allied health professionals. What are the implications for practitioners? Effective and high-quality clinical supervision of the rural and remote allied health workforce can enhance recruitment and retention in those areas. Healthcare organisations can facilitate effective clinical supervision delivery by using the evidence gathered in this study in clinical supervision policy, training and practice.

scholarly journals A systematic review of evidence relating to clinical supervision for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 1825-1837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Pollock ◽  
Pauline Campbell ◽  
Ruth Deery ◽  
Mick Fleming ◽  
Jean Rankin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Allied Health Professionals

Best Practice and Allied Health

1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Jill Thoroughgood
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Primary Health

In this paper, issues are discussed relating to the provision of quality allied health advice, and the focus of the allied health program in primary health care and community health settings in the Peninsula and Torres Strait Region of Queensland, since Regionalisation in 1991. It was apparent to allied health professionals working in community health, that the change process presented an opportunity to influence not only the Regional Health Authority, but also to act as a united voice for the professions and to be advocates for best practice models of care for the community. Why do allied health professionals need to be utilised in an advisory role in community based health settings? What are the impacts on policy, planning, and on the services provided by community health care workers? How can allied health advisers enhance the quality of outcomes of best practice for the consumers of community health programs? Allied health advisers are important for the whole health sector by ensuring that effective and appropriate allied health services are delivered, that there are increases in allied health resources, that there are improvements in health outcomes for clients, that primary health care models of care are implemented, and, finally, that best practice is implemented by the allied health professional.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Snowdon ◽  
Michelle Sargent ◽  
Cylie M. Williams ◽  
Stephen Maloney ◽  
Kirsten Caspers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Supervisory Relationship ◽  
Allied Health Professionals

Abstract Background Clinical 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. Methods Individual 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). Results Three 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. Conclusions The 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.

Content of clinical supervision sessions for nurses and allied health professionals

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa Pearce ◽  
Bev Phillips ◽  
Margaret Dawson ◽  
Sandra G. Leggat
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Allied Health Professionals

Quality allied health clinical supervision policy in Australia: a literature review

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Fitzpatrick ◽  
Megan Smith ◽  
Clare Wilding
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Supervision Process

Clinical supervision is presented as a complex set of skills that may broadly apply to any and all allied health professions. However, it is also noted that a clear understanding of clinical supervision and how to implement it in allied health is currently lacking. It is argued that there is a need to reflect upon current approaches to clinical supervision amongst allied health professionals and to gain a shared understanding about what supervision involves, what effective supervision is, and what effective implementation of clinical supervision might look like. By gaining an understanding of what high quality clinical supervision is and how it is best put into practice, it is anticipated that this will form the first step in developing an understandable and useful universal supervision policy for all allied health professionals. What is known about the topic? Clinical supervision is important because it improves quality of care for clients and it may also improve staff satisfaction and retention rates and clinical governance for organisations. There is a clear need for a well-articulated supervision policy in allied health as there is currently no comprehensive and universally accepted supervision policy for this group of health professionals. What does this paper add? This literature review argues that if there is no clear supervision policy that is endorsed at a whole of health level there is a risk that disparate, haphazard, and poorly coordinated approaches to supervision may result in poor quality of supervision provision. Much of the recent literature is profession-specific; however, this paper contends that there are many possible reasons for collaboration in establishing clinical supervision in allied health. The possible barriers to implementing a universal policy are also examined. What are the implications for practitioners? This literature review will help practitioners understand the complex issues that inform the clinical supervision process and particularly those factors that affect the delivery of an excellent quality of supervision. This knowledge will help them to assess the quality of supervision they receive and provide, and may also contribute to motivation to work with colleagues to develop meritorious supervision skill.

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