Allied health clinical supervision: An opportunity lost

Health Serv Manage Res. 2023 May;36(2):102-108. doi: 10.1177/09514848221100747. Epub 2022 May 11.

Abstract

This study investigated clinical supervision with Allied Health professionals in a public health setting. Staff perceptions and experiences were explored through focus group discussions. Key themes identified that supervisees "tip-toe into complexity" by engaging in reflective practice for incremental personal and professional development. In contrast, supervisors identified that reflexivity was required for the opportunity to "develop at a deeper level". Offering a choice of supervisor and providing supervisor training enhanced supervision experiences. Challenges to effective supervision were identified. Competing priorities, inconsistent modes of delivery, major organisational change and the role of clinical supervision in line with professional development confounded the experiences. Health managers could improve the processes and outcomes by implementing consistency with approach, timing, documentation, language, and structure of Clinical Supervision.

Keywords: Allied Health; clinical governance; qualitative; supervision.

MeSH terms

  • Allied Health Personnel
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Personnel Management*
  • Preceptorship*