Enhancing new graduate nurses and midwives person‐centredness through clinical supervision during COVID‐19; evaluation of a non‐randomized intervention study

Abstract

AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate a person‐centred model of clinical supervision to enhance person‐centredness.DesignExperimental, quantitative.MethodsOne hundred and three New Graduates were supported to reflect through a person‐centred lens (July–December 2020). Evaluation was undertaken at 6 months using: the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale‐26 (effectiveness of supervision) and the Person‐centred Practice Inventory (measures attributes of the nurse/midwife, the care environment and person‐centred processes). Due to participation difficulties, scores were calculated by attendance rates using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsRegular attendees scored higher on the supervision's effectiveness; however, this did not reach efficacy. ‘Finding time’ to attend contributed to low scores. Supervision scored well on its supportive function when attended. Many New Graduates perceived a decline in their care environment. Attendance aside, New Graduates averaged an increased in their person‐centred attributes and processes. Greater participation was found in those who scored higher at baseline on their person‐centred attributes and processes, and this higher scoring continued at 6 months than those who attended less.ConclusionNew Graduates who perceive themselves as person‐centred and reflective at baseline are more likely to attend a person‐centred clinical supervision and score higher at 6 months than those who attended less often. New Graduates found support within supervision during challenging times.Implications for Practice for Professional and/or Patient CareFor successful implementation of Person‐centred Clinical Supervision, New Graduates need support to attend, as attendance supports them to begin seeing value in the process.ImpactThis intervention kept person‐centred practice at the forefront of New Graduates reflection, in a time of extreme change. The research has implications for nursing and midwifery management with the imperative to deliver person‐centred care and create the person‐centred cultures for staff to feel supported and empowered.Reporting MethodTransparent Evaluation of Non‐randomized Designs (TREND).Patient of Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.Contribution to Wider Community New Graduates grow their person‐centredness over their transitioning year; however, this can be enhanced with regular clinical supervision underpinned by person‐centred theory. Clinical supervisors can provide support to New Graduates when the environment is challenged.