The experience of clinical supervision for nurses and healthcare assistants in a secure adolescent service: Affecting service improvement

Abstract

Introduction Studies have found a low availability and appreciation of clinical supervision, especially for healthcare assistants (HCAs). Qualitative research is needed to further understand this. Aims Increase understanding of nurses' and HCAs' experiences of, and access to, clinical supervision. Identify nurses' and HCAs' perceptions of the value and function of clinical supervision. Assess how interventions affect staff's experiences of clinical supervision. Methods In 2013, HCAs and nurses in a secure adolescent service were surveyed about clinical supervision. Forty-nine HCAs and 20 nurses responded. In 2014, interventions to facilitate supervision were introduced. In 2016, the study was repeated. Forty HCAs and 30 nurses responded. Responses were analysed using a mixed methods approach. Results Significantly more HCAs found supervision to be a positive experience in 2016, and both nurses and HCAs reported significantly fewer challenges in accessing supervision. HCAs and nurses understood the value of clinical supervision. Discussion Significant improvements in the experience of clinical supervision were achieved following increased staff awareness, multidisciplinary and group supervision, and recording supervision rates. HCAs and nurses understood the consequences of inadequate supervision. Implications for practice Organizations could adopt the interventions to facilitate clinical supervision. Supervision should not be overlooked for HCAs.

Exploring the benefits and challenges of administrative clinical supervision in nursing and midwifery

“…Some literature are consistent with these findings particularly in contexts that have similar cultural backgrounds. [28][29][30] Participants alluded that there is always some form of miscommunication when individuals are asked to perform tasks and they can't really comprehend what they have been asked to do. Ineffective communication was also mentioned by participants as a challenge.…”

<p>The “Ideal” Clinical Supervision Environment in Nursing and Allied Health</p>

“…It develops the professional values, identity, and competency of emerging clinicians while also offering professional development opportunities for experienced clinicians and reductions in stress and burn-out. 8,27,33,47 Although there is no universally accepted definition, clinical supervision generally means a process that seeks to create an environment in which participants have an opportunity to evaluate, reflect and develop their own clinical practice and provide a support system for one another. 50 In healthcare, clinical supervisees receive increased attention due to continued high attrition rates globally among nurses.…”

Common mental disorders in nursing technicians of a university hospital

“…Regular clinical supervisions are an important tool, as they can provide professional support in order to reduce stress, increase satisfaction and preserve the emotional and mental integrity of health workers. Organizations should be aware of the need to provide regular clinical supervision and workers should not neglect them (28) . It is essential to establish measures that value the work of technicians, with career plans and better salaries.…”