Clinical Supervision in Allied Health in Australia: A Model of Allied Health Clinical Supervision Based On Practitioner Experience

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this manuscript is to identify key elements of allied health clinical supervision based on allied health practitioner’s experiences. Method: This study was conducted with qualitative methodology, including content analysis, and draws on hermeneutic interpretation of texts. Data were collected through an online survey in an Australian health service and subsequent focus groups. Results: Findings revealed four key dimensions including accessibility of regular clinical supervision, relationships between the supervisor and supervisee, clarity about the purpose, and roles and a focus on meeting the supervisee’s needs; these dimensions were central to the allied health practitioner’s experience of successful clinical supervision. A model of clinical supervision is proposed that is based on these four identified key dimensions. This model could be used as a broad schema to achieve a successful clinical supervision experience in allied health. Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of clinical supervision research by specifically addressing allied health needs in clinical supervision and proposing a model for its implementation. The authors contribute to the discussion about clinical supervision and its implementation by addressing needs that relate specifically to allied health and by developing a deeper understanding of the clinical supervision experiences of allied health clinicians. This new understanding provides a foundation for clinician-focused supervision, policy development and implementation.