Clinical supervision: What is going on in West Wales? Results of a telephone survey

Abstract

This research was designed to identify successful models of clinical supervisory practice and the problems encountered by practitioners following the incorporation of clinical supervision into their practice. The survey population of 35 was a self-selected sample out of 118 practitioners who had completed the Welsh National Board validated diploma level module in clinical supervision. These practitioners had completed the module organised by the School of Health Science at Swansea at eight sites across Mid and West Wales between February 1995 and June 1997. Work on the study began in March 1997 and was completed in March 1998. The study employed semi-structured telephone interviews which sought information on practitioners' experiences, and how their clinical supervision was organised in practice. The data were analysed by quantification, and by description of the responses by repeated independent analyses. Finally, the key themes were organised into 'narrative types'. The findings are presented in three parts relating to the three functions of supervision: support, learning, accountability. Key findings include: •The method was suitable and effective •Community practitioners are generally better placed than their counterparts in acute hospitals to undertake effective supervision •Time and organizational support are crucial factors •The need for, and value of, clinical supervision was universally acknowledged by those interviewed. Recommendations relating to the findings are included.