Flexible formats of clinical supervision: Description, evaluation and implementation

Abstract

Clinical supervision is central to initial professional training and to continuing professional development, taking up a significant proportion of mental health professionals' time. However, the methods used in supervision appear to be dominated by the 1:1 format. This is problematic, given the growing demand for more supervision within the professions, and the drive for enhanced efficiency in the NHS. To contribute to a solution, the present paper provides a summary of the major options for more flexible and efficient supervision formats. These options were developed and evaluated through a national survey of training courses ( N =13) and a regional action research project. The project involved over 100 clinical psychology supervisees, supervisors, service managers and course tutors in open meetings and individual interviews, and gathered data on the use of and attitudes towards flexible supervision formats. The results suggested that 1:1 supervision was most frequently practised, but that group, coand mixed supervision formats were also used and were perceived favourably. It is concluded that flexible formats of supervision are practised amongst UK clinical psychologists to a significant extent, similar to that of other mental health professionals in the US. However, more widespread implementation of these formats would necessitate considerable investment in supervisor training and support, especially in group supervision formats.