The acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of implementing supportive supervision within humanitarian contexts: A qualitative study

Abstract

Supervision is considered integral to quality mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions and features as a key recommendation in all major international guidelines. Despite this, provision of supervision remains a gap within MHPSS programming and is often one of the most challenging aspects and unmet needs in programme implementation within humanitarian contexts.The IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (PSC) and Trinity Centre for Global Health (TCGH) have developed the Integrated Model for Supervision (IMS) Handbook and accompanying training guidelines using participatory action research approaches. The IMS reflects input from a range of stakeholders, ensuring a user-centered design. The IMS was piloted within four organizations in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Jordan, and Ukraine.The acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the IMS were assessed through (a) surveys of training participants (n-40), (b) in-session feedback gathered during training workshops (n ​= ​2 workshops), and (c) in depth interviews with workshop participants (n ​= ​8). Interview participants were supervisors, supervisees and leadership and management who had completed the IMS training and workshops.Results point to the acceptability and appropriateness of the IMS Handbook and its accompanying training for use within humanitarian contexts; with participants indicating that the IMS addressed issues and challenges that were present in their organizations. Preliminary data suggests that training in the IMS is associated with improvements in knowledge of MHPSS and perceived supervision practices, as well as reductions in secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Themes emerging from the qualitative analysis suggest that the IMS training promotes buy-in for supervision practices within organizations, and that the IMS training meet the need for providing emotional support within organizations. Participants indicate that the follow-up support and practical guidance offered as part of the IMS training is essential for effective supervision. This study bolsters evidence for the importance of strengthening support structures for human resources for mental health programming.