Abstract
Aims and MethodAll psychiatry trainees and supervisors on the Southeast Scotland scheme were invited to complete a questionnaire about the regularity, responsibility, structure, content and value of supervision.ResultsSignificantly more supervisors (87%) than trainees (69%) reported regular supervision. Some trainees still find it difficult to obtain regular supervision. Although it is seen as a joint responsibility, there is uncertainty about the role and responsibility of each trainee and supervisor. Most trainees and supervisors feel that supervision is useful, but supervisors are likely to rate their quality of supervision better than their trainees. Guidelines for the structure, content and boundaries of supervision might be useful. Supervision is viewed as useful for discussing clinical management, including the trainee's own case-load.Clinical ImplicationsTraining in the use of supervision should be available to all trainees and supervisors. Regular supervision should be a priority, and it is a joint responsibility to ensure that it happens. There should be greater accountability to the College and Trusts. Discussion of the trainee's clinical case-load during supervision is a necessary part of training and the supervision process.
Highlights
Some trainees still find it difficult to obtain regular supervision. It is seen as a joint responsibility, there is uncertainty about the role and responsibility of each trainee and supervisor
The Royal College of Psychiatrists expects all trainees in this specialty to have a weekly, protected hour with their educational supervisor, not directly related to a discussion of immediate clinical problems
Using existing literature (Cottrell, 1999; Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2003) and discussion between the authors and colleagues, we identified potential topics and asked whether these had been discussed during supervision (Table 2)
Summary
More supervisors (87%) than trainees (69%) reported regular supervision. Some trainees still find it difficult to obtain regular supervision It is seen as a joint responsibility, there is uncertainty about the role and responsibility of each trainee and supervisor. Supervision is viewed as useful for discussing clinical management, including the trainee’s own case-load. Training in the use of supervision should be available to all trainees and supervisors. The Royal College of Psychiatrists expects all trainees in this specialty to have a weekly, protected hour with their educational supervisor, not directly related to a discussion of immediate clinical problems. We aimed to elicit the extent to which regular supervision takes place within the Southeast Scotland training scheme, by examining the views of trainees and supervisors, based on their most recent experience of supervision. The Southeast Scotland training scheme is one of the largest rotations in Scotland, covering Edinburgh, Midlothian, East and West Lothian, the Borders and Fife, with 72 full-time training posts
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