The art of clinical supervision: its development and descriptive mixed method review

Abstract

Objectives: The Health Workforce Australia Clinical Supervision Support Program Discussion Paper (2010) highlighted the education deficits of health professionals responsible for the clinical supervision of students. This research aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a new education program for nurses to assist in the development of knowledge and attitude to supervise students whilst on clinical practicum.

Design: The impact of the ACS program was determined using a descriptive methodology involving the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data using a triangulation approach. This included the use of surveys, online reflections and interviews.

Settings: The ACS program was presented in both the metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia.

Subjects: Participants (n=199) were from both the public and private health care sector working in a variety of nursing specialties within both the inpatient and community setting.

Results: Analysis of the data determined that participants improved their knowledge and attitude towards students and clinical supervision.

Conclusions: The ACS was confirmed as a strategy for providing effective education for nurses.