Abstract
Introduction
High-quality clinical supervision in health workplaces is essential for the safety of learners and consumers. While efforts are made to provide training to clinical supervisors, little is known about how this training informs subsequent supervisory practice. This study explores how clinical supervisors apply the learning gained from supervision training to their supervisory practice.
Methods
This exploratory qualitative study involves individual semi-structured interviews with health professionals who have completed clinical supervision training. Attendees are invited to attend an interview three months after completing the training to explore changes in their supervisory practice. Interviews are being recorded and transcribed, and data are being iteratively analysed using a thematic approach.
Results
To date, 16 health professionals have participated in the study, with further interviews planned. Preliminary analysis has resulted in the identification of four themes: 1) enhanced support for ongoing learning and professional development in clinical supervision; (2) opportunities to apply new supervisory strategies in practice; (3) increased self-awareness of the influence of personal experiences on approaches to clinical supervision; and (4) the recognition that clinical supervision is a skillset that is distinct from being a health professional. This presentation reports on the preliminary analysis, with a view to seeking feedback to inform the ongoing development of the themes.
Discussion
Understanding clinical supervisors’ experiences of integrating new strategies into their supervisory practice following training has implications for those involved in educating health professionals in clinical supervision. Preliminary analysis suggests that supervisors’ capacity to apply evidence-informed strategies in their everyday practice could be enhanced by establishing a community of practice, and facilitating flexible access to clinical supervision training.
High-quality clinical supervision in health workplaces is essential for the safety of learners and consumers. While efforts are made to provide training to clinical supervisors, little is known about how this training informs subsequent supervisory practice. This study explores how clinical supervisors apply the learning gained from supervision training to their supervisory practice.
Methods
This exploratory qualitative study involves individual semi-structured interviews with health professionals who have completed clinical supervision training. Attendees are invited to attend an interview three months after completing the training to explore changes in their supervisory practice. Interviews are being recorded and transcribed, and data are being iteratively analysed using a thematic approach.
Results
To date, 16 health professionals have participated in the study, with further interviews planned. Preliminary analysis has resulted in the identification of four themes: 1) enhanced support for ongoing learning and professional development in clinical supervision; (2) opportunities to apply new supervisory strategies in practice; (3) increased self-awareness of the influence of personal experiences on approaches to clinical supervision; and (4) the recognition that clinical supervision is a skillset that is distinct from being a health professional. This presentation reports on the preliminary analysis, with a view to seeking feedback to inform the ongoing development of the themes.
Discussion
Understanding clinical supervisors’ experiences of integrating new strategies into their supervisory practice following training has implications for those involved in educating health professionals in clinical supervision. Preliminary analysis suggests that supervisors’ capacity to apply evidence-informed strategies in their everyday practice could be enhanced by establishing a community of practice, and facilitating flexible access to clinical supervision training.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | ANZAHPE Conference 2025 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Embracing the Future: Abstract Book |
| Pages | 103 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-0-6488285-5-6 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2025 |
| Event | 2025 Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) Conference: Horizons: Embracing the Future - Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth, Australia Duration: 30 Jun 2025 → 3 Jul 2025 https://www.anzahpe.org/page-1075572 |
Conference
| Conference | 2025 Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | 2025 ANZAHPE Conference |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Perth |
| Period | 30/06/25 → 3/07/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- health professionals
- clinical supervision
- health workplaces