Clinical Supervision (Reflective)

What is Reflective Clinical Supervision?

The term reflective clinical supervision, or sometimes just "clinical supervision", is used in a variety of ways to describe dedicated time to reflect on clinical practice and situations in context of the work environment. Clinical supervision may also be called Professional Supervision by allied health professionals. 

No single definition fits all models and professions, however as a minimum, the definition “regular, protected time for facilitated, in-depth reflection on clinical practice” is commonly used.

Why is Clinical Supervision important?

The overall purpose of clinical supervision is to provide the best available standard of care. In a relationship based on trust and openness, clinical supervision provides the opportunity for supervisees to review and reflect on their work to be able to improve in future.

Benefits of regular clinical supervision:

• Increased feelings of support, job satisfaction and morale

• Promotion of work-based learning and the development of new skills

• Increased professional discipline, growth and identity.

• Improved recruitment and retention of staff.

• Beneficial risk management strategy for organisations.

• Promotion of quality assurance and competent best practice.

• Reductions in professional isolation, levels of stress, emotional exhaustion and burnout.

When is Clinical Supervision provided?

The support provided through clinical supervision can be provided at any stage of professional development, in a variety of contexts: “The process of clinical supervision should continue throughout the person’s career, whether they remain in clinical practice or move into management, research or education”.

How is Clinical Supervision delivered?

Clinical supervision is provided on an individual or group basis, by Carmel Charles, an experienced and trained supervisor. 

Individual clinical supervision occurs when a supervisor meets with one supervisee. This has been the approach for allied health professionals and mental health nurses however it is becoming more common in areas of nursing and midwifery practice. Individual sessions last 60 minutes.

Group clinical supervision can be provided for staff from the same clinical specialty or team. However, a group comprised of supervisees from a variety of nursing backgrounds, or a multidisciplinary group, has the potential to provide a range of insights. Group sessions last 60 minutes.

All Clinical Supervision is confidential. The relationship between the mentor and mentee is paramount to ensure therapeutic outcomes of the service.

How do I prepare?

The supervisee should decide what is important to them and be encouraged to focus on a work practice issue. Examples of clinical supervision topics include, issues arising from patient care and interactions with patients and/or other staff members. In addition, clinical supervision provides the opportunity to reflect on traumatic experiences in the delivery of health care, and ethical and moral issues.

Does this count as CPD?

Yes! Because Reflective Clinical Supervision is actively contributing to your overall performance and professional skillsets, the practice can be counted in your CPD requirements to maintain AHPRA licensure.