Multidisciplinary attitudinal positions regarding clinical supervision: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe multidisciplinary attitudes towards/about Clinical Supervision.


BACKGROUND
Clinical Supervision continues to be a matter of high interest for nurses and other health care disciplines. Despite the existence of a body of a substantive literature, gaps in our knowledge base remain.


METHODS
Data was collected using a form composed of 17 statements. A total sample of 74 participants completed the form and rank-ordered the statements. The sample was comprised of a mix of eight different disciplines: Registered Nurses (hospital based), Chiropodists, Occupational Therapists, Learning Disability Nurses, Registered Nurses (community based), Registered Mental Health Nurses, Health Visitors and Physiotherapists. Data were analyzed by descriptive and non-parametric statistics.


RESULTS
The respondents' agreement was high concerning the rankings of the item (11) ''Confidentiality is assured and agreed''. Almost all respondents ranked this item as the most important characteristic for group supervision. The respondents shared almost a total agreement concerning the item (17) ''The supervisor should be a manager''. This was ranked as the least important characteristic for group supervision.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of having a clinical supervisory relationship that remains separate from administrative/managerial supervision and one where confidentiality is assured was highlighted by this study. Furthermore, the attitudes were not restricted to one professional or disciplinary group. The effective support system of clinical supervision should therefore not be diluted by awkward and unnecessary amalgamations with administrative/managerial supervision.
Cutcliffe
John R
JR
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Texas (Tyler), Tyler, TX 75799, USA. dr.johnr@cox.net
Hyrkäs
Kristiina
K
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003219:Confidentiality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000458:organization & administration; D011032:Podiatry / Q000458:organization & administration; D012944:Social Support; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires