An empirical definition of clinical supervision.
OBJECTIVE
The growing recognition of clinical supervision as the basis for high-quality mental health services is apparent in policy, research and clinical practice, but an empirical definition is required to progress research and practice.


METHODS
A logical analysis was used to draft a working definition, and then a systematic review of 24 empirical studies of clinical supervision produced a best evidence synthesis, which was used to test and improve this definition.


RESULTS
The logical analysis indicated that the most popular definition (Bernard & Goodyear, 1992) failed all four necessary tests of a good definition: precision, specification, operationalization and corroboration. The systematic review synthesis was then used to test the working definition, which passed these tests (with two amendments).


CONCLUSIONS
These two complementary review approaches created a firmer basis for advancing research and practice.
Milne
Derek
D
Clinical Psychology Department, Newcastle University, UK. d.l.milne@ncl.ac.uk
D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008611:Mentors; D010559:Personnel Management; D011586:Psychology, Clinical / Q000193:education; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom