Mrs Angela Brommeyer1, Dr Denise Jones1,2
1Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia, 2South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, Australia
Biography:
Angela is a Physiotherapist with over 15 years’ experience in many clinical settings in Australia and the UK. She has postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Redesign and Public Health and enjoys combining this diverse background to benefit both consumers and health professionals. With a passion for developing the allied health workforce, Angela has combined clinical work with roles in education over the last decade. This has involved many initiatives in the clinical supervision space, to holistically support staff to deliver quality patient care and have fulfilling careers.
Abstract:
Background:
Ensuring effective and accessible clinical supervision for Allied Health staff can be challenging. Group supervision is utilised as an efficient way to provide supervision, however, the most effective format for the delivery of sessions is unknown. This presentation shares interim outcomes of a highly structured group supervision programme delivered in a large regional health service.
Method:
A group supervision programme that follows a facilitated and highly structured format, was established. Pre-determined questions guide discussion. Open, non-judgemental, progressive questions aim to facilitate reflection and conclusion within the dedicated time.
All participants are offered the opportunity to submit anonymous quantitative and qualitative data following sessions. An interim analysis has been undertaken to gauge the outcome of this structured format.
Results:
Over 100 Allied Health clinicians across 12 diverse groups have engaged in the programme.
Interim results indicate that the use of pre-determined questions nurtures psychological safety, minimising the fear of leading questions, judgement, or criticism. Pre-determined questions are enabling group participants to listen intently without the distraction of planning what they will ask.
Participants perceive structured sessions create an inclusive environment minimising the influence of power imbalances. The structure is challenging for some participants who have a desire to offer solutions or prefer free-flowing conversation.
Conclusion:
Early results indicate that the programme has been an effective use of participants' time, and they can apply learnings to their own work. Reported benefits include improvements in professional skills, role clarification, normalisation of experiences and the fostering of a collaborative, supportive environment amongst peers.