Clinical Supervision Practices With Australian Child and Family Health Nurses: Exploring Facilitators and Barriers

AIM: To explore Australian Maternal and Child Health nurses' clinical supervision practice and barriers and facilitators to effective supervision. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to all nurses and managers in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: A total of 188 MCH nurses responded to the survey, and of these, 147 completed the 26-item version of the validated Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The majority of nurses (91%) received facilitated group supervision, and most nurses (86%) were moderately or very satisfied with their clinical supervision. In total, 81% of nurses perceived clinical supervision to be of benefit according to the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale-26 results. Open text responses were analysed according to barriers, facilitators and general comments. Key facilitators included supervisors with group facilitation skills and support for reflection. Barriers to effective supervision related to group dynamics, insufficient time and varied understanding of the purpose of sessions among participants. CONCLUSION: Effective clinical supervision relies on the establishment of clear aims and shared understandings among participants, skilled facilitation and managerial support. IMPACT: Clinical supervision can facilitate reflective practice and learning when implemented as intended. This study highlights the role of professional nursing bodies, service providers and educational institutes to raise awareness of the conditions needed to achieve this. REPORTING METHOD: Complies with Equator Guideline (STROBE). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.