An evaluative study of clinical supervision based on Proctor’s three function interactive model

This paper reports on a study of the benefits reported from participation in clinical supervision by registered nurses (n=201) working in a large English community and mental health NHS Trust. It summarizes the emergent practical and theoretical 'key ingredients' of clinical supervision in the United Kingdom and argues that these provide a basis for generalizable research practice. The study is based on Proctor's three function interactive model previously commended as a guide for supervisory practice and evaluation. Within this study, the three functions underpin instrument design but are also a primary focus of evaluation. The development of this instrument through semi- structured interviews with supervisors and supervisees is described. The study aims to assess and compare reported benefits in each of the three functions of accountability, skill development and support in order to examine the effects of contract use, length of experience of clinical supervision and length of service as a registered nurse on reported benefits by using non-parametric statistical analysis. The results indicate that reported benefits are experienced in almost equal proportion across each of these three functions. Statistical analysis indicates a significant positive correlation between experience of clinical supervision and its reported benefits. An inverse correlation is reported between length of service and overall benefits; however, no similar reduction over time against normative benefits was found. There was no relationship between contract use and reported benefits. Limitations of the study are discussed with reference to bias, interview transcription and overlap between the three functions. The paper concludes that nurses report clear benefits from clinical supervision in each of the three functions. This validates the three function interactive model and demonstrates that clinical supervision is used to critically examine and change nursing practice. The content and usage of contracts is identified as an aspect that merits further study.