The nature and structure of supervision in health visiting with victims of child sexual abuse

RATIONALE: Part of a higher research degree to explore professional practice. AIM: To explore how health visitors work with victims of child sexual abuse and the supervision systems to support them. OBJECTIVE: To seek the views and experiences of practising health visitors relating to complex care in order to consider the nature and structure of supervision. METHODOLOGY: The research reported in this paper used a qualitative method of research and semi-structured interviews with practising health visitors of varying levels of experience in venues around England. Qualitative research enabled the exploration of experiences. OUTCOMES: Identification of the need for regular, structured, accountable opportunities in a 'private setting' to discuss whole caseload work and current practice issues. RESULTS: Supervision requires a structured, formalized process, in both regularity and content, as a means to explore and acknowledge work with increasingly complex care, to enable full discussion of whole caseloads. Supervision is demonstrated as a vehicle to enable the sharing of good practices and for weak practices to be identified and managed appropriately. Supervision seeks to fulfil the above whilst promoting a stimulating, learning experience, accommodating the notion that individuals learn at their own pace and bring a wealth of human experience to the service. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The size of the study was dictated by the amount of time available within which to complete a research master's degree course primarily in the author's own time, over a 2-year period. The majority of participants volunteered their accounts in their own time. For others I obtained permission from their employers for them to participate once they approached me with an interest in being interviewed. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides a model of supervision based on practitioner views and experiences. The article highlights the value of research and evidence-based information to enhance practice accountability and the quality of care. Proactive risk management can safeguard the health and safety of the public, the practitioner and the organization.