An evaluation of a quality improvement initiative examining benefits and enablers and challenges and barriers of implementing and embedding core clinical supervision in primary care

Background Core Clinical Supervision has become a valued activity that impacts on the culture and organisational delivery of healthcare. It embeds good practice to ensure that staff have a high skill set, desirable professional attitudes, and provide high quality evidence-based care. It also helps to support good clinical governance and enhances staff retention (CQC 2013). A supervision framework has been adopted and adapted from the ‘General Practice – Developing confidence, capability, and capacity. A Ten Point Action Plan for General Practice Nursing’ ( NHS England 2018 ) and applied at scale across Yorkshire and the Humber, with minimal impact on clinical capacity, quality, and safety. This initiative coincides with general practice (and the wider health service) being under enormous pressure managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with impact on staff wellbeing and retention. The main aims are to evaluate the impact of embedding the Core Supervision training across primary care practice and strengthen course content for future delivery. Methodology and Methods A quantitative approach using an online survey, was completed by multi-professional primary care staff who had completed the Core Supervision Training. Findings Practitioners indicated that they required protected time due to competing demands and visible senior buy in to undertake core supervision. Additionally, practitioners who had participated or supervised sessions felt the benefits on staff wellbeing and indicated that it improved patient care delivery. Conclusion and Implications Survey findings suggest further research on embedding core supervision within primary care and a focus on national and local strategies are required. Standardised learning outcomes across the regions to ensure transferability of supervision practice and review training in supervision processes, particularly around conducting a supervision session.