Clinical Supervision for Allied Health Professionals Working in Community Health Care Settings: Barriers to Participation

J Allied Health. 2019 Winter;48(4):270-276.

Abstract

Issue: This study aimed to understand the barriers to clinical supervision participation for allied health professionals working in community health care settings.

Method: The study used a quantitative descriptive survey to identify barriers to clinical supervision participation and a qualitative analysis of three focus groups. A total of 153 surveys were completed (70% response rate) and 23 clinicians participated in focus groups with themes identified via thematic analysis.

Outcomes: Allied health professionals valued the need to receive clinical supervision, but a lack of time, variable understanding of clinical supervision, limited access to supervisors, efficacy of clinical supervision, and policy implementation were identified as barriers.

Conclusion: A multi-pronged organisational approach addressing these key barriers may increase clinical supervision participation in community health care settings.

MeSH terms

  • Allied Health Personnel / organization & administration*
  • Australia
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires