Nurses and midwives’ experiences with a peer group clinical supervision intervention: A pilot study

AIM This study aimed to evaluate differences in supervisees' understanding of clinical supervision and their perceptions of organisational functioning before and after engaging in peer-group clinical supervision. BACKGROUND Protected reflective time allows discussion of complex issues affecting health care. Peer-group clinical supervision is one model of clinical supervision that could facilitate this, but it is poorly understood. METHODS A pre-post intervention pilot study was performed. The intervention was delivered over a 12-month period. Data were collected using surveys on demographic and work-related factors and experience of clinical supervision pre- and post intervention. RESULTS Adaptability increased significantly between the pre- and post surveys. The post survey data showed finding time for clinical supervision scoring lowest with open-ended comments reinforcing this. The supervisees found the sessions to offer a safe place despite initial concerns. CONCLUSION The peer-group model of clinical supervision allowed supervisees to build a rapport and trust with their colleagues and share experiences. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The benefits to participating in peer-group clinical supervision traversed the individual and organisation. These data support the implementation of such sessions while addressing workload and time pressures to aid participation.