Clinical Supervision a Concept or a Reality: an Evaluation of a Formalised System
As can be evidenced in past and recent research, our international colleagues have conducted many studies into varying aspects of clinical supervision. From the purpose and benefits of the system, to the development of frameworks specific to nursing and mental health. To date in Western Australia, the introduction of clinical supervision appears to have been ad hoc and generally unsuccessful. As evidenced in the paper and oral presentation at 2005 ANZCMHN conference (Hambleton, K. 2005), Inner City Mental Health Services (North Metropolitan Area Health Service.), Perth, Western Australia, have implemented a formalised system of clinical supervision which has been in place for over 12 months. The project was initially set up as a quality improvement initiative, in an attempt to address some of the more neglected issues in mental health nursing: job satisfaction, burn out, professional development and promotion of contemporary practice. Following the implementation and maintenance of the system,the final step prior to expansion of this initiative, is the evaluation process. This paper concentrates on the evaluation stage utilising focus group techniques to gather the information required. The focus groups consist of a representative cross section of the nursing staff involved in this initiative. The findings will be presented and the feedback will be utilised to make suggestions of how clinical supervision can be further developed to provide a successful and effective system for mental health nurses. Providing the nurses involved with the opportunity to shape the future of a much needed system in Western Australia.