Work

An empirical definition of clinical supervision

Year: 2007

Type: review

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The growing recognition of clinical supervision as the basis for high-quality mental health services is apparent in policy, research and clinical practice, but an empirical definition is required to progress research and practice. METHOD: A logical analysis was used to draft a working definition, and then a systematic review of 24 empirical studies of clinical supervision produced a best evidence synthesis, which was used to test and improve this definition. RESULTS: The logical analysis indicated that the most popular definition (Bernard & Goodyear, 1992) failed all four necessary tests of a good definition: precision, specification, operationalization and corroboration. The systematic review synthesis was then used to test the working definition, which passed these tests (with two amendments). CONCLUSION: These two complementary review approaches created a firmer basis for advancing research and practice.

Source: British Journal of Clinical Psychology

DOI: 10.1348/014466507x197415

Author: Derek Milne

Institutions: Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University

Language: English

Topic: Counseling Practices and Supervision

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: British Psychological Society