Achieving effective supervision
Corresponding Author
DAVID J. KAVANAGH
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
David J. Kavanagh PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Director of Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, K Floor, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorSUSAN H. SPENCE
School of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Queensland, Australia
Susan H. Spence PhD, Professor, School of Psychology and Head, School of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Queensland
Search for more papers by this authorJILL WILSON
School of Social Work, University of Queensland, Australia
Jill Wilson PhD, Associate Professor and Deputy Head, School of Social Work, University of Queensland
Search for more papers by this authorNATASHA CROW
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Australia
Natasha Crow BA Grad Dip [App Psych], Research Officer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
DAVID J. KAVANAGH
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
David J. Kavanagh PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Director of Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, K Floor, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorSUSAN H. SPENCE
School of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Queensland, Australia
Susan H. Spence PhD, Professor, School of Psychology and Head, School of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Queensland
Search for more papers by this authorJILL WILSON
School of Social Work, University of Queensland, Australia
Jill Wilson PhD, Associate Professor and Deputy Head, School of Social Work, University of Queensland
Search for more papers by this authorNATASHA CROW
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Australia
Natasha Crow BA Grad Dip [App Psych], Research Officer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Australia.
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Supervision probably does have benefits both for the maintenance and improvement of clinical skills and for job satisfaction, but the data are very thin and almost non-existent in the area of alcohol and other drugs services. Because of the potential complexity of objectives and roles in supervision, a structured agreement appears to be an important part of the effective supervision relationship. Because sessions can degenerate easily into unstructured socialization, agendas and session objectives may also be important. While a working alliance based on mutual respect and trust is an essential base for the supervision relationship, procedures for direct observation of clinical skills, demonstration of new procedures and skills practice with detailed feedback appear critical to supervision's impact on practice. To ensure effective supervision, there needs not only to be a minimum of personnel and resources, but also a compatibility with the values and procedures of management and staff, access to supervision training and consultation and sufficient incentives to ensure it continues.
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