A survey on confidence levels in clinical supervision among healthcare professionals

Background: healthcare professionals (HCPs) increasingly supervise colleagues alongside regular duties, highlighting the need for education in clinical supervision. NHSE guidance emphasises that safe patient care requires supervision supporting HCPs develop independent practice.

Aim: to explore areas of clinical supervision where HCPs feel most and least confident.

Method: a Microsoft Teams survey was circulated to HCPs at LWP, assessing confidence in clinical supervision, personal experience, demographics, and qualifications. Responses were anonymous.

Results: 29 HCPs out of 88 responded (33% response rate). 21 were female, 5 were male, 1 was non-binary and 2 did not respond. The HCPs roles were 23 GPs, 2 nurses, 2 pharmacists, 1 healthcare assistant and 1 GP trainee (not directly involved in supervising). The average postgraduate training was 18.7 years. On a Likert scale from 1 (least confident) to 5 (most confident), 72% rated their confidence in clinical supervision as 4 or higher. 50% felt most confident in providing constructive feedback, while the least confidence (32%) was in determining the appropriate level of supervision. Challenges included time management (78%), inconsistent continuity with trainee, remote supervision, and inappropriate patient allocation. Comments described supervision as ‘rewarding’ and ‘enjoyable’.

Conclusion: there are high levels of confidence in clinical supervision at LWP. Challenges remain with time management and understanding supervision levels. Further research should examine how confidence is affected by career stage and background.