DAVIS C. & BURKE L. (2012) Journal of Nursing Management 20, 782–793
The effectiveness of clinical supervision for a group of ward managers based in
a district general hospital: an evaluative study
Aim To present an evaluative audit assessing the effectiveness of clinical supervision
for ward managers.
Background A year-long project to introduce clinical supervision to ward managers
was implemented and evaluated. The objectives were to evaluate staff perceptions of
implementing clinical supervision and determine its outcomes.
Method An audit evaluation process was used.
Results Findings are presented against perceptions, implementation and reported
outcomes of clinical supervision. Insights were gained into its relevance and
importance to nurses and the organisation. Findings show that clinical supervision
was perceived to be effective and helped improve patient care, but some feared it
becoming a form of managerial control.
Conclusions Ward managers perceived advantages for personal and professional
development from adopting this process.
Implications for Nursing Management There is a need for greater understanding of
clinical supervision before Trusts implement it. The introduction of a resource pack
for clinical areas would also be of value. Finally, there needs to be a named person
who has a special knowledge of clinical supervision to act as a champion and change
agent in effecting implementation at both the executive level and within each
clinical area.
Keywords: change management, clinical supervision, lifelong learning, personal and
professional development
Accepted for publication: 16 May 2011
Journal of Nursing Management, 2012, 20, 782–793
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2011.01277.x
782 ª