Does reflective practice impact upon clinical outcomes and if so, how? A Grounded Theory study of how Trainee Clinical Psychologists experience the effect of a reflective practice group on their clinical work
posted on 2017-11-07, 11:32authored byMark Loveder
Within the field of mental healthcare, clinical supervision has been increasingly rolled out not only as an attempt to safeguard patients from harm, but also to fulfil the functions of aiding staff development, reviewing of patient’s clinical outcomes, and addressing levels of supervisee satisfaction or burnout. As with therapeutic clinical care itself, there is a need to ensure that the provision of supervision is based upon evidence-based practice. Although there has been much research into the impact of clinical supervision on staff outcomes, the related topic of the impact of clinical supervision on client outcomes has been relatively neglected within research.
The current literature review has aimed to review the quantitative evidence on the clinical impact of clinical supervision on client outcomes. Synthesis of the findings of thirteen empirical quantitative studies suggested that regular and planned supervision with a focus on clients, especially that which incorporates discussion of the results of session-by-session outcome measures can lead to significantly improved client outcomes. In addition, live supervision has the potential to result in improved outcomes.
The current research study aimed to generate an explanatory theoretical model of how the provision of a reflective practice group, as a type of clinical supervision, could impact on client outcomes upon attendees’ subsequent contact with their clients. A Grounded Theory methodology was utilised in the collection and analysis of naturalistic data from a pre-existing reflective practice group. The theoretical model generated was discussed in relation to the existing theory and literature. Implications for clinical practice and future research were also discussed.
The critical appraisal offers a reflective account of the research process conducted. This aims to maximise transparency and offers a critique of the current research.
History
Supervisor(s)
Kurtz, Arabella; Allan, Steven
Date of award
2017-10-20
Author affiliation
Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour