Enhancing new graduate nurses and midwives person‐centredness through clinical supervision during COVID‐19; evaluation of a non‐randomized intervention study

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate a person-centred model of clinical supervision to enhance person-centredness.

Design

Experimental, quantitative.

Methods

One hundred and three New Graduates were supported to reflect through a person-centred lens (July–December 2020). Evaluation was undertaken at 6 months using: the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale-26 (effectiveness of supervision) and the Person-centred Practice Inventory (measures attributes of the nurse/midwife, the care environment and person-centred processes). Due to participation difficulties, scores were calculated by attendance rates using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Regular attendees scored higher on the supervision's effectiveness; however, this did not reach efficacy. ‘Finding time’ to attend contributed to low scores. Supervision scored well on its supportive function when attended. Many New Graduates perceived a decline in their care environment. Attendance aside, New Graduates averaged an increased in their person-centred attributes and processes. Greater participation was found in those who scored higher at baseline on their person-centred attributes and processes, and this higher scoring continued at 6 months than those who attended less.

Conclusion

New Graduates who perceive themselves as person-centred and reflective at baseline are more likely to attend a person-centred clinical supervision and score higher at 6 months than those who attended less often. New Graduates found support within supervision during challenging times.

Implications for Practice for Professional and/or Patient Care

For successful implementation of Person-centred Clinical Supervision, New Graduates need support to attend, as attendance supports them to begin seeing value in the process.

Impact

This intervention kept person-centred practice at the forefront of New Graduates reflection, in a time of extreme change. The research has implications for nursing and midwifery management with the imperative to deliver person-centred care and create the person-centred cultures for staff to feel supported and empowered.

Reporting Method

Transparent Evaluation of Non-randomized Designs (TREND).

Patient of Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Contribution to Wider Community

New Graduates grow their person-centredness over their transitioning year; however, this can be enhanced with regular clinical supervision underpinned by person-centred theory. Clinical supervisors can provide support to New Graduates when the environment is challenged.