The acceptability and experience of online clinical supervision for midwives
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2025
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𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
There is an abundance of evidence demonstrating that midwives are stressed in their roles, suffering from burnout, and considering leaving their profession. In addition, they are working within the context of a worldwide shortage of midwives. Clinical Supervision is a support strategy known to provide opportunities for midwives to pause, reflect, and reduce stress. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a pivot for healthcare and support being provided online, but little is known about the provision of online Clinical Supervision to midwives.
𝗔𝗶𝗺
This research aimed to explore how acceptable online Clinical Supervision is for midwives and to gain information on their experience of the supervision provided as part of this study.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀
A mixed methods methodology was undertaken. Six months of online Clinical Supervision was provided to three groups of midwives (n = 15), recruited from two regional New South Wales local health districts. The quantitative data were collected via a survey distributed to all participants using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform. Eleven participants (73%) completed an online survey, comprising the Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire (CSEQ), and seven open ended questions that explored the experience and acceptability of online Clinical Supervision. These questions were aligned with the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA), which was developed to examine the acceptability of interventions for health staff. To further enhance these data, six one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted to further explore the findings of the TFA data within the surveys.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
The response to the monthly online Clinical Supervision was largely positive, with the CSEQ showing positive scores for all three subscales: purpose, process and impact. The qualitative data revealed five broad themes: (1) finding time and space, (2) having flexibility, (3) valuing Clinical Supervision, (4) feeling safe, and (5) the online experience.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
The study findings demonstrate the acceptability of online Clinical Supervision for midwives, who found the experience provided them with a safe space in which to reflect on work issues.
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲
When setting up online Clinical Supervision, care should be taken to ensure that midwives have access to a safe, private space where they will not be interrupted or overheard. Protected time and managerial support are needed to ensure midwives are able to take time from their clinical duties. Access to the requisite equipment and internet access is essential. Adequate training for Clinical Supervisors should be provided, with additional training in online provision recommended.
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