Peer Supervision
A group based approach to supervision and mentoring
Peer supervision differs from more traditional forms of supervision in that it doesn't rely on the presence of a more qualified, identified expert in the process - a supervisor.
Peer supervision is rapidly becoming accepted as a credible form of supervision for health professionals and it addresses 2 of the key challenges for supervision in the health sector - the availability of skilled/trained supervisors and the resources (both time and money) that it takes to provide supervision for all those who need it.
Peer supervision can ensure that more people have access to more supervision in the organisation and this in turn impacts on the quality of service for clients.
How does peer supervision work?
Groups of between 4 - 6 people undergo training, then meet on a regular basis and use specifically designed tools that tap in to the inherent knowledge, experience and wisdom within the group. The tools present an easy to use, structured process for supervision that enables the group to build high levels of trust and synergy in order to have constructive conversations about clinical practice.
The tools enable individuals to review both successful and challenging aspects of their work, discuss professional issues they encounter, check decisions and choices made and plan for future work. If done according to plan, the result is both rigorous and respectful, people report greater levels of professional support and accountability as a result of engaging in peer supervision groups on a regular basis. The structured approach ensures absolute value for time from the supervision process - a typical session is between 1.5 - 2 hours.
Peer Supervision Training
There are a number of things that can and do go wrong if individuals are left to lead their own supervision process and maintaining the quality and effectiveness over time is a challenge. Groups sessions can easily deteriorate in to chat sessions, advice giving festivals, gossip or a range of other less than helpful outcomes. A one day training is essential to ensure safe and ethical practice that provides useful supervision outcomes. Our trainers have worked with over 5000 health professionals in NZ, Australia, the UK and the USA introducing them to high impact tools for supervision.
