Introducing clinical supervision. The pitfalls and problems.

In July 1999 I published an article in the BJPN entitled 'Introducing Clinical Supervision into the Perioperative Environment' (Smith 1999). I described what I believed to be the successful implementation of clinical supervision to the trained theatre staff. I discussed the perceived benefits of improved communication, assistance with learning, professional development and reflective practice, provision of emotional support, evidence for PREPP, clinical effectiveness and governance, and improvement practice and policy making. Results from many other authors and professional bodies also proclaim both the need for, and the benefits, of clinical supervision for nurses.