An Evaluation Study to Identify the Effectiveness of Clinical Supervision With Regards to Work-related Strain, Sense of Coherence, Increased Cultural Sensitivity and the Impact on Patient's Care: A Prospective Longitudinal Study in Mental Health Services in Qatar

Clinical supervision (CS) is a pragmatic approach, which enables nurses to work together; it can create a positive nursing environment, reduce stress, and increase clinical skills through peer support. Previous research has demonstrated its positive effects on nurses wellbeing, sense of coherence, and professional accountability. However, there is lack of evidence for its influence on cultural sensitivity. The Qatar National Health Strategy (Ministry of Public Health, 2018) and the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy (Supreme Council of Health, Qatar, 2013) have both given significant importance on building the health workforce capacity to meet the growing needs of the population. Aligning with these strategies, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Mental Health Service's Executive Committee has taken a decision to implement clinical supervision to develop a supporting framework to strengthen the professional skills of the nursing workforce. In order to implement it efficiently, guidelines and education curriculum have been developed. The aim of the study is to evaluate the implementation of CS. In addition, investigators will also explore the impact of clinical supervision on the work-related strain, sense of coherence, cultural sensitivity and the impact on patient care. A longitudinal approach will be adopted using pre and post-testing. The required power sample size is calculated to be 136 nurses. Enrolled participants will receive an educational programme regarding clinical supervision and will be requested to choose a supervisor based on their learning requirements. Through the clinical supervision process, supervisee self-reflection, facilitated by the supervisor. The supervisor will, in addition, enable opportunities for professional growth by the sharing of skills and knowledge in relation to particular clinical challenges. In addition, they will also provide opportunities for emotional restoration through the exploration of stressful issues that have occurre