A phenomenological study of supervision in SLT in Wales
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Phenomenological study of supervision in a Speech and Language Therapy service in Wales.
IRAS ID
312917
Contact name
Nicky Genders
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of South Wales
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 7 days
Research summary
This study focuses on supervision within Speech and Language therapy (SLT) services and will address the research questions ‘What are the experiences of SLT supervisors during challenging times?’ and ‘What skills and support do they need to provide effective supervision during challenging times?’
Supervision amongst healthcare professionals is acknowledged as a key way of ensuring that service users receive high quality care at all times from staff who are able to control the personal and emotional impact of their practice (Care Quality Commission, 2013.) Previous research shows that supervision can increase job satisfaction, reduce stress and anxiety amongst staff and contribute to improved patient care. Identified barriers to effective supervision include lack of time, heavy workload, and a lack of understanding of the role of supervision. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen significant changes to service delivery models within speech and language therapy in response to increased pressure on services and reprioritisation. When services are under pressure, supervision becomes even more important both in supporting staff wellbeing and resilience (Rothwell et al., 2019) and in continuing to deliver high quality care particularly as staff become familiar with new models of working. Giving voice to the lived experience of supervisors who are providing supervision during challenging times could help us to focus on the issues of concern to supervisors and offer valuable knowledge in addressing the barriers to effective supervision in SLT services, bridging the gap between what is written in the research literature and what is experienced on the frontline.
The study will recruit speech and language therapists (SLTs) who provide supervision in either paediatric or adult SLT services at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. Participants will take part in a semi-structured interview. The project is expected to last for approximately 5 months.REC name
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REC reference
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