Clinical supervision practice by community‐based child and family health nurses: A mixed‐method systematic review

AIMS: To systematically search the literature to identify studies related to clinical supervision in child and family health nurse contexts, and to determine the role it has in professional practice and the characteristics required for effective supervision. DESIGN: A mixed‐method systematic review using a convergent integrative approach to data synthesis. DATA SOURCE: Studies only in English language were identified from searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases covering the years of publication from January 1990 to December 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Primary research studies of clinical supervision with child and family health nurses in community settings were included. Studies were critically appraised for methodological quality and data extracted, coded and analysed for themes in keeping with the review aims and key findings of each study. RESULTS: Of 2185 records screened, 63 full‐text papers were assessed for eligibility, which yielded 12 publications for inclusion—11 from the United Kingdom and one from Sweden. The majority (75%) of included studies were qualitative or mixed method. Four main themes with sub‐themes were identified: structural features, supportive experience, ensuring safety and strengthening practice. CONCLUSION: Clinical supervision across child and family health nurse contexts is limited. This study highlighted organizational commitment to clinical supervision as an important component of safe and quality practice. Supervisor training and supervisee orientation to supervision is required to optimize effective participation, together with shared agreement of the goals and purpose of supervision. IMPACT: The findings from this review confirm the potential for clinical supervision to support improved outcomes for children and families. Understanding what models work best and in what contexts will inform workplace policy and educational programs for child and family nurses across diverse settings.