Barriers and Facilitators to Clinical Supervision in Ghana: A Scoping Review

Awiagah, Sherrif Kwame; Dordunu, Rebecca; Hukporti, Nelson; Nukunu, Promise Edem; Dzando, Gideon

Abstract

Background
Clinical supervision involves the professional relationship between an experienced and knowledgeable clinician and a less experienced clinician in which the experienced clinician provides support toward the skills development of the less experienced one. The concept, structure, and format of clinical supervision vary in various jurisdictions and is influenced by the availability of resources, the training needs of supervisees, and organizational structures.

Aim
The aim of this scoping review was to explore, map out and synthesize the available literature on the facilitators and barriers to clinical supervision in Ghana.

Methods
The methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley and modified by Levac et al. for scoping reviews, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews were used to ensure a coherent and transparent reporting of literature. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar using key words and key terms. Articles published between January 1, 2000, and February 28, 2023, were included in the review.

Results
The initial search across all the databases yielded 208 results. Two independent reviewers completed both the title and abstract, and full text screenings. A third reviewer helped to resolve all discrepancies that arose during the screening process. The review included 20 articles and generated four themes: clinical supervision as a collaborative effort, feedback mechanism, training and adaptation, and challenges with implementation.

Conclusion
Findings from this review highlight that healthcare professionals in Ghana valued clinical supervision. However, the implementation of clinical supervision is faced with individual and systemic challenges. There is the need for on-going collaboration between educational and clinical institutions to develop modalities that promote clinical supervision in Ghana.

Citation

Awiagah, S. K., Dordunu, R., Hukporti, N., Nukunu, P. E., & Dzando, G. (2024). Barriers and Facilitators to Clinical Supervision in Ghana: A Scoping Review. SAGE Open Nursing, 10, https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241255263

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Apr 28, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 21, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: May 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 23, 2024
• Electronic ISSN: 2377-9608
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241255263
• Keywords: clinical supervision, clinical practicum, clinical mentoring, preceptorship