Physiotherapy clinical supervision: effectiveness and the use of models

This paper reviews some of the literature which relates to physiotherapy clinical supervision. It explores the attitude of therapists to the role of student supervisor and their level of preparedness. Some behaviours for facilitating effective clinical supervision from recent studies of student preferences are presented. Appropriate models of the supervision process for physiotherapy students are given and a grid model is suggested as a possible method of simplifying and evaluating the complex and varied learning environments, interpersonal relationships and behaviours which occur in physiotherapy clinical placements.