Factors that influence the clinical supervision implementation for nurses: A scoping review

The aim of this review is to identify and map the evidence available on the factors that influence the implementation of clinical supervision for nurses.

The scoping review was conducted and reported following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews.

Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases on 28 March 2023.

A total of 1398 studies were imported into Covidence for screening. Researchers screened the papers according to the inclusion criteria. Empirical studies in English focusing on the implementation of clinical supervision for nurses were included, without year restrictions. Data from 16 studies were extracted and organized according to the constructs within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and process.

When compared with the CFIR constructs, it was found that the influence of the outer setting on implementation was less explored in the literature. Most of the reviewed data highlighted recurring factors, particularly logistical challenges of nursing work such as shift work and lack of control over work time. Organizational culture and managerial support were also identified as significant factors in the implementation. Another significant challenge in implementation was the variety in clinical supervision's design, purpose, and application, despite sharing the same label, leading to questions about whether studies are implementing the same practice.

Policy documents should clearly define both the design and purpose of clinical supervision, beyond just its conceptual definition. Greater emphasis on equitable implementation of clinical supervision is necessary to prevent perpetuating existing inequalities. We conclude that implementation of such complex interventions is not linear, and the implementation strategies need to align with expected implementation challenges.

The advantage of using the implementation framework lies not only in observing what exists as a form of evidence but also in identifying what is underdeveloped. Healthcare services and policy developers can utilize our review to recognize and address potential challenges in introducing, modifying, scaling up, or sustaining their clinical supervision implementation.

No patient or public contribution.