Interprofessional supervision: Mapping the interface between professional knowledge, practice imperatives and difference

Abstract

The purpose of this doctoral study was to explore interprofessional supervision as a mode of professional supervision practice and to consider how the participants of this supervision understand, construct and manage the interprofessional processes and relationships. It is clear from a review of national and international literature that increasing numbers of professional practitioners participate in interprofessional supervision arrangements but that to date this form of supervision has not been extensively investigated. The research contributes to the knowledge base of interprofessional supervision practice through the exploration, description and mapping of the attributes, processes, skills and structures which underpin this practice, with particular attention to the management of difference. This qualitative research, which had four phases, was located in Aotearoa New Zealand. Phase one identified the broad regulatory and professional context for interprofessional supervision while phases two and three explored how expert informants (participants who had training and experience in supervision and who were currently in an interprofessional supervision arrangement)experienced and practised this mode of supervision. In phase four a 'framework of interprofessional supervision', developed from the findings of phases two and three, was presented to the original participants of phase two who were invited to provide feedback. The responses of the participants shaped the construction of a Map for Interprofessional Supervision. This map provides detail and parameters to this form of supervision and offers a template to guide those who are engaged in, or who wish to engage in, supervision with someone from a different profession. Key elements which underpin the Map for Interprofessional Supervision demonstrate that: interprofessional supervision is a practice in its own right which requires training and expertise; participants in interprofessional supervision work within the dual perspective of professional identity and identifying as a professional; and interprofessional supervision is an aspect of interprofessionality with three distinguishing features: membership, choice, and negotiated relationship. Finally a Diversity Model of interprofessional working is presented. Here interprofessional supervision, as an example of this model of interprofessionality, demonstrates that diversity, when chosen and valued, can clarify and reinforce professional identity and knowledge whilst at the same time be a catalyst for the development of new insights, new knowledge and new expertise.