Abstract:
Over recent years, innovative medical imaging technologies and the associated widespread use of these, has necessitated an increase in clinical training positions within specialised medical imaging scopes of practice. All trainees in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and nuclear medicine are required by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) to complete additional qualifications and to nominate a clinical supervisor for the duration of their training. Given that senior medical radiation technologists (MRTs) are now usually responsible for this supervision, it is timely to review what factors contribute to a successful supervisor-supervisee relationship. Effective clinical supervision has been shown to benefit not only the trainee being supervised, but also the supervisor, other staff, the workplace more generally and therefore ultimately the patients. This article will evaluate issues specifically relating to the supervision of trainee MRI technologists and seek to identify themes relevant to the development and on-going success of an effective supervisor-supervisee relationship. A review of the literature in combination with the experience of the authors is presented. A step-by-step guide to ensuring the best chance of effective supervision is provided, including food-for-thought on selecting a supervisor, preparing for supervision, the importance of the initial supervisory session and contracting, and common issues that arise with clinical supervision. It is suggested that effective supervision in clinical practice requires organised and collaborative commitment from both the supervisor and supervisee, in addition to organisational support that allows time for facilitated learning sessions between the supervisor and supervisee, and for reflection-on-action.
